The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Acute pain." Pain that comes on quickly, may be severe, but lasts a relatively short time and is provoked by a specific condition or injury.
"Baseline test." The initial assessment through a urine drug test to:
(1) identify the presence of an illegal substance prior to prescribing a controlled substance; or
(2) assess the presence or absence of a prescribed drug or drug class.
"Chronic pain." Pain that persists or progresses over a period of time that may be related to another medical condition and is resistant to medical treatment. The term does not include acute pain.
"Controlled substance." A drug, substance or immediate precursor included in Schedules II through V of section 4 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
"Definitive drug test." A qualitative or quantitative urine drug test used to identify specific drugs, specific drug concentrations and associated metabolites.
"Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
"Individual." An individual who is at least 18 years of age.
"Medical emergency." A situation that, in the good faith professional judgment of the prescriber, creates a time sensitive threat of serious risk to the life or physical health of a person. The term includes treatment received in an emergency department or urgent care center under the act of November 2, 2016 (P.L.976, No.122), known as the Safe Emergency Prescribing Act.
"Opioid." Any of the following:
(1) A preparation or derivative of opium.
(2) A synthetic narcotic that has opiate-like effects but is not derived from opium.
(3) A group of naturally occurring peptides that bind at or otherwise influence opiate receptors, including an opioid agonist.
"Periodic test." A urine drug test that screens for a selection of drugs.
"Prescriber." As defined in the act of October 27, 2014 (P.L.2911, No.191), known as the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program (ABC-MAP) Act.
"Presumptive positive drug test." A urine drug test that is used to identify suspected possible use or nonuse of drugs or a drug class that may be followed by a definitive test to specifically identify drugs or metabolites.
"Targeted test." A urine drug test ordered at the discretion of a prescriber, based on observation of the prescriber and related circumstances that enhance clinical decision making.
"Treatment agreement." A document signed by a prescriber and individual that contains a statement to ensure that the individual understands:
(1) Treatment responsibilities.
(2) The conditions of medication use.
(3) The conditions under which the treatment of the individual may be terminated.
(4) The responsibilities of the prescriber.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes