S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-93.1200.1208

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-93.1200.1208 - Opioid Treatment Program Take-home Medication (II)

A. Opioid Treatment Program Medication, including guest and take-home doses, shall be administered to Patients in single doses. Take-home bottles shall be labeled in accordance with federal and state law and regulations and shall contain necessary cautionary statements; caps shall be childproof.

B. Take-home Opioid Treatment Program Medication may be given to Patients who demonstrate a need for a more flexible schedule in order to enhance and continue the rehabilitative process. However, since Opioid Treatment Program Medication is an opioid subject to misuse if not managed properly, precautions shall be taken to prevent its potential misuse. The Opioid Treatment Program Physician shall ensure that take-home Medication is given to those Patients who meet the following criteria for eligibility:

1. Adherence to Opioid Treatment Program rules, regulations, and policies;

2. Length of time in the Opioid Treatment Program and level of maintenance treatment;

3. Presence of Opioid Treatment Program Medication in substance use testing;

4. Potential complications from concurrent health problems;

5. Lengthy travel distance to the Facility; and

6. Progress in maintaining a stable lifestyle as evidenced by:

a. Absence of misuse of opioids and non-opioids;

b. Absence of alcohol misuse, or determination that the using alcohol and is in treatment for the alcohol misuse problem;

c. Regularity of attendance at the Opioid Treatment Program, to include required counseling sessions;

d. Absence of serious behavior problems, including loitering at the Opioid Treatment Program;

e. Absence of known recent criminal activity;

f. Employment, school attendance, or other appropriate activity; and

g. Assurance that take-home Medication can be securely transported and stored by the Patient for his or her use only.

C. The decision to provide take-home Medication to Opioid Treatment Program Patients and the amount provided shall be based upon and determined by the reasonable clinical judgment of the Opioid Treatment Program Physician and appropriately documented and recorded in the Patient's file prior to the initiation of the take-home dose. The Opioid Treatment Program Physician shall document compliance by the Patient with all of the aforementioned requirements prior to providing the first take-home dose. (I)

D. The Patient's take-home status shall be reviewed and documented at least on a quarterly basis by the primary Counselor.

E. If a Patient, due to special circumstances, such as illness, personal or family crisis, travel, or other hardship, is unable to conform to the applicable treatment schedule, he or she may be permitted to receive up to a two (2)-week supply of Opioid Treatment Program Medication, based on the clinical judgment of the Opioid Treatment Program Physician. The justification for permitting the adjusted schedule shall be recorded in the Patient's record by the Opioid Treatment Program Physician.

F. One-time or temporary (usually not to exceed three (3) days) take-home Medication shall be approved by the Facility for family or medical emergencies or other exceptional circumstances.

G. A Patient transferring from another Opioid Treatment Program or readmitted after having left the Opioid Treatment Program voluntarily and who has complied with Facility rules and program policies and procedures may be granted an initial take-home schedule that is no greater than that allowed at the time of transfer or voluntary Discharge provided all criteria other than length of treatment are met.

H. A Patient discharged from another Opioid Treatment Program shall only be initially granted take-home privileges from the new admitting Opioid Treatment Program provided the requirements of Section 1209 are met.

I. Take-home Medication shall be labeled with the name of the Opioid Treatment Program, address, telephone number, and packaged in conformance with state and federal regulations.

J. A diversion control plan shall be established to assure quality care while preventing the diversion of Opioid Treatment Program Medication from treatment to illicit use. The plan shall include:

1. Clinical and administrative continuous monitoring;

2. Problem identification, correction and prevention;

3. Accountability to the Patient and community; and

4. Opioid Treatment Program Medication usage and amount accountability.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-93.1200.1208

Added by State Register Volume 44, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2020.