Section 20-2-214

Section 20-2-214Limited access to database permitted for certain persons or entities.

The following persons or entities shall be permitted access to the information in the controlled substances database, subject to the limitations indicated below:



(1) Authorized representatives of the certifying boards, provided, however, that access shall be limited to information concerning the licensees of the certifying board, however, authorized representatives from the Board of Medical Examiners may access the database to inquire about certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), or certified nurse midwives (CNMs) that hold a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (QACSC).



(2) A licensed practitioner approved by the department who has authority to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances. The licensed practitioner's access shall be limited to information concerning himself or herself, registrants who possess a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate over whom the practitioner exercises physician supervision or with whom they have a joint practice agreement, a certified registered nurse practitioner and a certified nurse midwife with a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate over whom the practitioner exercises professional oversight and direction pursuant to an approved collaborative practice agreement, a current patient of the practitioner, and individuals seeking treatment from the practitioner. Practitioners shall have no requirement or obligation, under this article, to access or check the information in the controlled substances database prior to prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications or as part of their professional practice. However, the applicable licensing boards, in their discretion, may impose such a requirement or obligation by regulations.



(3) A licensed physician approved by the department who has authority to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances may designate up to two employees who may access the database on the physician's behalf.



(4) A licensed certified registered nurse practitioner or a licensed certified nurse midwife approved by the department who is authorized to prescribe, administer, or dispense pursuant to a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate; provided, however, that such access shall be limited to information concerning a current or prospective patient of the certified registered nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife.



(5) A licensed assistant to physician approved by the department who is authorized to prescribe, administer, or dispense pursuant to a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate; provided, however, that such access shall be limited to information concerning a current patient of the assistant to the physician or an individual seeking treatment from the assistant to physician.



(6) A licensed pharmacist approved by the department, provided, however, that such access is limited to information related to the patient or prescribing practitioner designated on a controlled substance prescription that a pharmacists has been asked to fill. Pharmacists shall have no requirement or obligation to access or check the information in the controlled substances database prior to dispensing or administering medications or as part of their professional practices.



(7) State and local law enforcement authorities as authorized under Section 20-2-91, and federal law enforcement authorities authorized to access prescription information upon application to the department accompanied by a declaration that probable cause exists for the use of the requested information.



(8) Employees of the department and consultants engaged by the department for operational and review purposes.



(9) The prescription drug monitoring program of any of the other states or territories of the United States, if recognized by the Alliance for Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs under procedures developed, certified, or approved by the United States Department of Justice or the Integrated Justice Information Systems Institute or successor entity subject to or consistent with limitations for access prescribed by this chapter for the Alabama Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.



(10) Authorized representatives of the Alabama Medicaid Agency; provided, however, that access shall be limited to inquiries concerning possible misuse or abuse of controlled substances by Medicaid recipients.

(Act 2004-443, p. 781, §5; Act 2009-489, p. 891, §2; Act 2010-539, p. 928, §1; Act 2010-581, p. 1297, §1; Act 2013-223, p. 531, §3; Act 2013-256, p. 666, §1.)