We previously reported that on January 4, 2017, SB 319 was signed by Ohio Governor John Kasich. A provision of this law requires any location where a prescriber is treating more than 30 individuals for opioid dependence or heroin addiction using a controlled substance to obtain a license as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs (TDDD) with an office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) classification from the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy unless an exemption applies to the location. The Board announced October 10, 2017 that the requirement to obtain a TDDD-OBOT license has been extended and will take effect November 30, 2017 to allow the Board additional time to review and process license applications without disrupting access to care.

The application is available at www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/OBOTapplication. On or after November 30, 2017, any facility treating more than 30 individuals with controlled substances for opioid dependence or addiction without being properly licensed as a TDDD will be in violation of Ohio law, unless exempted. Penalties for failure to obtain proper licensure include fines of up to $5,000.