Regulations have also been put in place specific to the EP practice.

The EP shall not routinely:

• Administer IV controlled substances for acute exacerbations of chronic pain unless it is the only medically appropriate means
• Provide replacement doses of Methadone, Subutex, or Suboxone for the patient in a treatment program
• Provide replacement prescriptions for lost, stolen, or destroyed prescriptions
• Provide long-acting or controlled release controlled substances
• Administer Meperidine
• Prescribe more than the amount medical necessary until patient can be seen by their doctor
• If greater than 7 days, justify in the record
• Provide refills

The regulations clearly state that these practices shall not be routine. However, there is a recognition that an incident may arise when an EP feels necessary to go against the regulations. Clear documentation should be noted in the chart regarding the medical decision making for that specific patient circumstances.