Medications of Potential Abuse and Addiction Policy

1) Purpose:

- To ensure all patients are prescribed appropriate medication for their diagnosis/symptoms

- To assist compliance with prescribed medication and help prevent addiction issues

- To provide support for doctors when under pressure (from certain groups of patients) to prescribe inappropriate and potentially addictive medication

2) Method / Procedure

- No drugs of potential addiction will be prescribed to casual patients

- Only drugs that are clinically indicated will be prescribed to casual patients

- All new patients to Durham Health will be informed that if they are seeking medications that have potential for abuse they will not be prescribed until:

• their clinical records have been transferred
• our clinical team has agreed upon a management plan for the individual patient
• the patient will be advised by letter the outcome of the meeting and the management plan to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment for their diagnosis and/or symptoms

- It is expected that all team members comply with the plan.

- The Clinical Director will oversee any issues of non-compliance (within the team)

- Patients not happy with the plan will be asked to find a doctor or medical centre/clinic more able to meet their needs

- Patients who accept the management plan are expected to comply with it

• No early pick ups from the pharmacy will be authorised
• Regular urine samples will be requested for drug screening
• No repeat prescription requests will be taken over the phone
• Full compliance of the plan is expected. Any abuse will result in increased supervision and/or a request to find another medical practice due to the breakdown in the trusting relationship

- Patients who require discussion around their individual plan must book an appointment with the doctor allocated to their care. No telephone consultations will take place

3) Responsible Staff Member

- All clinical staff prescribing medication must adhere to this policy