CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POLICY INFORMATION
Cardinal Care Psychiatric Services (CCPS) is committed to providing safe, effective, and ethical prescribing of controlled substances. This policy outlines patient responsibilities, safe use requirements, and the consequences for violating these guidelines.
1. Medication Use
Controlled substances must be taken exactly as prescribed.
Patients may not change the dose, frequency, or timing without prior approval from their provider.
2. Prescriptions from Other Providers
Controlled substances from other providers or specialists must not be taken without notifying your CCPS provider before filling the prescription.
3. Safekeeping of Medications
Patients are responsible for the safekeeping of all prescriptions and medications.
Lost, stolen, or misplaced prescriptions/medications will not be replaced.
4. Medication Verification
All controlled substance medications must be brought to every appointment in their original pharmacy-labeled container.
Patients may be asked to present medications for random pill counts within 24 hours of notification.
5. Alcohol and Drug Use Restrictions
Controlled substances must not be combined with alcohol.
A drug or blood screen showing both a prescribed controlled substance and alcohol will be considered a policy violation.
Controlled substances must not be combined with illegal, street, or recreational drugs.
A positive drug screen for both a prescribed controlled substance and illicit substances will be considered a policy violation.
6. Appointment and Refill Responsibilities
Patients must schedule and attend all controlled substance refill appointments as required.
No refills will be issued outside of scheduled appointments.
The office will not accept refill requests by phone, email, or voicemail for controlled substances.
7. Communication for Compliance
Patients must maintain an active phone number and/or email address to allow contact for pill counts or random drug screenings.
Once notified (via phone, voicemail, or email), the patient must respond within 24 hours.
Failure to respond within this timeframe will be considered a policy violation.
8. Drug Screening
Routine and random drug screenings are required for patients prescribed controlled substances.
Some insurance plans may not cover the cost of drug screening. Patients are responsible for any uncovered portion of the bill.
Lack of insurance coverage does not exempt a patient from completing required drug screenings.
9. Medical Record Review
Controlled substances will not be prescribed until the provider has reviewed the patient’s medical record.
New patients are responsible for ensuring records from previous providers are sent to CCPS prior to prescribing.
10. Honesty and Conduct
Patients must provide truthful and accurate information to their provider and CCPS staff.
Aggressive behavior, threatening remarks, or attempts to manipulate staff for controlled substances will be considered a serious violation.
Consequences of Policy Violations
Violating any part of this policy may result in:
Discontinuation of all controlled substance prescriptions (with provider discretion regarding safe tapering).
Termination of medical care from CCPS.
Referral for substance abuse treatment.
If This Policy Is Not Accepted
CCPS will not prescribe controlled substances.
Discharge Policy
If discharged due to a breakdown in provider–patient communication, the provider will offer 30 days of continued care from the date of discharge.
This may not apply to controlled substances if the reason for discharge is a violation of this policy.