Legality of self prescribing controlled substances in Texas

[winnguyen]

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What is the legal requirement for self-prescribing controlled substances in Texas. My understanding is that a physician, with a valid DEA #, needs little more than a sentence or two in a notebook documenting some sort of physical exam. This is a legal question, we all know the ethics.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Generally speaking, the DEA doesn't look to kindly on self-prescribing controlled substances. I don't know what Texas thinks about this (check the state medical board website), but I know what the Feds think.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Umm, I wouldn't go there. I was just informed that I can no longer prescribe medication for my immediate family members by the local pharmacy come Jan 1st so I'm sure the self prescribing will give you a major red flag with the DEA that could prompt an investigation.

 

[deleted87716]

https://www.texmed.mobi/Template.aspx?id=22563

 

[Vandalia]

What is the legal requirement for self-prescribing controlled substances in Texas. My understanding is that a physician, with a valid DEA #, needs little more than a sentence or two in a notebook documenting some sort of physical exam. This is a legal question, we all know the ethics.

Depends what you mean by "legal." It MAY not result in criminal prosecution by the DEA if there is a valid indication supported by imaging, however it will almost certainly result in action against your license by the state medical board. And to protect their license, the pharmacist is basically required to report it.

With that said, prescribing yourself 3 Tramadol 50mg would be viewed differently than 60 oxycodone 30mg.

But in any case, barring a hurricane, don't do it. Don't even think about it.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

https://www.texmed.mobi/Template.aspx?id=22563

That's how my state views this as well.

Practically speaking, the only time I could see actually wanting to prescribe something for myself would be death in the family and calling in 2-3 night's worth of Ambien. However, being a physician it shouldn't be hard for me to find another physician willing to do that for me so it seems less sketchy.

 

[deleted87716]

being a physician it shouldn't be hard for me to find another physician willing to do that for me so it seems less sketchy.

Correct. That's the better option.

 

[Got Em]

State board of medicine (Texas) came to my school and said that it is illegal to self-prescribe control medications for self or family unless it's an "emergency".

 

[JustPlainBill]

Do you just not like being a physician or do you need more drama in your life because this is a sure way to get either or both....

 

[winnguyen]

Thank you for the response. I am a pharmacist, and I am trying to decide how to address this situation at my workplace.

 

[SLC]

What's the policy for prescribing a non-controlled substance for one's self?

Like if I needed to try a burst of prednisone for a nagging cough or something, but didn't have time to get to my PCP right away?

 

[deleted87716]

What's the policy for prescribing a non-controlled substance for one's self?

Like if I needed to try a burst of prednisone for a nagging cough or something, but didn't have time to get to my PCP right away?

If you're a resident, ask your institution. Typically, it's not allowed.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

What's the policy for prescribing a non-controlled substance for one's self?

Like if I needed to try a burst of prednisone for a nagging cough or something, but didn't have time to get to my PCP right away?

Ask your fellow residents - that's what most of us do/did. Or your partners if you're out in practice.

I will occasionally prescribe for myself, but usually short term after-hours/weekend stuff - like a couple zofran for a GI bug.

 

[SLC]

Ask your fellow residents - that's what most of us do/did. Or your partners if you're out in practice.

I will occasionally prescribe for myself, but usually short term after-hours/weekend stuff - like a couple zofran for a GI bug.

Good call, I'll do that...

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

We self-rx'ed tessalon perles, z-pak, zofran, albuterol, etc. The pharmacists don't even bat an eye.
Never, ever, ever even thought about self-rx'ing controlled substances, incl ambien, tramadol.