Section 848IAC5-4-6. Patient visits to advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority

   (a) Advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority shall not prescribe opioids for patients without periodic scheduled visits. Visits for patients with a stable medication regimen and treatment plan shall occur face-to-face at least once every four (4) months. More frequent visits may be appropriate for patients working with the advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority to achieve optimal management. For patients requiring changes to the medication and treatment plan, if changes are prescribed by the advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority, the visits required by this subsection shall be scheduled at least once every two (2) months until the medication and treatment has been stabilized.

  (b) During the visits required by subsection (a), the advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority shall evaluate patient progress and compliance with the patient's treatment plan regularly and set clear expectations along the way, such as attending physical therapy, counseling, or other treatment options. (Indiana State Board of Nursing; 848 IAC 5-4-6; filed Aug 10, 2016, 1:52 p.m.: 20160907-IR-848150380FRA)