Common terms and definitions from the Indiana Rules for Prescribing Controlled Opioid Substances

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The Indiana Final Rule provides specific definitions for some common health care terms related to chronic pain patients.

Knowing how these opioid related terms are defined in the final rule allows us all to be on the same page. And being on the same page when managing our chronic pain patients is key to not only following the rules and regulations but also in providing patients the best care we possible can.

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Terms as defined in the Indiana Final Rule

chronic back pain spine highlighted — The Indiana requirements for prescribing controlled substances cover chronic pain patients. Those with continuous or intermittent pain over months or years.

Chronic Pain

A state in which pain persists beyond the usual course of an acute disease or healing of an injury, or that may or may not be associated with an acute or chronic pathologic process that causes continuous or intermittent pain over months or years.

Controlled substances

Has the meaning set forth in IC 35-48-1-9. A drug, substance, or immediate precursor in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V, including opiates and their derivatives.

Morphine Equivalent Dose

Discussion at outset of treatment plan — Certain aspects of the Indiana regulations must occur as treatment is considered. And, there are exclusions for terminal patients.

A conversion of various opioids to a standardized dose of morphine by the use of accepted conversion tables.

Opioid

Any of various narcotics containing opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives. However, if such a narcotic is not a controlled substance, it shall not be an opioid for the purposes of this rule.

Outset of an opioid treatment plan

A patient has been prescribed opioids as described in SECTION 3(c) of this document and therefore the provisions stated in SECTION 3(a) of this document become applicable to that patient.

Terminal

A condition caused by injury, disease, or illness from which, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty: (1) there can be no recovery; and (2) progression to death can be anticipated as an eventual consequence of that condition.

Source: Medical Licensing Board of Indiana; 844 IAC 5-6-2

Other Common Terms Related to Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain

Beyond the definitions set forth by the Legislature, we will add additional terms to a list below as they arise or when questions are submitted to us.