I believe everyone else is correct about there not being any hard or fast rules. The state in live in (TN), the abuse of opiates is off the charts. I would NOT want to be a PM doc in Tennessee. I actually like the fact that I am watched so closely over my meds. It keeps everyone on top of what and how much I take. Don't know about you, but I write it down in a medicine journal everytime I take something. Pain meds can make you loopey and with my journal, I don't make mistakes because I'm in la-la land! Also, I bring my journal to my PM appts and my doc can look at it and suggest new times and ways to take my meds if need be. Hope that helps a little. Also, if you are not as of yet locking up your meds, please start! Not saying anyone you know would steal your meds, I just think its better to be safe than sorry. Karen

I'm in North Carolina and I'm not sure of the "rules" pertaining to this.
If indeed this is the situation I'm ok...

The 3 ways a physician has to Monitor Adherence of Controlled Substances:
1) Prescription Monitoring Programs 2)Random drug tests 3)Pill counts.


http://health.utah.gov/prescription/...cer%20pain.pdf

"Drug education for physicians, providers, and patients is crucial. While it appears that certain medications have revolutionized the treatment of chronic pain in the United States, physicians must balance medical need with the possibility of abuse and diversion, as well as the necessity to comply with state and federal regulations. It is obvious that healthcare practitioners are not only expected to prescribe medications when there is medical need and document appropriately, but they are also expected to prevent illegal diversion and identify drug abuse. Consequently, education is a critical component of any program to control the diversion of prescription drugs."

DIVERSION=Patients selling their meds.

"Records should remain current and be maintained in an accessible manner and readily available for review, not only for the physician and other members of the practice, but also the authorities. To be in compliance with controlled substance laws and regulations required to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances, the physician must have an active license in the state and comply with applicable federal and state regulations. Various boards have published regulations and recommendations for prescribing controlled substances. Physicians are advised to refer to these regulations for their respective state.


Pill Counting is a common device for docs to monitor their patients compliance with opiates and other controlled substances.

Whether "pill counting" is specifically addressed or simply implied under the umbrella of Monitoring Adherence, there certainly are rules for docs to make sure their patients are not overusing or selling their meds.

The Prescription Monitoring Programs are Big Brotheresque, IMHO.

If you're concerned you're being singled out, it is highly doubtful. Just ask the office if random pill counts, for patients prescribed controlled substances, is an office policy. Or better yet, if your doc required you to sign a Controlled Substance Agreement, check it!

F.Y.I.,
Well all the fuss for nothing. I saw my neurologist today and all she really wanted was a list of meds.
She talked to me and gave me some tests and determined that my RSD is spreading to my leg and almost my entire left side. She told me that in the future she will have me scheduled for a MRI again to see how far degenerated my atrophy has gone. At this point all that can be done is to treat and monitor the symptoms and that the RSD is complicating matters...

That's why I waited to write out the long explanation. Hopefully it will be of use to someone else that's concerned and researching the issue in the future.