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<section article="gho" article_name="Health Occupations" number="1-223" title_number="1" title_name="Definitions; General Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="General Provisions">
  <level label="a">
    <text>In this section, “controlled dangerous substance” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>On treatment for pain, a health care provider, based on the clinical judgment of the health care provider, shall prescribe:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>The lowest effective dose of an opioid; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>A quantity that is no greater than the quantity needed for the expected duration of pain severe enough to require an opioid that is a controlled dangerous substance unless the opioid is prescribed to treat:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>A substance–related disorder;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Pain associated with a cancer diagnosis;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iii">
        <text>Pain experienced while the patient is receiving end–of–life, hospice, or palliative care services; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iv">
        <text>Chronic pain.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>The dosage, quantity, and duration of an opioid prescribed under subsection (b) of this section shall be based on an evidence–based clinical guideline for prescribing controlled dangerous substances that is appropriate for:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>The health care service delivery setting for the patient;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The type of health care services required by the patient; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>The age and health status of the patient.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <level label="1">
      <text>When a patient is prescribed an opioid under subsection (b) of this section, the patient shall be advised of the benefits and risks associated with the opioid.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>When a patient is co–prescribed a benzodiazepine with an opioid that is prescribed under subsection (b) of this section, the patient shall be advised of the benefits and risks associated with the benzodiazepine and the co–prescription of the benzodiazepine.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="e">
    <text>A violation of subsection (b) or (d) of this section is grounds for disciplinary action by the health occupations board that regulates the health care provider who commits the violation.</text>
  </level>
</section>
