4 Colo. Code Regs. § 727-1.18

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 18, September 25, 2024

Section 4 CCR 727-1.18 - RULES REGARDING THE USE OF BENZODIAZEPINE

The basis for the Board's promulgation of these rules and regulations is sections 12-20-204(1), 12-315-106(5)(g) and 12-315-126, C.R.S. The specific statutory authority for the promulgation of this Rule is section 12-30-109(6), C.R.S.

The purpose for the Board's promulgation of these rules and regulations are to implement rules required by section 12-30-109(6), C.R.S., related to requirements for prescribing benzodiazepines to patients that have not been prescribed benzodiazepines within the last twelve months.

A. Licensees must limit any prescription for a benzodiazepine to no more than 30 continuous days, for a patient who has not received a benzodiazepine prescription within the last 12 months.

Prior to prescribing a benzodiazepine for a condition that is not exempt under section 12-280-404(4) (a.5), C.R.S.,, a licensee must comply with the requirements of section 12-280-404(4), C.R.S.

B. The limitation stated in section (A) of this Rule does not apply to patients for whom licensees prescribe benzodiazepines for the following conditions:

1) Epilepsy;

2) A seizure or seizure disorder, or suspected seizure disorder;

3) Spasticity; or

4) A neurological condition, including a posttraumatic brain injury or catatonia.

C. These rules do not require or encourage abrupt discontinuation, limitation, or withdrawal of benzodiazepines. Licensees are expected to follow generally accepted standards of veterinary medicine practice, based on an individual patient's needs, in tapering benzodiazepine prescriptions.

4 CCR 727-1.18

Colorado Register, Vol 37, No. 14. July 25, 2014, effective 8/14/2014

42 CR 21, November 10, 2019, effective 11/30/2019

43 CR 18, September 25, 2020, effective 10/15/2020

43 CR 22, November 25, 2020, effective 12/15/2020

44 CR 06, March 25, 2021, effective 4/14/2021

44 CR 21, November 10, 2021, effective 11/30/2021

45 CR 22, November 25, 2022, effective 12/15/2022

46 CR 02, January 25, 2022, effective 1/9/2023

46 CR 06, March 25, 2023, effective 4/14/2023

46 CR 21, November 10, 2023, effective 11/30/2023