Ohio prescribers need to be aware of new rules for prescribing controlled substances that will take effect on December 29, 2017. First, prescribers will be required to include the first four characters of the ICD-10 diagnosis code or the full CDT procedure code on all prescriptions for opioids.^[1] Similarly, beginning June 1, 2018, prescribers will need to include the ICD-10 diagnosis or CPT procedure code on prescriptions for all other controlled substances. In addition, prescribers will be required to indicate the days’ supply on all prescriptions for controlled substances and gabapentin starting June 1, 2018.

The aforementioned requirements follow previously enacted rules for prescribing opioid analgesics for the treatment of acute pain.^[2] These rules, which became effective August 31, 2017, generally limit the prescribing of opioid analgesics for acute pain to no more than a seven (7) day supply for adults and a five (5) day supply for minors. Prescribers may prescribe opioids for an acute condition in excess of the day supply limits only if they provide a specific reason in the patient’s medical record. Finally, the acute prescribing rules also require that the total morphine equivalent dose (MED) not exceed an average of 30 MED per day.

To assist prescribers in complying with these and other requirements, Take Charge Ohio, in partnership with the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, recently published a guide entitled “Issuing a Valid Prescription – What Every Prescriber Needs to Know,” which can be accessed at:https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Documents/Pubs/Special/DangerousDrugs/Issuing%20a%20Valid%20Prescription%20%20What%20Every%20Prescriber%20Needs%20to%20Know.pdf.