4731-11-08. Utilizing controlled substances for self and family members

(A) Accepted and prevailing standards of care presuppose a professional relationship between a patient and physician when the physician is utilizing controlled substances. By definition, a physician may never have such a relationship with himself or herself. Thus, a physician may not self-prescribe or self-administer controlled substances. This paragraph does not prohibit a physician from obtaining a schedule V controlled substance for personal use in conformance with state and federal laws, in the same manner that a non-physician may obtain a schedule V controlled substance.

(B) Accepted and prevailing standards of care require that a physician maintain detached professional judgment when utilizing controlled substances in the treatment of family members. A physician shall utilize controlled substances when treating a family member only in an emergency situation which shall be documented in the patient's record.

(C) For purposes of this rule, "family member" means a spouse, parent, child, sibling or other individual in relation to whom a physician's personal or emotional involvement may render that physician unable to exercise detached professional judgment in reaching diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 08/17/2016 and 08/17/2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4731.05
Rule Amplifies: 4731.22
Prior Effective Dates: 11/11/98, 3/15/01, 9/30/08

Prior History: (Effective: 09/30/2008
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 06/06/2008 and 09/30/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4731.05, 4731.052
Rule Amplifies: 4731.22, 4731.052
Prior Effective Dates: 11/11/98; 3/15/01 )