What must doctors prescribing controlled substances for chronic pain follow?

• A. The board's statutes and rules regarding pain management
• B. Hospital policies only
• C. FDA labeling only
• D. Insurance guidelines

Answer: (A)

When prescribing controlled substances for chronic pain, physicians must follow the state medical board’s statutes and rules on pain management. These rules establish the legal and professional standards for evaluating patients, documenting treatment, monitoring ongoing opioid use, and using tools like prescription monitoring programs. They set the required procedures and safeguards to protect patient safety and ensure accountability in prescribing.

Hospitals may have policies, FDA labeling guides how drugs should be used, and insurance guidelines can affect coverage, but none of these alone replace the board’s regulatory requirements. The board’s statutes and rules provide the binding framework for medical practice in this area.