HI HB197

Clarifies that schedule III, IV, or V narcotic drugs approved by the FDA specifically for maintenance or detoxification treatment (such as suboxone) may be prescribed to narcotic dependent persons.

Requires practitioners prescribing these maintenance or detoxification drugs to comply with 21 Code of Federal Regulations section 1301.28 and federal and state regulatory standards regarding treatment qualifications, security, and records.

Permits practitioners to administer or dispense (but not prescribe) any narcotic drug for maintenance or detoxification treatment if separately registered with the DEA as a narcotic treatment program and in compliance with federal regulations.

Allows physicians not registered as narcotic treatment programs to administer (but not prescribe) narcotic drugs for up to three days to relieve acute withdrawal symptoms while arranging referral for treatment.

Preserves existing authority for physicians and hospitals to administer or dispense narcotic drugs for medical or surgical treatment unrelated to addiction, and for intractable pain management.