LD 1646, An Act to Prevent Opiate Abuse by Strengthening the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program, will go into effect on January 1, 2017. Maine veterinarians will be required to check the the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) for all written or dispensed opiate and benzodiazepine prescriptions. To be in compliance with this law, this office will require a State driver’s license or State issued ID to be provided by the individual presenting a cat or dog for examination whose medical condition results in the issuance of a physical or written prescription for opiate or benzodiazepine medications. Refills of these medications will also require the presentation of identification by the individual picking up the written or physical prescription, even if that individual is not the designated owner of the patient. Without a State issued photo ID containing the presenter’s birth date, opiate and benzodiazepine prescriptions, written or physical, will not be able to be provided.
We ask for your cooperation and patience as we implement these changes to be in compliance with the emerging understanding of LD 1646.
Thank you.