(a) Proscription.--A prescriber may not do any of the following:

(1) Prescribe to a minor a controlled substance containing an opioid unless the prescriber complies with section 52A04 (relating to procedure).

(2) Except as set forth in subsection (b) and subject to section 52A04(c)(1), prescribe to a minor more than a seven-day supply of a controlled substance containing an opioid.

(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), a prescriber may prescribe to a minor more than a seven-day supply of a controlled substance containing an opioid if any of the following apply:

(1) In the professional medical judgment of the prescriber, more than a seven-day supply of a controlled substance containing an opioid is required to stabilize the minor's acute medical condition. In order for this paragraph to apply, the prescriber must:

(i) document the acute medical condition in the minor's record with the prescriber; and

(ii) indicate the reason why a non-opioid alternative is not appropriate to address the acute medical condition.

(2) The prescription is for:

(i) management of pain associated with cancer;

(ii) use in palliative or hospice care; or

(iii) management of chronic pain not associated with cancer.

Effective Date. Section 2(2) of Act 125 of 2016 provided that section 52A03 shall take effect upon publication of the notice under section 52A02(b)(2). The notice was published February 4, 2017, at 47 Pa.B. 671.

Cross References. Section 52A03 is referred to in section 52A04 of this title.