1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Authorized prescriber” means:

      1. (a) A licensed dentist, licensed physician, licensed podiatrist, licensed veterinarian, or to the extent permitted under Health Occupations Article, §8-601, Annotated Code of Maryland, certified nurse midwife;
      2. (b) A certified nurse practitioner to the extent permitted under Health Occupations Article, §8-508, Annotated Code of Maryland; or
      3. (c) Another individual authorized by law to prescribe prescription or nonprescription drugs or devices.

   2. (2) “Board” means a health occupation licensing board:

      1. (a) Authorized to issue a permit, license, or certificate under Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
      2. (b) That has regulatory authority over the permit holder or authorized prescriber who is responsible for the drugs or prescription records subject to impoundment.
   3. (3) “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health, or its authorized agent.
   4. (4) “Drug” means a prescription drug or device or a nonprescription drug, as defined in Health-General Article, §21-1113(a), Annotated Code of Maryland.
   5. (5) “Impoundment order” means an order issued by the Department to impound drugs or prescription records in accordance with Health-General Article, §21-1113, Annotated Code of Maryland, and this chapter.

   6. (6) “Permit holder” means a holder of, or applicant for:

      1. (a) A pharmacy permit, manufacturer's permit, or distributor's permit issued by the State Board of Pharmacy under Health Occupations Article, Title 12, Annotated Code of Maryland; or
      2. (b) A dispensing permit issued by the board under the authority of Health Occupations Article, §12-102(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
   7. (7) “Prescription records” means records maintained by a permit holder or authorized prescriber which identify a patient and any medical information relating to that patient.
   8. (8) “Transfer” means the release of impounded drugs or prescription records by the department to a transferee.
   9. (9) “Transferee” means a permit holder or authorized prescriber to whom impounded drugs or prescription records are transferred in accordance with this chapter.

Authority: Health-General Article, §21-1113, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 24, 2002 (29:12 Md. R. 927)