32-1706

32-1706. Use of pharmaceutical agents

A. A licensee may prescribe, dispense and administer over-the-counter
pharmaceuticals and topical prescription pharmaceuticals subject to the pharmaceutical
agent classifications specified in section 32-1728.

B. A licensee may prescribe, dispense and administer the following oral
prescription pharmaceuticals subject to the pharmaceutical agent classifications
specified in section 32-1728:

1. Antibiotics classified as tetracycline and its derivatives, cephalosporins,
penicillin and its derivatives and macrolides and antivirals for the treatment of
diseases of the eye and its adnexa. A licensee may prescribe these antibiotics and
antivirals for any one patient for each occurrence for a period not more than the day
limit recommended by the manufacturer or by the physicians' desk reference. If the
patient's condition is other than blepharitis and does not improve during the first
seventy-two hours of treatment by means of an oral antibiotic or an oral antiviral, the
licensee shall consult with the patient's primary care physician or other family
physician for the purpose of referral of the patient to a physician who specializes in
ophthalmology, infectious diseases, internal medicine or neurology. After the referral
has been made, the licensee shall consult with the specialist. The licensee shall note
the consultation in the patient's file. If the treatment is by oral antibiotics for
blepharitis and if the patient's condition does not improve during the first ten days of
treatment, the licensee shall request the patient's primary care physician or other
family physician to refer the patient to a physician who specializes in ophthalmology,
infectious diseases, internal medicine or neurology. On notification of the referral the
licensee shall consult with the specialist. The licensee shall note the consultation in
the patient's file. If the condition is not resolved at the end of the normal treatment
period, the licensee shall request the patient's primary care physician or other family
physician to refer the patient to a physician who specializes in ophthalmology,
infectious diseases, internal medicine or neurology. On notification of the referral the
licensee shall consult with the specialist. The licensee shall note the consultation in
the patient's file. A licensee shall not prescribe, dispense or administer an oral
antibiotic or an oral antiviral to a person who is under six years of age. For the
purposes of this paragraph, "physician" means a person who is licensed pursuant to
chapter 13 or 17 of this title.

2. Antihistamines. A licensee may prescribe an antihistamine for not more than
seven days for any one patient for each occurrence. If the patient's condition does not
improve during the first seven days of treatment, the licensee shall refer the patient to
the patient's primary care physician or other physician licensed pursuant to chapter 13
or 17 of this title.

3. Nonprescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. A licensee may
prescribe, dispense and administer these agents in dosages that exceed over-the-counter
dosages but that do not exceed maximum dosages of counterpart prescription nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agents.

C. A licensee may prescribe, dispense and administer a schedule III controlled
substance only if it is an analgesic.

D. A licensee shall not prescribe, dispense or administer the following
prescription substances:

1. An oral steroid.

2. An oral antifungal.

3. An oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

4. An oral antimetabolite.

5. An oral immunosuppressive.

6. A substance administered intravenously.

7. Except as provided in subsection E, substances administered by injection.

8. A schedule I, II, IV or V controlled substance.

9. An oral agent for the treatment of closed angle glaucoma attack.

10. Except as provided in subsection B, paragraph 3, an oral nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agent.

E. A licensee may use epinephrine auto-injectors to counteract an anaphylactic
reaction. A licensee who uses auto-injectors may order and maintain anaphylactic-related
supplies. The board shall require a licensee to maintain in the licensee's office
medically necessary supportive equipment and supplies that are used in connection with
the treatment of an anaphylactic reaction, including oxygen equipment, airway maintenance
equipment or other necessary equipment consistent with the prevailing standard of care as
specified by the board.