1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a prescriber may issue a prescription for an opioid only if the following limitations are met:

   1. (1) If the prescription is for an adult who is being prescribed an opioid for the first time by the prescriber, the initial prescription may not exceed a seven (7) day supply.
   2. (2) If the prescription is for a child who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, the prescription may not exceed a seven (7) day supply.
   3. (3) If the prescription is for an animal for the first time by the veterinarian, the initial prescription may not exceed a seven (7) day supply.

2. (b) The limitations set forth in subsection (a) do not apply under any of the following circumstances:

   1. (1) The prescriber is issuing the prescription for the treatment or provision of any of the following:

      1. (A) Cancer.
      2. (B) Palliative care.
      3. (C) Medication-assisted treatment for a substance use disorder.
      4. (D) A condition that is adopted by rule by the medical licensing board under IC 25-22.5-13-8 to be necessary to be exempted from subsection (a).
   2. (2) If, in the professional judgment of a prescriber, a patient requires more than the prescription limitations specified in subsection (a).

3. (c) If a prescriber:

   1. (1) determines that a drug other than an opioid is not appropriate; and

   2. (2) uses an exemption specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) or (b)(2) and issues a prescription for a patient that exceeds the limitations set forth in subsection (a);

      the prescriber shall document in the patient's medical record the indication that a drug other than an opiate was not appropriate and that the patient is receiving palliative care or that the prescriber is using the prescriber's professional judgment for the exemption.

As added by P.L.182-2017, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.12-2019, SEC.1.