§ 21-2A-04. Regulations

   (a) In general. -- The Secretary, in consultation with the Board, shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.

(b) Contents. -- The regulations adopted by the Secretary shall:

   (1) Specify the prescription monitoring data required to be submitted under § 21-2A-03 of this subtitle;

   (2) Specify the electronic or other means by which information is to be submitted:

      (i) Without unduly increasing the workload and expense on dispensers; and

      (ii) In a manner as compatible as possible with existing data submission practices of dispensers;

   (3) Specify that the Program:

      (i) Shall provide the information technology software to dispensers necessary to upload prescription drug monitoring data to the Program; and

      (ii) May not impose any fees or other assessments on prescribers or dispensers to support the operation of the Program;

   (4) Specify that a prescriber or dispenser is not required or obligated to access or use prescription monitoring data available under the Program;

   (5) Identify the mechanism by which prescription monitoring data are disclosed to a person, in accordance with § 21-2A-06 of this subtitle;

   (6) Identify the circumstances under which a person may disclose prescription monitoring data received under the Program;

   (7) Establish requirements for Program retention of prescription monitoring data for 3 years; and

   (8) Require that:

      (i) Confidential or privileged patient information be kept confidential; and

      (ii) Records or information protected by a privilege between a health care provider and a patient, or otherwise required by law to be held confidential, be filed in a manner that, except as otherwise provided in § 21-2A-06 of this subtitle, does not disclose the identity of the person protected.

HISTORY: 2011, ch. 166, § 2; 2012, ch. 66, § 1.