Current through 2024 Legislative Session Act Chapter 531
Section 4740B - Use, distribution and education of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics(a) Obligations of the Secretary: (1) The Secretary shall produce and distribute either in written or electronic form to pharmacies, not including institutional pharmacies, pamphlets for consumers relative to benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that includes educational information about: (i) misuse and abuse by adults and children; (ii) risk of dependency and addiction; (iii) proper storage and disposal; (iv) addiction support and treatment resources; and (v) a telephone helpline. A pharmacist shall distribute the pamphlet when dispensing a benzodiazepines or a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic.(b) Duties of Practitioners: (1) No practitioner shall prescribe a benzodiazepine or a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic to a minor without first obtaining a parent or guardian's written informed consent except in the case of emergency treatment or for treatment associated with neuromuscular disabilities. The Secretary shall prescribe a form for physicians to use in obtaining such consent. The form shall be written in a manner designed to permit a person unfamiliar with medical terminology to understand its purpose and content, and shall include the following information: (i) misuse and abuse by adults and children; (ii) risk of dependency and addiction; (iii) possible life threatening risks of minors using the drug for the first time; and (iv) risks associated with long-term use of drugs.Added by Laws 2017, ch. 410,s 2, eff. 9/4/2018.