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An Act To Limit the Use of Extended-release Hydrocodone Bitartrate
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  22 MRSA c. 556-B  is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 556-B
EXTENDED-RELEASE HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE
§ 2357. Extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate
A prescriber may prescribe extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate to a patient only in accordance with the provisions of this section. For the purposes of this section, "prescriber" has the same meaning as in section 7246, subsection 5. A prescription for extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate must specify the maximum daily dose for the patient. Prior to prescribing extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate, a prescriber shall:
 
1.  Monitoring information.     Obtain prescription monitoring information related to the patient from the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program established in chapter 1603 for the purpose of determining if another prescriber has prescribed extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate to the patient;
 
2.  Follow-up.     Schedule follow-up visits with the patient; and
 
3.  Pain assessment.     Assess the patient's pain to evaluate the likelihood that the patient's pain can be managed with a medication other than extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate.
 
SUMMARY
This bill establishes requirements for the prescription of extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate.