18VAC105-20-49. Prescribing an opioid for chronic pain.
If a TPA-certified optometrist treats a patient for whom an opioid prescription is necessary for chronic pain, he shall either:
1. Refer the patient to a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine who is a pain management specialist; or
2. Comply with regulations of the Board of Medicine, 18VAC85‑21‑60 through 18VAC85‑21‑120, if he chooses to manage the chronic pain with an opioid prescription.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 4, eff. November 13, 2019.
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