1. (a) The board shall periodically check the prescribing and dispensing information submitted to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as authorized by Section 481.076(a)(1), Health and Safety Code, to determine whether a veterinarian is engaging in potentially harmful prescribing or dispensing patterns or practices.

2. (b) The board, in coordination with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, shall determine the conduct that constitutes a potentially harmful prescribing or dispensing pattern or practice for purposes of Subsection (a). In determining the conduct that constitutes a potentially harmful prescribing or dispensing pattern or practice, the board, at a minimum, shall consider:

   1. (1) the number of times a veterinarian prescribes or dispenses:

      1. (A) opioids;
      2. (B) benzodiazepines;
      3. (C) barbiturates; or
      4. (D) carisoprodol; and
   2. (2) for prescriptions and dispensations described by Subdivision (1), patterns of prescribing or dispensing combinations of those drugs and other dangerous combinations of drugs identified by the board.
3. (c) If the board suspects that a veterinarian may be engaging in potentially harmful prescribing or dispensing patterns or practices, the board may notify the veterinarian of the potentially harmful prescribing or dispensing pattern or practice.
4. (d) The board may initiate a complaint against a veterinarian based on information obtained under this section.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 536 (S.B. 319), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2017.