The purpose of this chapter is to recognize that some dangerous drugs and controlled substances listed in Chapter 481 and 483 of the Texas Health and Safety Code are indispensable for the treatment of pain, and are useful for relieving and controlling many other related symptoms that patients may suffer. It is the position of the board that these drugs may be prescribed for the treatment of pain and other related symptoms after a reasonably based medical diagnosis has been made, in adequate doses, and for appropriate lengths of time, which in some cases may be as long as the pain or related symptoms persist. The board recognizes that pain, including intractable pain, and many other related symptoms are subjective complaints and that the appropriateness and the adequacy of drug and dose will vary from individual to individual. The practitioner is expected to exercise sound medical judgment in treating pain and related symptoms with dangerous drugs and controlled substances.

Source Note:The provisions of this §170.1 adopted to be effective April 7, 1995, 20 TexReg 2211.