The delivery of medication is not changing for clinic patients. We are simply taking the necessary steps to continue complying with DEA recordkeeping requirements. Due to the ongoing opioid epidemic, DEA is requiring all pharmacies like AIS to take additional steps to strengthen the chain of custody for these medications. To continue receiving your medication, you and your treating practitioner are required to sign a Power of Attorney (POA). The POA allows AIS to continue to provide your medication, to your clinic, without any interruptions in your care.
Unfortunately, pharmacies are not permitted to dispense controlled substances to nurses or other intermediaries who would then transport the medication to your home for administration. This means our nursing team will not be able to complete pump refill treatment in your home. Due to the federal and state laws, in-home services will not be an option for patients receiving controlled substances through their implanted pump after September 15, 2024. We can work with you and your doctor to make alternative arrangements to ensure there is no interruption in your care. You can call our Customer Service line at 877.443.4006 and ask for the POA team.
A POA is a simple legal document whereby you authorize AIS to ship your medication to your practitioner’s clinic. The POA requirement applies to all pharmacies providing intrathecal controlled substances. It is a federal DEA requirement, not an AIS requirement.
We are working closely with clinics and practitioners to ensure they have what they need to get the POA form signed. We have provided your treating practitioner with a template form that complies with the laws of the state where your controlled substances will be shipped. The POA can be signed at your next appointment or you can sign it remotely. Some states require a witness and/or notary to be present, and we have engaged an online notary service, called Proof, to support these efforts. Reach out to your doctor for more information on the POA.
Yes. Should you have a home refill nursing visit scheduled before September 15th, AIS can perform the refill. For any home nursing services beyond that date, we can coordinate with you and your doctor to determine alternate care options to ensure there is no interruption in care.
After September 15th, 2024, we will transition your care back to your doctor’s clinic for pump refills and care. However, we are making our nurses available should your doctor choose to engage us to perform your refill at the clinic. Please contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about future treatment. This September 15th deadline does not apply to patients who receive pump refills in the home for Prialt and Baclofen, or any other non-controlled substance.
Enhancing the lives of our patients and providing the best overall care experience is our top priority. We understand there may be a small number of patients whose health condition is such that it would not be safe for them to be transported to a clinic. In those rare circumstances, we will work with your doctor to determine the best way to get you the care you need.