Responsible Prescribing &
Controlled Substance Compliance Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
OnCall Pain is an Arizona-based pain medication management clinic committed to safe, ethical, and legally compliant prescribing practices. Clinical services are provided by independently contracted, licensed Arizona healthcare providers who exercise independent medical judgment.
Our providers follow all applicable federal and Arizona laws governing controlled substances while prioritizing patient safety, functional improvement, and responsible medication use.
Our Commitment to Responsible Prescribing
Controlled substances are prescribed only when:
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The prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose within the usual course of professional practice, consistent with federal and Arizona law
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Treatment is clinically appropriate
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The prescription is issued in the usual course of professional practice
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All federal and Arizona legal requirements are satisfied
Controlled medications are not appropriate for every patient and are not guaranteed.
All prescribing decisions are made by licensed Arizona healthcare providers exercising independent clinical judgment.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Before initiating or continuing controlled substances, providers may require:
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A medical history and appropriate physical evaluation
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Review of prior records and diagnostic information
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Assessment of functional goals
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Risk evaluation for misuse or diversion
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Review of the Arizona Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP/PDMP)
Treatment decisions are individualized and based on documented medical necessity. Clinical evaluations and prescribing decisions are documented in the patient’s medical record consistent with professional standards of care.
Arizona PDMP & Regulatory Compliance
In accordance with Arizona law:
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The Arizona CSPMP is reviewed as required prior to prescribing controlled substances.
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Controlled substances are electronically prescribed when mandated by state law.
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Prescriptions are issued only when compliant with state and federal regulations in effect at the time of prescribing.
If regulatory requirements are not met, a prescription will not be issued.
Monitoring & Safety Measures
To support patient safety and regulatory compliance, providers may implement:
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Periodic or random urine drug screening
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Pill counts
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Controlled substance treatment agreements
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Ongoing reassessment of pain, function, and risk
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Coordination with pharmacies when appropriate
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Naloxone prescribing or education when clinically indicated based on clinical risk assessment
Monitoring requirements are determined by the provider and may change based on clinical assessment.
Failure to comply with safety protocols may result in modification or discontinuation of therapy.
Telemedicine & In-Person Care
Controlled substances may require in-person evaluation depending on:
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Clinical assessment
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Federal and Arizona requirements
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Risk profile of the patient
Telemedicine prescribing occurs only when permitted under applicable federal and Arizona laws, including DEA telemedicine regulations, and when clinically appropriate.
Early Refills & Lost Medications
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Early refills are not routinely provided.
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Lost, stolen, or damaged medications are generally not replaced.
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Repeated early refill requests may result in reassessment of therapy.
All refill and dose adjustment decisions are made at the provider’s discretion based on clinical appropriateness and safety considerations.
Pharmacy Coordination & Corresponding Responsibility
Prescribing providers and dispensing pharmacies share corresponding responsibility under federal law.
OnCall Pain respects the independent judgment of pharmacists. Pharmacy decisions regarding dispensing are not directed or controlled by our clinic.
We may communicate with pharmacies to ensure safe and compliant coordination of care when necessary.
When Therapy May Be Modified or Discontinued
Medication therapy may be adjusted, tapered, or discontinued when:
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Risks outweigh benefits
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Safety concerns arise
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Monitoring requirements are not met
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There is evidence of misuse or non-compliance
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Continued prescribing is no longer clinically appropriate
Our priority is patient safety and responsible care.
Patient Responsibilities
Patients receiving controlled medications are expected to:
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Take medications exactly as prescribed
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Use one pharmacy whenever possible
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Inform providers of all medications and prescribers
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Safeguard medications
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Comply with monitoring requirements
Failure to adhere to treatment expectations may result in changes to treatment or discontinuation of controlled substances.
Emergency Care
OnCall Pain does not provide emergency services.
If you experience signs of overdose, severe withdrawal, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or another medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Ongoing Compliance
OnCall Pain periodically reviews its prescribing practices to ensure continued alignment with evolving DEA regulations, Arizona law, and professional standards of care.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, responsible, and compliant pain management services to the Arizona community.