Opioid Treatment Agreements (Act 112 of 2019)

Act 112 of 2019 requires prescribers in Pennsylvania to educate their patients and establish treatment agreements with their patients before issuing the first prescription in a single course of treatment for chronic pain with a controlled substance containing an opioid.

Act 112 of 2019 requires prescribers to:

• Assess whether the patient has taken or is currently taking a prescription drug for treatment of a substance use disorder.
• Counsel the patient on treatment goals, expectations, benefits, and risks.
• Obtain the consent of the patient for targeted urine testing.
• Include the brand name or generic name, quantity and initial dose of the controlled substance medication containing an opioid being prescribed.
• Ensure the patient understands the prescriber and patient treatment responsibilities and the prescribing policies of the practice.
• Ensure the patient understands that a controlled substance medication containing an opioid has a potential for abuse, the associated risks of addiction and overdose, increased risk factors of addiction, the dangers of taking a controlled substance medication containing an opioid with benzodiazepines, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, and other information deemed appropriate by the prescriber under 21 CFR 201.57(c)(18).
• Discuss the efficacy, risks, and benefits of other treatment options; if applicable.

View the Temporary Regulations for Act 112 of 2019 (submitted for publication in the PA Bulletin on March 7, 2020, subject to change).

Resources

For Prescribers:

• Sample Treatment Agreement
• Requirements of Act 112 and Considerations for Prescribers
• Act 112 Questions and Answers
• Act 112 of 2019 Treatment Agreement Checklist

For Patients:

• Opioid Use and Safety
• What is Act 112 and Questions to Ask Your Provider