September 9, 2006

 

ASA applauds the DEA for its proposed rule, “Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances.”

In response to strong ASA lobbying, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published in the September 6 Federal Register a rule that would allow physicians to issue multiple “dated” prescriptions so patients undergoing long-term pain management can receive, over time, up to a 90 day supply of their Schedule II medications.

In March of 2005 and 2006, ASA submitted joint comment letters with the American Medical Association (AMA) to make the case for post-dating prescriptions.  In the letters and our direct conversations with DEA officials, ASA and AMA indicated that the practice is often necessary to ensure the best pain management possible.  We appreciate the DEA’s responsiveness to our concerns in addressing this issue, and we look forward to a continued dialogue with the Agency in the future on this and other matters of concern.

The DEA has also issued a policy statement, “Dispensing Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain,” to assure physicians that the Agency does not intend to interfere with the legitimate practice of pain medicine, or make physicians hesitant to provide legitimate pain treatment.

ASA expects to file official comments with DEA expressing support of the proposed rule, which will protect the legitimate practice of pain medicine, give long-term pain patients more convenient access to their medications, and put in place safeguards that will help prevent the abuse and diversion of Schedule II controlled substances. 

Please use the links below for more information:

DEA proposed rule

DEA policy statement

March, 2005 ASA/AMA letter

March, 2006 ASA/AMA letter