1     
PRESCRIPTION REVISIONS

2     
2020 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Suzanne Harrison

5     
Senate Sponsor: Evan J. Vickers

6     Cosponsors:
7     Cheryl K. Acton
Joel K. Briscoe
Marsha Judkins
Steve Waldrip

8     

9     LONG TITLE
10     General Description:
11          This bill amends provisions relating to prescriptions for controlled substances.
12     Highlighted Provisions:
13          This bill:
14          ▸     requires, with some exceptions, that prescriptions for controlled substances be
15     issued electronically;
16          ▸     authorizes the division to create rules for certain aspects of prescribing controlled
17     substances;
18          ▸     amends the protocol for the dispensing of drugs by practitioners in the emergency
19     room; and
20          ▸     repeals Title 58, Chapter 82, Electronic Prescribing Act.
21     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
22          None
23     Other Special Clauses:
24          None
25     Utah Code Sections Affected:
26     AMENDS:
27          58-17b-610.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2016, Chapter 238

28          58-37-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 318
29     REPEALS:
30          58-82-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 47
31          58-82-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 276
32          58-82-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 160
33     

34     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
35          Section 1. Section 58-17b-610.5 is amended to read:
36          58-17b-610.5. Dispensing in emergency department -- Patient's immediate need.
37          (1) As used in this section, "controlled substance" means a substance classified as a
38     controlled substance by the federal Controlled Substances Act, Title II, Pub. L. No. 91-513 et
39     seq., or by Chapter 37, Utah Controlled Substances Act.
40          [(1)] (2) The division shall adopt administrative rules in accordance with Title 63G,
41     Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, in consultation with hospital pharmacies and
42     the boards of practitioners authorized to prescribe prescription drugs to establish guidelines
43     under which a practitioner may dispense prescription drugs to a patient in a hospital emergency
44     department if:
45          (a) the hospital pharmacy is closed;
46          (b) in the professional judgment of the practitioner, dispensing the drug is necessary for
47     the patient's immediate needs; [and]
48          (c) dispensing the prescription drug meets protocols established by the hospital
49     pharmacy[.]; and
50          (d) the practitioner dispenses only a sufficient amount of the prescription drug as
51     necessary to last until a pharmacy can fill the prescription.
52          [(2)] (3) A practitioner in an emergency department may dispense a prescription drug
53     in accordance with Subsection [(1)] (2).
54          (4) Under Subsection (2), a practitioner may not dispense more than a two-day supply
55     of a controlled substance.

56          Section 2. Section 58-37-6 is amended to read:
57          58-37-6. License to manufacture, produce, distribute, dispense, administer, or
58     conduct research -- Issuance by division -- Denial, suspension, or revocation -- Records
59     required -- Prescriptions.
60          (1) (a) The division may adopt rules relating to the licensing and control of the
61     manufacture, distribution, production, prescription, administration, dispensing, conducting of
62     research with, and performing of laboratory analysis upon controlled substances within this
63     state.
64          (b) The division may assess reasonable fees to defray the cost of issuing original and
65     renewal licenses under this chapter pursuant to Section 63J-1-504.
66          (2) (a) (i) Every person who manufactures, produces, distributes, prescribes, dispenses,
67     administers, conducts research with, or performs laboratory analysis upon any controlled
68     substance in Schedules I through V within this state, or who proposes to engage in
69     manufacturing, producing, distributing, prescribing, dispensing, administering, conducting
70     research with, or performing laboratory analysis upon controlled substances included in
71     Schedules I through V within this state shall obtain a license issued by the division.
72          (ii) The division shall issue each license under this chapter in accordance with a
73     two-year renewal cycle established by rule. The division may by rule extend or shorten a
74     renewal period by as much as one year to stagger the renewal cycles it administers.
75          (b) Persons licensed to manufacture, produce, distribute, prescribe, dispense,
76     administer, conduct research with, or perform laboratory analysis upon controlled substances in
77     Schedules I through V within this state may possess, manufacture, produce, distribute,
78     prescribe, dispense, administer, conduct research with, or perform laboratory analysis upon
79     those substances to the extent authorized by their license and in conformity with this chapter.
80          (c) The following persons are not required to obtain a license and may lawfully possess
81     controlled substances included in Schedules II through V under this section:
82          (i) an agent or employee, except a sales representative, of any registered manufacturer,
83     distributor, or dispenser of any controlled substance, if the agent or employee is acting in the

84     usual course of the [person's] agent or employee's business or employment; however, nothing
85     in this subsection shall be interpreted to permit an agent, employee, sales representative, or
86     detail man to maintain an inventory of controlled substances separate from the location of the
87     person's employer's registered and licensed place of business;
88          (ii) a motor carrier or warehouseman, or an employee of a motor carrier or
89     warehouseman, who possesses [any] a controlled substance in the usual course of the person's
90     business or employment; and
91          (iii) an ultimate user, or [any] a person who possesses any controlled substance
92     pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner.
93          (d) The division may enact rules waiving the license requirement for certain
94     manufacturers, producers, distributors, prescribers, dispensers, administrators, research
95     practitioners, or laboratories performing analysis if waiving the license requirement is
96     consistent with [the] public health and safety.
97          (e) A separate license is required at each principal place of business or professional
98     practice where the applicant manufactures, produces, distributes, dispenses, conducts research
99     with, or performs laboratory analysis upon controlled substances.
100          (f) The division may enact rules providing for the inspection of a licensee or applicant's
101     establishment, and may inspect the establishment according to those rules.
102          (3) (a) (i) Upon proper application, the division shall license a qualified applicant to
103     manufacture, produce, distribute, conduct research with, or perform laboratory analysis upon
104     controlled substances included in Schedules I through V, unless it determines that issuance of a
105     license is inconsistent with the public interest.
106          (ii) The division may not issue a license to any person to prescribe, dispense, or
107     administer a Schedule I controlled substance except under Subsection (3)(a)(i).
108          (iii) In determining public interest under this Subsection (3)(a), the division shall
109     consider whether [or not] the applicant has:
110          (A) maintained effective controls against diversion of controlled substances and any
111     Schedule I or II substance compounded from any controlled substance into channels other than

112     legitimate medical, scientific, or industrial channels;
113          (B) complied with applicable state and local law;
114          (C) been convicted under federal or state laws relating to the manufacture, distribution,
115     or dispensing of substances;
116          (D) past experience in the manufacture of controlled dangerous substances;
117          (E) established effective controls against diversion; and
118          (F) complied with any other factors that the division establishes that promote the public
119     health and safety.
120          (b) Licenses granted under Subsection (3)(a) do not entitle a licensee to manufacture,
121     produce, distribute, conduct research with, or perform laboratory analysis upon controlled
122     substances in Schedule I other than those specified in the license.
123          (c) (i) Practitioners shall be licensed to administer, dispense, or conduct research with
124     substances in Schedules II through V if they are authorized to administer, dispense, or conduct
125     research under the laws of this state.
126          (ii) The division need not require a separate license for practitioners engaging in
127     research with nonnarcotic controlled substances in Schedules II through V where the licensee is
128     already licensed under this chapter in another capacity.
129          (iii) With respect to research involving narcotic substances in Schedules II through V,
130     or where the division by rule requires a separate license for research of nonnarcotic substances
131     in Schedules II through V, a practitioner shall apply to the division prior to conducting
132     research.
133          (iv) Licensing for purposes of bona fide research with controlled substances by a
134     practitioner considered qualified may be denied only on a ground specified in Subsection (4),
135     or upon evidence that the applicant will abuse or unlawfully transfer or fail to safeguard
136     adequately the practitioner's supply of substances against diversion from medical or scientific
137     use.
138          (v) Practitioners registered under federal law to conduct research in Schedule I
139     substances may conduct research in Schedule I substances within this state upon [furnishing]

140     providing the division with evidence of federal registration.
141          (d) Compliance by manufacturers, producers, and distributors with the provisions of
142     federal law respecting registration, excluding fees, entitles them to be licensed under this
143     chapter.
144          (e) The division shall initially license those persons who own or operate an
145     establishment engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution, dispensation, or
146     administration of controlled substances prior to April 3, 1980, and who are licensed by the
147     state.
148          (4) (a) Any license issued pursuant to Subsection (2) or (3) may be denied, suspended,
149     placed on probation, or revoked by the division upon finding that the applicant or licensee has:
150          (i) materially falsified any application filed or required pursuant to this chapter;
151          (ii) been convicted of an offense under this chapter or any law of the United States, or
152     any state, relating to any substance defined as a controlled substance;
153          (iii) been convicted of a felony under any other law of the United States or any state
154     within five years of the date of the issuance of the license;
155          (iv) had a federal registration or license denied, suspended, or revoked by competent
156     federal authority and is no longer authorized to manufacture, distribute, prescribe, or dispense
157     controlled substances;
158          (v) had the licensee's license suspended or revoked by competent authority of another
159     state for violation of laws or regulations comparable to those of this state relating to the
160     manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances;
161          (vi) violated any division rule that reflects adversely on the licensee's reliability and
162     integrity with respect to controlled substances;
163          (vii) refused inspection of records required to be maintained under this chapter by a
164     person authorized to inspect them; or
165          (viii) prescribed, dispensed, administered, or injected an anabolic steroid for the
166     purpose of manipulating human hormonal structure so as to:
167          (A) increase muscle mass, strength, or weight without medical necessity and without a

168     written prescription by any practitioner in the course of the practitioner's professional practice;
169     or
170          (B) improve performance in any form of human exercise, sport, or game.
171          (b) The division may limit revocation or suspension of a license to a particular
172     controlled substance with respect to which grounds for revocation or suspension exist.
173          (c) (i) Proceedings to deny, revoke, or suspend a license shall be conducted pursuant to
174     this section and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Title 58, Chapter 1, Division of
175     Occupational and Professional Licensing Act, and conducted in conjunction with the
176     appropriate representative committee designated by the director of the department.
177          (ii) Nothing in this Subsection (4)(c) gives the Division of Occupational and
178     Professional Licensing exclusive authority in proceedings to deny, revoke, or suspend licenses,
179     except where the division is designated by law to perform those functions, or, when not
180     designated by law, is designated by the executive director of the Department of Commerce to
181     conduct the proceedings.
182          (d) (i) The division may suspend any license simultaneously with the institution of
183     proceedings under this section if it finds there is an imminent danger to the public health or
184     safety.
185          (ii) Suspension shall continue in effect until the conclusion of proceedings, including
186     judicial review, unless withdrawn by the division or dissolved by a court of competent
187     jurisdiction.
188          (e) (i) If a license is suspended or revoked under this Subsection (4), all controlled
189     substances owned or possessed by the licensee may be placed under seal in the discretion of the
190     division.
191          (ii) Disposition may not be made of substances under seal until the time for taking an
192     appeal has lapsed, or until all appeals have been concluded, unless a court, upon application,
193     orders the sale of perishable substances and the proceeds deposited with the court.
194          (iii) If a revocation order becomes final, all controlled substances shall be forfeited.
195          (f) The division shall notify promptly the Drug Enforcement Administration of all

196     orders suspending or revoking a license and all forfeitures of controlled substances.
197          (g) If an individual's Drug Enforcement Administration registration is denied, revoked,
198     surrendered, or suspended, the division shall immediately suspend the individual's controlled
199     substance license, which shall only be reinstated by the division upon reinstatement of the
200     federal registration, unless the division has taken further administrative action under
201     Subsection (4)(a)(iv), which would be grounds for the continued denial of the controlled
202     substance license.
203          (5) (a) [Persons] A person licensed under Subsection (2) or (3) shall maintain records
204     and inventories in conformance with the record keeping and inventory requirements of federal
205     and state law and any additional rules issued by the division.
206          (b) (i) [Every] A physician, dentist, naturopathic physician, veterinarian, practitioner,
207     or other [person] individual who is authorized to administer or professionally use a controlled
208     substance shall keep a record of the drugs received by [him] the individual and a record of all
209     drugs administered, dispensed, or professionally used by [him] the individual otherwise than by
210     a prescription.
211          (ii) [A person] An individual using small quantities or solutions or other preparations
212     of those drugs for local application has complied with this Subsection (5)(b) if the [person]
213     individual keeps a record of the quantity, character, and potency of those solutions or
214     preparations purchased or prepared by [him] the individual, and of the dates when purchased or
215     prepared.
216          (6) Controlled substances in Schedules I through V may be distributed only by a
217     licensee and pursuant to an order form prepared in compliance with division rules or a lawful
218     order under the rules and regulations of the United States.
219          (7) (a) [A person] An individual may not write or authorize a prescription for a
220     controlled substance unless the [person] individual is:
221          (i) a practitioner authorized to prescribe drugs and medicine under the laws of this state
222     or under the laws of another state having similar standards; and
223          (ii) licensed under this chapter or under the laws of another state having similar

224     standards.
225          (b) [A person] An individual other than a pharmacist licensed under the laws of this
226     state, or the pharmacist's licensed intern, as required by Sections 58-17b-303 and 58-17b-304,
227     may not dispense a controlled substance.
228          (c) (i) A controlled substance may not be dispensed without the written prescription of
229     a practitioner, if the written prescription is required by the federal Controlled Substances Act.
230          (ii) That written prescription shall be made in accordance with Subsection (7)(a) and in
231     conformity with Subsection (7)(d).
232          (iii) In emergency situations, as defined by division rule, controlled substances may be
233     dispensed upon oral prescription of a practitioner, if reduced promptly to writing on forms
234     designated by the division and filed by the pharmacy.
235          (iv) Prescriptions reduced to writing by a pharmacist shall be in conformity with
236     Subsection (7)(d).
237          (d) Except for emergency situations designated by the division, [a person] an
238     individual may not issue, fill, compound, or dispense a prescription for a controlled substance
239     unless the prescription is signed by the prescriber in ink or indelible pencil or is signed with an
240     electronic signature of the prescriber as authorized by division rule, and contains the following
241     information:
242          (i) the name, address, and registry number of the prescriber;
243          (ii) the name, address, and age of the person to whom or for whom the prescription is
244     issued;
245          (iii) the date of issuance of the prescription; and
246          (iv) the name, quantity, and specific directions for use by the ultimate user of the
247     controlled substance.
248          (e) A prescription may not be written, issued, filled, or dispensed for a Schedule I
249     controlled substance unless:
250          (i) the [person] individual who writes the prescription is licensed under Subsection (2);
251     and

252          (ii) the prescribed controlled substance is to be used in research.
253          (f) Except when administered directly to an ultimate user by a licensed practitioner,
254     controlled substances are subject to the restrictions of this Subsection (7)(f).
255          (i) A prescription for a Schedule II substance may not be refilled.
256          (ii) A Schedule II controlled substance may not be filled in a quantity to exceed a
257     one-month's supply, as directed on the daily dosage rate of the prescriptions.
258          (iii) (A) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(f)(iii)(B), a prescription for a Schedule II
259     or Schedule III controlled substance that is an opiate and that is issued for an acute condition
260     shall be completely or partially filled in a quantity not to exceed a seven-day supply as directed
261     on the daily dosage rate of the prescription.
262          (B) Subsection (7)(f)(iii)(A) does not apply to a prescription issued for a surgery when
263     the practitioner determined that a quantity exceeding seven days is needed, in which case the
264     practitioner may prescribe up to a 30-day supply, with a partial fill at the discretion of the
265     practitioner.
266          (C) Subsection (7)(f)(iii)(A) does not apply to prescriptions issued for complex or
267     chronic conditions which are documented as being complex or chronic in the medical record.
268          (D) A pharmacist is not required to verify that a prescription is in compliance with
269     Subsection (7)(f)(iii).
270          (iv) A Schedule III or IV controlled substance may be filled only within six months of
271     issuance, and may not be refilled more than six months after the date of its original issuance or
272     be refilled more than five times after the date of the prescription unless renewed by the
273     practitioner.
274          (v) All other controlled substances in Schedule V may be refilled as the prescriber's
275     prescription directs, but they may not be refilled one year after the date the prescription was
276     issued unless renewed by the practitioner.
277          (vi) Any prescription for a Schedule II substance may not be dispensed if it is not
278     presented to a pharmacist for dispensing by a pharmacist or a pharmacy intern within 30 days
279     after the date the prescription was issued, or 30 days after the dispensing date, if that date is

280     specified separately from the date of issue.
281          (vii) A practitioner may issue more than one prescription at the same time for the same
282     Schedule II controlled substance, but only under the following conditions:
283          (A) no more than three prescriptions for the same Schedule II controlled substance may
284     be issued at the same time;
285          (B) no one prescription may exceed a 30-day supply; and
286          (C) a second or third prescription shall include the date of issuance and the date for
287     dispensing.
288          (g) (i) Beginning January 1, 2022, each prescription issued for a controlled substance
289     shall be transmitted electronically as an electronic prescription unless the prescription is:
290          (A) for a patient residing in an assisted living facility as that term is defined in Section
291     26-21-2, a long-term care facility as that term is defined in Section 58-31b-102, or a
292     correctional facility as that term is defined in Section 64-13-1;
293          (B) issued by a veterinarian licensed under Title 58, Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice
294     Act;
295          (C) dispensed by a Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy;
296          (D) issued during a temporary technical or electronic failure at the practitioner's or
297     pharmacy's location; or
298          (E) issued in an emergency situation.
299          (ii) The division, in collaboration with the appropriate boards that govern the licensure
300     of the licensees who are authorized by the division to prescribe or to dispense controlled
301     substances, shall make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
302     Rulemaking Act to:
303          (A) require that controlled substances prescribed or dispensed under Subsection
304     (7)(g)(i)(D) indicate on the prescription that the prescribing practitioner or the pharamacy is
305     experiencing a technical difficulty or an electronic failure;
306          (B) define an emergency situation for purposes of Subsection (7)(g)(i)(E);
307          (C) establish additional exemptions to the electronic prescription requirements

308     established in this Subsection (7)(g);
309          (D) establish guidelines under which a prescribing practitioner or a pharmacy may
310     obtain an extension of up to two additional years to comply with Subsection (7)(g)(i);
311          (E) establish a protocol to follow if the pharmacy that receives the electronic
312     prescription is not able to fill the prescription; and
313          (F) establish requirements that comply with federal laws and regulations for software
314     used to issue and dispense electronic prescriptions.
315          [(g)] (h) An order for a controlled substance in Schedules II through V for use by an
316     inpatient or an outpatient of a licensed hospital is exempt from all requirements of this
317     Subsection (7) if the order is:
318          (i) issued or made by a prescribing practitioner who holds an unrestricted registration
319     with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, and an active Utah controlled substance
320     license in good standing issued by the division under this section, or a medical resident who is
321     exempted from licensure under Subsection 58-1-307(1)(c);
322          (ii) authorized by the prescribing practitioner treating the patient and the prescribing
323     practitioner designates the quantity ordered;
324          (iii) entered upon the record of the patient, the record is signed by the prescriber
325     affirming the prescriber's authorization of the order within 48 hours after filling or
326     administering the order, and the patient's record reflects the quantity actually administered; and
327          (iv) filled and dispensed by a pharmacist practicing the pharmacist's profession within
328     the physical structure of the hospital, or the order is taken from a supply lawfully maintained by
329     the hospital and the amount taken from the supply is administered directly to the patient
330     authorized to receive it.
331          [(h)] (i) A practitioner licensed under this chapter may not prescribe, administer, or
332     dispense a controlled substance to a child, without first obtaining the consent required in
333     Section 78B-3-406 of a parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis of the child except
334     in cases of an emergency. For purposes of [this] Subsection (7)[(h)](i), "child" has the same
335     meaning as defined in Section 78A-6-105, and "emergency" means any physical condition

336     requiring the administration of a controlled substance for immediate relief of pain or suffering.
337          [(i)] (j) A practitioner licensed under this chapter may not prescribe or administer
338     dosages of a controlled substance in excess of medically recognized quantities necessary to
339     treat the ailment, malady, or condition of the ultimate user.
340          [(j)] (k) A practitioner licensed under this chapter may not prescribe, administer, or
341     dispense any controlled substance to another person knowing that the other person is using a
342     false name, address, or other personal information for the purpose of securing the controlled
343     substance.
344          [(k)] (l) A person who is licensed under this chapter to manufacture, distribute, or
345     dispense a controlled substance may not manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled
346     substance to another licensee or any other authorized person not authorized by this license.
347          [(l)] (m) A person licensed under this chapter may not omit, remove, alter, or obliterate
348     a symbol required by this chapter or by a rule issued under this chapter.
349          [(m)] (n) A person licensed under this chapter may not refuse or fail to make, keep, or
350     furnish any record notification, order form, statement, invoice, or information required under
351     this chapter.
352          [(n)] (o) A person licensed under this chapter may not refuse entry into any premises
353     for inspection as authorized by this chapter.
354          [(o)] (p) A person licensed under this chapter may not furnish false or fraudulent
355     material information in any application, report, or other document required to be kept by this
356     chapter or willfully make any false statement in any prescription, order, report, or record
357     required by this chapter.
358          (8) (a) (i) Any person licensed under this chapter who is found by the division to have
359     violated any of the provisions of Subsections (7)(k) through (o) or Subsection (10) is subject to
360     a penalty not to exceed $5,000. The division shall determine the procedure for adjudication of
361     any violations in accordance with Sections 58-1-106 and 58-1-108.
362          (ii) The division shall deposit all penalties collected under Subsection (8)(a)(i) in the
363     General Fund as a dedicated credit to be used by the division under Subsection 58-37f-502(1).

364          (iii) The director may collect a penalty that is not paid by:
365          (A) referring the matter to a collection agency; or
366          (B) bringing an action in the district court of the county where the person against
367     whom the penalty is imposed resides or in the county where the office of the director is located.
368          (iv) A county attorney or the attorney general of the state shall provide legal assistance
369     and advice to the director in an action to collect a penalty.
370          (v) A court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in an
371     action brought by the division to collect a penalty.
372          (b) Any person who knowingly and intentionally violates Subsections (7)(h) through (j)
373     or Subsection (10) is:
374          (i) upon first conviction, guilty of a class B misdemeanor;
375          (ii) upon second conviction, guilty of a class A misdemeanor; and
376          (iii) on third or subsequent conviction, guilty of a third degree felony.
377          (c) Any person who knowingly and intentionally violates Subsections (7)(k) through
378     (o) shall upon conviction be guilty of a third degree felony.
379          (9) Any information communicated to any licensed practitioner in an attempt to
380     unlawfully procure, or to procure the administration of, a controlled substance is not considered
381     to be a privileged communication.
382          (10) A person holding a valid license under this chapter who is engaged in medical
383     research may produce, possess, administer, prescribe, or dispense a controlled substance for
384     research purposes as licensed under Subsection (2) but may not otherwise prescribe or dispense
385     a controlled substance listed in Section 58-37-4.2.
386          Section 3. Repealer.
387          This bill repeals:
388          Section 58-82-101, Title.
389          Section 58-82-102, Definitions.
390          Section 58-82-201, Electronic prescriptions -- Restrictions -- Rulemaking
391     authority.

392