CHAPTER Pod 100  ORGANIZATION, DEFINITIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

 

PART Pod 101  PURPOSE AND SCOPE

 

          Pod 101.01  Purpose and Scope.  The rules of this title implement the statutory responsibilities of the New Hampshire board of podiatry under RSA 315.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

PART Pod 102  DEFINITIONS

 

          Pod 102.01  Terms Used.  As used in these rules, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 

          (a)  "Administrative assistant" means the board's staff director who assists the board in performing the functions specified in RSA 315:5 and such other duties as the board prescribes.

 

          (b)  "Board" means the New Hampshire board of podiatry created by RSA 315:1.

 

          (c)  "Clearance" means a verification from another state board stating that the applicant's license is current and in good standing.

 

          (d)  "Disciplinary proceeding" means an adjudicatory proceeding commenced by the board for the purpose of examining possible professional misconduct by a licensee.

 

          (e)  "Practice of podiatry" means the diagnosis and treatment of ailments of the human foot and lower leg by any medical, mechanical, electrical and surgical means available.

 

          (f)  "Podiatrist" means a doctor of podiatric medicine holding a license to practice podiatry issued by the board under RSA 315:8.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

PART Pod 103  AGENCY ORGANIZATION

 

          Pod 103.01  Composition of the Board.  The board consists of 5 members who meet the eligibility requirements of RSA 315:1.  The board is made up of 4 licensed podiatrists and one member who is a representative of the general public and is unconnected with the podiatry profession.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 103.02  Duties of the Board.  The duties of the board include, but are not limited to:

 

          (a)  Examination and licensing of podiatrists;

 

          (b)  Oversight and discipline of licensees;

 

          (c)  Development of ethical and other professional standards to be followed by licensees;

 

          (d)  Development of continuing professional education requirements and other prerequisites for the renewal or reinstatement of licenses;

 

          (e)  Study and preservation of information concerning the practice of podiatry; and

 

          (f)  Identification and prevention of the unauthorized practice of podiatry.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 103.03  Staff.  The board employs an administrative assistant and such other staff members as are necessary to assist with the record-keeping and other statutory functions of the board and oversee the board's day-to-day operations.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 103.04  Office Hours, Office Location, Mailing Address and Telephone.

 

          (a)  The board's offices are located at:

 

Philbrook Building

121 South Fruit Street

Concord, New Hampshire 03301.

 

          (b)  The board’s offices are open to the public Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

          (c)  Correspondence shall be addressed to the board's administrative assistant at the location stated in Pod 103.04(a).

 

          (d)  The board's telephone number is (603) 271-1203.

 

Source.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

PART Pod 104  PUBLIC INFORMATION

 

          Pod 104.01  Record of Official Actions.  Minutes shall be kept of all board meetings and all official actions taken by the board.  These minutes shall record those members who participate in each vote and shall separately record the position of any members who choose to dissent, abstain or concur.  Board minutes of actions which are not confidential under RSA 91-A:3, II or RSA 91-A:5 shall be public records and shall be available for inspection during the board's ordinary office hours within 144 hours from the close of the meeting or vote in question.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 104.02  Custodian of Records.  The board's administrative assistant shall be the custodian of its records and shall respond to requests to examine those portions of the board's records which are subject to public inspection or which may otherwise be properly examined by the person requesting access.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 104.03  Copies of Records.  Persons desiring copies of board records shall make a request which identifies as particularly as possible the information being sought and which agrees to pay the board's copying fee of $.25 per page.  If records are requested which contain both public and confidential information, the board shall delete the confidential information and provide the remaining information.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

PART Pod 105  MEETINGS, DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS

 

          Pod 105.01  Meetings.  The board shall meet quarterly and schedule such additional meetings as business requires.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 105.02  Necessary Quorum.  No decision shall be made by the board nor hearing conducted without a quorum present.  Members who are recused because of a conflict of interest shall not be counted in determining a quorum.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

          Pod 105.03  Tentative Decisions.

 

          (a)  The board shall, during any meeting, as appropriate under the circumstances of the case, instruct its staff or a committee of the board to prepare a document, subject to the final review and approval of the board.  Such instructions shall be known as tentative decisions.

 

          (b)  Tentative decisions shall not be final actions and shall not be binding upon the board.  The board shall change its instructions and shall modify the form or the substance of a tentative decision as often as is required to produce a final document which satisfactorily sets forth the final result the board intends to reach.  The board's final decision shall be issued only when the necessary majority has voted in favor of the final form of the proposed action, allowing time for printing the document in question.

 

          (c)  A member who was absent from the meeting at which a tentative decision was made shall participate in the vote on a final proposal prepared in accordance with the instructions given in the tentative decision if the member is not recused because of a conflict of interest.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

PART Pod 106  APPOINTMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEES

 

          Pod 106.01  Subcommittees.

 

          (a)  The board shall form subcommittees of one or more of its members to investigate and make recommendations on matters which could be handled by the full board.

 

          (b)  Subcommittees shall, with the express approval of the board:

 

(1)  Enlist the assistance of qualified non-board members to serve as advisory members of such a subcommittee; and

 

(2)  Retain advisors or consultants.

 

          (c)  Subcommittees shall be chaired by a member of the board.

 

          (d)  The board shall appoint volunteers to advisory committees which contain no members of the board for the purpose of preparing special reports or projects of interest to the board, or both.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #7816, eff 1-7-03

 

CHAPTER Pod 200  PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

 

REVISION NOTE:

 

          Document #14261, effective 6-12-25, repealed Part Pod 201 through Part Pod 217 in Chapter Pod 200, titled “Practice and Procedure”.  Document #14261 also adopted a new Part Pod 201 titled “Rules of Practice and Procedures”, containing Pod 201.01 titled “Applicability of Plc 200.” 

 

          Document #14261 replaces all prior filings affecting the rules in the former Chapter Pod 200.  The prior filings included the following documents:

 

#5391, eff 5-8-92

#7887-A, eff 5-6-03

#7887-B, eff 5-6-03

#10242-A, eff 12-15-12

 

          As practice and procedure rules, the rules in Document #14261 will not expire except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.

 

PART Pod 201  RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES

 

Pod 201.01  Applicability of Plc 200.  The Plc 200 rules shall govern with regards to all procedures for:

 

          (a)  The receipt and investigation of misconduct complaints;

 

          (b)  The conduct of adjudicative and non-adjudicative proceedings;

 

          (c)  Rulemaking submissions, considerations, and disposition of rulemaking petitions;

 

          (d)  Public comment hearings;

 

          (e)  Declaratory rulings;

 

          (f)  Explanation of adopted rules; 

 

          (g)  Voluntary surrender of licenses; and

 

          (h)  Waivers.   

 

Source.  #14261, eff 6-12-25

 

CHAPTER Pod 300  LICENSURE

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 315:4

 

PART Pod 301  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

         Pod 301.01  Application and Supporting Documents.

 

         (a)  The applicant for licensure shall complete and submit to the office of professional licensure and certification:

 

(1)  The “Universal Application for Initial Licensure” with the information described in Plc 304.03; and

 

(2)  A 3 x 5 inch full face photograph of the applicant taken within 6 months of submission of the application.

 

         (b)  The applicant shall sign and date the application as described in Plc 304.05.

 

         (c)  Applicants shall include the application fee required by Plc 1002.40.

 

         (d)  The applicant shall provide the following with the application:

 

(1)  A certified copy of National Board scores submitted directly from the examining authority to the OPLC;

 

(2)  Certified copies of American or foreign transcripts or diploma, which include podiatry education and certification of completion of internship or residency;

 

(3)  Original letters of reference, addressed to the OPLC on professional letterhead, from 2 licensed podiatrists who have known the applicant for at least one year and can attest to the applicant’s moral and professional character and shall state in what context or capacity the individual has known the applicant; and

 

(4)  A curriculum vita showing a chronological list of the applicant’s work history for the previous 10 years.

 

         (e)  The application shall be processed, and an approval or denial issued in accordance with Plc 304.06 through Plc 304.13.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; amd by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, (para (a)); amd by #9901-B, eff 4-15-11, (para (b)) (formerly Pod 301.01, 301.04, & 301.08), EXPIRED: 4-15-19 in para (a); ss by #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED:
12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, eff 5-12-24

 

         Pod 301.02  Time Limit of Application.  An application shall remain on current status for a period not to exceed 12 months.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11 (formerly Pod 301.05), EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, eff 5-12-24

 

         Pod 301.03  Timeliness of Credentials.  An applicant who has been inactive from practice for more than 36 months shall meet all current licensure requirements and attend a minimum of 40 hours of continuing podiatry education as specified in Pod 402.01 for the 2 years prior to the date of application.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11 (formerly Pod 301.06), EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, eff 5-12-24

 

         Pod 301.04  License Issued.  A license shall be issued to an applicant who has complied with the provisions of Pod 300.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11 (formerly Pod 301.09), EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, eff 5-12-24 (formerly Pod 301.05)

 

PART Pod 302  QUALIFICATIONS

 

         Pod 302.01  Educational Requirements.

 

         (a)  Applicants for licensure shall have graduated from a college of podiatry or podiatric medicine which is accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

 

         (b)  Applicants shall have completed one year of internship or residency training that meets the requirements of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) of the American Podiatric Medical Association.  An internship or residency shall be at a hospital maintaining standards of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

 

Source.  #1046, eff l0-19-77; ss by #2983, eff 3-7-85, EXPIRED: 3-7-91

 

New.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B, eff 12-15-12, EXPIRED: 12-15-22

 

New.  #13900, ef 5-12-24

 

PART Pod 303  EXAMINATION

 

         Pod 303.01  Type of Examination.  Examination of candidates for licensure in New Hampshire shall be by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, ef 5-12-24

 

         Pod 303.02  Passing Grade.  Each candidate shall have a score of at least 75.0%.  Candidates who fail to obtain such average shall only be required to repeat that portion of the examination for which they did not receive an average of at least 75.0%.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, ef 5-12-24

 

PART Pod 304  FEES

 

         Pod 304.01  Fees.  The fees shall be as set forth in Plc 1002.40.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13900, ef 5-12-24

 

CHAPTER Pod 400  RENEWAL, CONTINUING EDUCATION/CEU AND ONGOING REQUIREMENTS

 

PART Pod 401  RENEWAL OF LICENSE

 

         Pod 401.01  Expiration of License.  Licenses governed under this chapter shall automatically expire on July 1 of the year in which the licensee’s renewal is set to occur, unless the licensee has applied to the board for renewal of the license by June 30 of the year in which the licensee’s renewal is set to occur.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

         Pod 401.02  Renewal of License.

 

         (a)  At least 60 days prior to the expiration of license, the board shall provide to each licensee a renewal application.

 

         (b)  Any licensee wishing to renew a license shall submit:

 

(1)  The completed renewal application supplied by the board on or before June 30 of the year in which the licensee’s renewal is set to occur;

 

(2)  The fee as specified in Plc 1002.40; and

 

(3)  Proof of completion of the continuing education requirements of Pod 402.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

         Pod 401.03  Renewal Application.

 

         (a)  The applicant for renewal of licensure shall provide the information described in Plc 308.06.

 

         (b)  The applicant shall sign and date the application below the statement described in Plc 308.08.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-B, eff 4-15-11; ss by #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

         Pod 401.04  Late Filing.

 

         (a)  Pursuant to RSA 315:12, a licensee who fails to renew their license before July 1 of the year in which the licensee’s renewal is set to occur may renew within 90 days of license expiration by submitting a completed renewal application and the renewal fee.

 

         (b)  A licensee who fails to renew their license more than 90 days after such license has expired may file an application for reinstatement pursuant to Pod 401.05(b).

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04; ss by #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

         Pod 401.05  Reinstatement of License.

 

         (a)  Any licensee whose license has expired by reason of error, omission, or neglect to pay the annual renewal fee beyond 90 days after expiration of the license or whose license has been suspended or revoked by the board shall be eligible to apply for reinstatement barring any order or agreement to the contrary, at the time of their original disciplinary action, by filing the application specified in (c) below.

 

         (b)  Applicants for reinstatement shall provide, pursuant to (a) above, or cause to be provided, on a form described in Plc 308.06(b) which includes proof of completion of continuing education for the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application which meets the requirements of Pod 402.

 

         (c)  Applicants for reinstatement shall pay the reinstatement fee specified in Plc 1002.40.

 

Source.  #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, (paras (a) & (c)); amd by #9901-B, eff 4-15-11, (para (b), EXPIRED: 4-15-19 in (paras (a) & (c)); ss by #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

PART Pod 402  CONTINUING EDUCATION

 

         Pod 402.01  Continuing Podiatry Education.

 

         (a)  When the licensee applies for renewal of licensure, he or she shall provide documentation of involvement in activities updating competency in podiatry.  The licensee shall obtain a minimum of 40 hours biennially, with at least 30 hours obtained through in person or simultaneously interactive remote learning attendance in courses approved pursuant to (c) below and no more than 10 hours of instructional media certified by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME).

 

         (b)  All continuing education activities shall be completed between January 1 of the first year of the biennial period and December 31 of the second year.

 

         (c)  Instructional media may include one or more of the following passive prerecorded learning activities:

 

(1)  Video presentations;

 

(2)  Audio presentations;

 

(3)  Computer-assisted instruction; and

 

(4)  Written educational programs.

 

         (d)  Credit hours accumulated through participation in formal courses given by an accredited American school or college of podiatry or medicine, or by a state or regional podiatric association recognized by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education or by the American Medical Association, shall be approved.

 

         (e)  Licensees who possess a “United States Drug Enforcement Administration” (DEA) number shall complete 3 hours of containing education in the area of pain management, addiction disorders, or a combination of both.  The 3 hours of continuing education shall count toward the 40 continuing education credits required under this paragraph.

 

Source.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B, eff 12-15-12; amd in paragraph (a) by #13272, EMERGENCY RULE, eff 10-4-21, EXPIRES: 4-2-22; rpld in paragraph (a) by #13321, STATEMENT OF REPEAL, eff 12-29-21

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

         Pod 402.02  Reporting Requirements and Continuing Education Reporting Form.

 

         (a)  The applicant shall report the hours on the “Continuing Education Audit Reporting” form provided by the board by April 1 of even-numbered years.  Documentation of attendance shall be attached to the form.  Such documentation shall include the name of the applicant, the title of the course, the number of hours of the course, and the date the course was taken.

 

         (b)  The applicant shall provide the following information on the “Continuing Education Audit Reporting Form”:

 

(1)  The applicant's name;

 

(2)  The applicant’s license number;

 

(3)  The applicant's home address;

 

(4)  The applicant's personal phone number;

 

(5)  The applicant's place of employment;

 

(6)  The applicant's address of employment;

 

(7)  The applicant's business phone;

 

(8)  The total number of podiatric continuing education hours obtained;

 

(9) The total number of hours obtained for pain management, addiction disorders, or a combination of both as required by Pod 402.01(d); and

 

(10)  The applicant’s signature and date of signing below the following preprinted statement:

 

“To the best of my knowledge and belief the information provided on the continuing education reporting form and supporting documentation are true, complete, and not misleading.  I understand that any material misrepresentation shall be subject to disciplinary action by the board.”

 

Source.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B, eff 12-15-12

 

PART Pod 403  ONGOING REQUIREMENTS

 

         Pod 403.01  Severance of Connection.  Each licensee shall notify the board in writing within 5 days after he or she severs connection with any commitment to practice podiatry for any reason, either personal, professional, or disciplinary.

 

Source.  #1046, eff l0-19-77; ss by #2983, eff 3-7-85, EXPIRED: 3-7-91

 

New.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-6-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B eff 12-15-12, EXPIRED: 12-15-22

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

          Pod 403.02  Replacement of Wall Certificates.  If the original wall certificate of any registered podiatrist is lost or damaged, the licensee may apply to the board in writing for replacement of such wall certificate.  A replacement wall certificate shall be issued, but the podiatrist shall retain his or her original license number.  There shall be a charge of $25 for this service.

 

Source.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B, eff 12-15-12

 

         Pod 403.03  Change of Address.  All licensees and applicants for licensure shall notify the board of any change in home or business address within 30 days of such change.

 

Source.  #9901-A, eff 4-15-11, EXPIRED: 4-15-19

 

New.  #12811, INTERIM, eff 6-14-19, EXPIRED: 12-11-19

 

New.  #13819, eff 2-9-24

 

CHAPTER Pod 500  UNETHICAL CONDUCT

 

PART Pod 501  UNETHICAL CONDUCT

 

         Pod 501.01  Violations of APMA Ethical Guidelines.  Violations of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc. Code of Ethics, March 2022, shall constitute unprofessional conduct within the meaning of RSA 315:9, II(c).

 

Source.  #1046, eff l0-19-77; ss by #2983, eff 3-7-85, EXPIRED: 3-7-91

 

New.  #5391, eff 5-8-92, EXPIRED: 5-8-98

 

New.  #8061, eff 3-12-04, EXPIRED: 3-12-12

 

New.  #10242-B, eff 12-15-12, EXPIRED: 12-15-22

 

New.  #13820, eff 2-9-24

 

PART Pod 502  OPIOID PRESCRIBING

 

          Pod 502.01  Applicability.  This part shall apply to the prescribing of opioids for the treatment of non-cancer and non-terminal pain, and shall not apply to the supervised administration of opioids in a health care setting.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.02  Noncompliance with Standards as Unprofessional Conduct.  The ethical standards set forth in this part shall bind all licensees, and noncompliance with these standards shall constitute unprofessional conduct as used in NH RSA 315:9, I(c).  The board shall investigate violations of these standards and impose disciplinary sanctions for such violations by following the disciplinary procedures set forth in Pod 200.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.03  Definitions.  Except where the context makes another meaning manifest, the following words have the meanings indicated when used in this chapter:

 

          (a)  “Acute pain” means the normal, predicted physiological response to a noxious chemical, thermal or mechanical stimulus and typically is associated with invasive procedures, trauma and disease.  It is generally time-limited, often less than 3 months in duration;

 

          (b)  “Administer” means an act whereby a single dose of a drug is instilled into the body of, applied to the body of, or otherwise given to a person for immediate consumption or use;

 

          (c)  “Addiction” means a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.  It is characterized by behaviors that include impaired control over drug use, craving, compulsive use, or continued use despite harm.  The term does not include physical dependence and tolerance, which are normal physiological consequences of extended opioid therapy for pain;

 

          (d)  “Chronic pain” means a state in which non-cancer 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.  For the purposes of these rules, chronic pain does not include pain from cancer or terminal care;

 

          (e)  “Clinical coverage” means specified and prearranged coverage that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist in the management of patients with chronic pain;

 

          (f)  “Dose unit” means one pill, one capsule, one patch, or one liquid dose;

 

          (g) “Medication-assisted treatment” means any treatment of opioid addiction that includes a medication, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, that is approved by the FDA for opioid detoxification or maintenance treatment;

 

          (h) “Morphine equivalent dose (MED)” means a conversion of various opioids to a morphine equivalent dose by the use of accepted conversion tables;

 

          (i) “Prescription” means a verbal, written, facsimile, or electronically transmitted order for medications for self-administration by an individual patient;

 

          (j)  “Risk assessment” means a process for predicting a patient’s likelihood of misusing or abusing opioids in order to develop and document a level of monitoring for that patient;

 

          (k) “Treatment agreement” means a written agreement that outlines the joint responsibilities of physician and patient; and

 

          (l)  “Treatment plan” means a written plan that reflects the particular benefits and risks of opioid use for each individual patient and establishes goals, expectations, methods, and time course for treatment.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.04  Acute Pain.  If opioids are indicated and clinically appropriate for prescription for acute pain, prescribing licensees shall:

 

          (a)  Conduct and document a physical examination and history;

 

          (b)  Consider the patient’s risk for opioid misuse, abuse, or diversion and prescribe for the lowest effective dose for a limited duration;

 

          (c)  Document the prescription and rationale for all opioids;

 

          (d)  Ensure that the patient has been provided information that contains the following:

 

(1)  Risk of side effects, including addiction and overdose resulting in death;

 

(2)  Risks of keeping unused medication;

 

(3)  Options for safely securing and disposing of unused medication; and

 

(4)  Danger in operating motor vehicle or heavy machinery;

 

          (e)  Comply with all federal and state controlled substances laws, rules, and regulations;

 

          (f)  Complete a board-approved risk assessment tool, such as the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP);

 

          (g)  Document an appropriate pain treatment plan and consideration of non-pharmacological modalities and non-opioid therapy;

 

          (h)  Utilize a written informed consent that explains the following risks associated with opioids:

 

(1)  Addiction;

 

(2)  Overdose and death;

 

(3)  Physical dependence;

 

(4)  Physical side effects;

 

(5)  Hyperalgesia;

 

(6)  Tolerance; and

 

(7)  Crime victimization;

 

          (i)  In an emergency department, urgent care setting, or walk-in clinic:

 

(1)  Not prescribe more than the minimum amount of opioids medically necessary to treat the patient’s medical condition. In most cases, an opioid prescription of 3 or fewer days is sufficient, but a licensee shall not prescribe for more than 7 days; and

 

(2)  If prescribing an opioid for acute pain that exceeds a board-approved limit, document the medical condition and appropriate clinical rationale in the patient’s medical record; and

 

          (j)  Not be obligated to prescribe opioids for more than 30 days, but if opioids are indicated and appropriate for persistent, unresolved acute pain that extends beyond a period of 30 days, the licensee shall conduct an in-office follow-up with the patient prior to issuing a new opioid prescription.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.05  Chronic Pain.  If opioids are indicated and clinically appropriate for chronic pain, prescribing licensees shall:

 

          (a)  Conduct and document a history and physical examination;

 

          (b)  Conduct and document a risk assessment, including, but not limited to, the use of an evidence based screening tool such as the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP); 

 

          (c)  Document the prescription and rationale for all opioids;

 

          (d)  Prescribe the lowest effective dose for a limited duration;

 

          (e)  Comply with all federal and state controlled substances laws, rules, and regulations;

 

          (f)  Utilize a written informed consent that explains the following risks associated with opioids:

 

(1)  Addiction;

 

(2)  Overdose and death;

 

(3)  Physical dependence;

 

(4)  Physical side effects;

 

(5)  Hyperalgesia;

 

(6)  Tolerance; and

 

(7)  Crime victimization;

 

          (g)  Create and discuss a treatment plan with the patient.  This shall include, but not be limited to the goals of treatment, in terms of pain management, restoration of function, safety, time course for treatment, and consideration of non-pharmacological modalities and non-opioid therapy.  Informed consent documents and treatment agreements may be part of one document for the sake of convenience;

 

          (h)  Utilize a written treatment agreement that is included in the medical record, and specifies conduct that triggers the discontinuation or tapering of opioids; 

 

          (i)  The treatment agreement shall also address, at a minimum, the following:

 

(1)  The requirement for safe medication use and storage;

 

(2)  The requirement of obtaining opioids from only one prescriber or practice;

 

(3)  The consent to periodic and random drug testing; and

 

(4)  The prescriber’s responsibility to be available or to have clinical coverage available;

 

          (j)  Document the consideration of a consultation with an appropriate specialist in the following circumstances:

 

(1)  When the patient receives a 100 mg morphine equivalent dose for longer than 90 days;

 

(2)  When a patient is at high risk for abuse or addiction; or

 

(3)  When a patient has a co-morbid psychiatric disorder; 

 

          (k)  Reevaluate treatment plans and use of opioids at least twice a year;

 

          (l)  Require random and periodic urine drug testing at least annually for all patients using opioids for longer than 90 days.  Unanticipated findings shall be addressed in a manner that supports the health of the patient; and

 

          (m)  Have clinical coverage available for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to assist in the management of patients; and

 

          (n)  The prescriber may forego the requirements for a written treatment agreement and for periodic drug testing for patients:

 

(1)  Who are residents in a long-term, non-rehabilitative nursing home facility where medications are administered by licensed staff; or

 

(2)  Who are being treated for episodic intermittent pain and receiving no more than 50 dose units of opioids in a 3 month period.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.06  Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

 

          (a)  Prescribers required to register with the program under RSA 318-B:31-40, or his or her delegate, shall query the prescription drug monitoring program to obtain a history of schedule II-IV controlled substances dispensed to a patient, prior to prescribing an initial schedule II, III, and IV opioids for the management or treatment of this patient’s pain and then periodically and at least twice per year, except when:

 

(1)  Controlled medications are to be administered to patients in a health care setting; or

 

(2)  The program is inaccessible or not functioning properly, due to an internal or external electronic issue; or

 

(3)  An emergency department is experiencing a higher than normal patient volume such that querying the program database would materially delay care.

 

          (b)  A licensee shall document the exceptions described in (a)(2) and (3) above in the patient’s medical record.

 

Source.  #12149, eff 3-25-17

 

          Pod 502.07  Medication Assisted Treatment.  Licensees who prescribe medication assisted treatment shall adhere to the principles outlined in the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s National Practice Guideline For the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use (2015) found at http://www.asam.org/quality-practice/guidelines-and-consensus-documents/npg/complete-guideline as cited in Appendix II.

 

Source.   #12149, eff 3-25-17

 


APPENDIX I

 

Rule

Specific State Statute which the Rule Implements

 

 

Pod 101.01

RSA 315:1; 315:2; 315:4

Pod 102

RSA 541-A:7

Pod 103.01

RSA 315:1

Pod 103.02

RSA 541-A:16, I(a)

Pod 103.03

RSA 541-A:16, I(a)

Pod 104

RSA 541-A:16, I(a)

Pod 105

RSA 541-A:16, I(a), 315:1

Pod 106

RSA 315:10, II

 

 

Pod 200

RSA 541-A:16,I(b)-(d)

 

 

Pod 301

RSA 315:2, 315:4, I-II

Pod 301.01

RSA 315:2; RSA 315:4, I, III, VII; RSA 315:7; RSA 315:15

Pod 301.02

RSA 315:4, I

Pod 301.03

RSA 315:4, I

Pod 301.04

RSA 315:4, I

Pod 301.05

RSA 315:8, I

Pod 302

RSA 315:2; RSA 315:4, II

Pod 303

RSA 315:4, I, II; RSA 315:7

Pod 304

RSA 310:6, I

 

 

Pod 401.01 - 401.02

RSA 315:2, II; RSA 315:4, I, V, VII; RSA 315:11; RSA 315:12

Pod 401.03

RSA 315:11

Pod 401.04

RSA 315:12

Pod 401.04

RSA 315:12

Pod 401.05

RSA 315:13-a

Pod 402

RSA 315:2, II; RSA 315:4, X

Pod 402.01

RSA 315:2, II; RSA 315:4, II

Pod 402.02

RSA 315:2, II; RSA 315:4, II

Pod 403.01

RSA 315:4, XI

Pod 403.02

RSA 315:4, VI, X

Pod 403.03

RSA 315:4, VI, X

Pod 501

RSA 315:9, II(c)

Pod 501.01

RSA 315:9, II(c), RSA 315:4

Pod 502

RSA 315:4, V, VI, XII

 


 

APPENDIX II

Rule

Reference

Obtain at:

Pod 501.01

The American Podiatric Medical Association Inc., Code of Ethics March 2022

No cost to download from:

https://www.apma.org/files/Code%20of%20Ethics_FINAL_1669749709677_2.pdf

 

Pod 502.07

The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s “National Practice Guideline For the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use,” adopted on June 1, 2015.

No cost to download from:

http://www.asam.org/quality-practice/guidelines-and-consensus-documents/npg/complete-guideline