2026 Controlled Substance Policy

As a prescriber of controlled medications, GBH follows all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state regulatory authorities to ensure safe, ethical, and compliant care. Please review the following policies and procedures prior to your appointment. By proceeding with care at GBH, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by these guidelines.

Controlled Substance Monitoring:

Some medications used to treat psychiatric conditions—such as stimulants for ADHD or certain medications for sleep and anxiety—are classified as Schedule II–IV controlled substances. These medications carry a potential for dependence, misuse, or diversion and therefore require ongoing monitoring and regular follow-up.

Refill Policy for Controlled Substances:

•No early refills will be authorized.

•Lost, stolen, damaged, or unused medications will not be replaced.

•Follow-up appointments are required at regular intervals to assess the continued need, effectiveness, and safety of any controlled substance.

•Refills will not be provided without an up-to-date clinical visit, regardless of prior medication history or long-term stability on the current regimen.

Appointment Requirements:

•Schedule II medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse) require regular follow-up visits, typically every 30–90 days, based on clinical judgment and applicable federal and state regulations.

•Schedule IV medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, modafinil) typically require visits every 90 days, unless otherwise clinically indicated.

•Additional or more frequent appointments may be required to monitor response, side effects, safety concerns, or dosage adjustments.

PDMP Checks & Informed Consent:

•Prescribing history will be reviewed through the State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) prior to initiating or renewing any controlled substance.

•Patients may be required to sign a Controlled Substance Agreement outlining expectations regarding medication use, safety, adherence, and follow-up.

Refill Requests Between Visits:

•Requests for refills outside of a scheduled appointment will not be honored, except in rare circumstances at the sole discretion of the prescribing provider.

•Patients are responsible for planning ahead and scheduling follow-up appointments at least one week before medication supply is exhausted.

Telehealth & Controlled Substances:

In accordance with current federal and state regulations, telehealth follow-up visits may be permitted for certain controlled substances. However:

•In-person visits may be required for specific medications or under certain clinical or regulatory circumstances.

•All telehealth prescribing of controlled substances remains subject to change based on evolving federal and state regulations.

•Final determination regarding telehealth eligibility is at the discretion of the prescribing provider.

Pharmacy Dispensing Decisions:

Pharmacies and pharmacists operate under their own professional judgment, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements. As a result, a pharmacy may decline to dispense a controlled substance prescription for reasons outside the control of the prescribing provider. Decisions made by a pharmacy regarding dispensing, stock availability, or internal policy do not reflect the prescriber’s clinical decision-making. While GBH may, at its discretion, provide appropriate clarification or verification when clinically indicated, the prescriber cannot override a pharmacist’s independent authority to dispense or refuse a medication.

Provider Discretion:

The prescribing provider retains sole clinical discretion to initiate, continue, modify, taper, or discontinue any controlled substance at any time based on clinical assessment, patient safety, regulatory requirements, or non-adherence to this policy.

If you have questions regarding this Controlled Substance Policy or your medications, please discuss them during your appointment.