What are the controlled substances schedules and how do they affect prescription medications in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the Controlled Substances Schedules are used to classify drugs into different categories based on their potential for abuse and medical use. The five schedules range from Schedule I (the most restrictive) to Schedule V (the least restrictive).Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, and include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
Schedule II substances also have a high potential for abuse but have an accepted medical use in the United States. These include narcotics such as opium, codeine, and morphine.
Schedule III substances have a lesser potential for abuse than Schedule I or II substances and have an accepted medical use. These include anabolic steroids, certain barbiturates, and ketamine.
Schedule IV substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III substances and an accepted medical use. These include benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax.
Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and an accepted medical use. These include cough medicines with codeine and other low-dose narcotic medications.
The Controlled Substances Schedules affect prescription medications in New Hampshire by determining what substances are available to be prescribed by healthcare providers. For example, a doctor cannot prescribe a Schedule I drug due to its high potential for abuse.
How do I dispose of expired or unused prescription medications in a safe and legal manner in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, you can safely and legally dispose of expired or unused prescription medications at any one of the state’s more than 130 permanent medication drop-off locations. These locations are usually located in police or sheriff’s offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. You can also take advantage of the state’s scheduled drug take-back events held several times a year in different locations throughout the state. For more information on specific drop-off locations and event details, please visit the New Hampshire Department of Justice website.Are there restrictions on the prescription of opioid painkillers due to the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire?
Yes. In response to the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire, the state has adopted several new restrictions on the prescription of opioid painkillers. These include a requirement for prescribers to obtain a patient’s prior opioid prescription history before prescribing an opioid, and limits on the number of days’ worth of opioids that can be prescribed at one time. In addition, prescribers must provide patients with additional information on opioid use and must receive approval from their licensing board before prescribing opioids for longer than 7 days.What is the process for obtaining a prescription for medical marijuana in New Hampshire?
In order to obtain a prescription for medical marijuana in New Hampshire, a patient must first obtain a valid written certification from a physician registered with the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program. The physician must certify that the patient has a qualifying medical condition (cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or one of the other conditions specified in the program) and has discussed with the patient the potential risks and benefits of using medical marijuana.The patient must then register with the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program by completing and submitting an application form, along with the physician’s certification and other required documents. Processing this application usually takes around two weeks. Once the application has been approved, the patient will receive a registry identification card in the mail. This card can be presented at any of the state’s registered dispensaries to purchase medical marijuana.
Are there limitations on the quantity of prescription medications that can be dispensed in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are limitations on the quantity of prescription medications that can be dispensed in New Hampshire. The state mandates that no more than a three-month supply may be dispensed at one time, unless otherwise prescribed by the practitioner. In addition, no more than a 30-day supply may be dispensed initially, and any additional supply must be requested within seven days of the initial prescription. Pharmacists may also decline to dispense a prescription if they consider it to be excessive, or if they are unable to verify the medical necessity of the prescription.Is there a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to prevent prescription drug abuse in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire has a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) called the N.H. Controlled Drug Prescription Health and Safety Program (NH-CURES). The program was established in 2012 and is administered by the Department of Safety/Division of State Police. It is designed to enable prescribers, dispensers, and public health officials to access and use prescription drug monitoring data to help identify, prevent, and reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion.
Can I legally purchase syringes and needles for personal use without a prescription in New Hampshire?
No, syringes and needles must be prescribed by a doctor in New Hampshire. You can only purchase needles and syringes from a pharmacy with a valid prescription.What are the penalties for possessing controlled substances without a valid prescription in New Hampshire?
Possession of a controlled substance in New Hampshire without a valid prescription is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of no more than $2,000. Depending on the specific controlled substance and the amount found in possession, the charge may be escalated to a felony. For felonies, the penalties may include a longer jail sentence and larger fines.Is there a Good Samaritan law that provides immunity to individuals who seek help for a drug overdose in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire has a Good Samaritan law that provides immunity from criminal drug possession charges for individuals who seek help for a drug overdose. The law also applies to those helping seek medical assistance.Do state laws allow for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) pseudoephedrine products, and are there quantity restrictions in New Hampshire?
Yes. In New Hampshire, OTC pseudoephedrine products can be sold, but there are certain quantity restrictions in place. The sale of any product containing pseudoephedrine is limited to 9 grams within a 30-day period per customer. In addition, customers must present valid photo identification and sign a log book kept at the pharmacy.Are there restrictions on the sale of certain cough syrups containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to prevent abuse in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are restrictions in New Hampshire on the sale of certain cough syrups containing dextromethorphan (DXM). In 2018, the New Hampshire legislature passed a law that requires retailers to restrict the sale of DXM-containing products to customers who are eighteen years of age or older. Retailers must also request that customers provide their names, birth dates, and driver’s licenses or other government-issued identification. In addition, retailers cannot sell more than three packages of the product to any one customer in a 24-hour period.What are the regulations for methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in New Hampshire?
1. All MAT programs must be licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).2. All MAT programs must comply with federal and state rules and regulations, including the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
3. All MAT programs must provide quality services and meet specific staff qualifications, including the following:
a. Physicians need to be licensed in New Hampshire, as well as board-certified in a field related to addiction treatment.
b. Qualified counselors need to be certified by DHHS or hold a credential from an approved organization for addiction counseling.
c. Other qualified staff members need to have two years of experience in addiction treatment or related fields and meet any additional requirements set forth by DHHS.
4. All methadone clinics need to be licensed by DHHS and comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Controlled Substance Act and the CFR.
5. Methadone clinics must implement general safety protocols, such as completing breathalyzer tests at intake and random drug screenings, to ensure the safety of their patients and staff members.
6. Methadone clinics are required to provide comprehensive services including medication management, individual and group counseling, education about addiction, relapse prevention, and other services such as peer support or case management.
7. Clinics need to ensure they have sufficient resources to meet the needs of patients while adhering to state regulations for dosage limits and other requirements set forth by DHHS.