§ 52A01 — Definitions

Pennsylvania § 52A01

• Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
• Title 35: HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Part: PART III
• Ch. 52A: PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS TO MINORS

Text

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:

"Authorized adult."An adult who has a valid health care proxy to consent to the minor's medical treatment.

"Bureau."The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

"Controlled substance."A drug, substance or immediate precursor included in Schedules II, III, IV and 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.

"Licensing board."A Commonwealth board which licenses, registers or certifies a prescriber.

"Medical emergency."A situation which, in a prescriber's good faith professional judgment, creates an immediate threat of serious risk to the life or physical health of a minor.

"Minor."An individual under 18 years of age. The term excludes an individual who is emancipated by:

(1) marrying;

(2) entering the armed forces of the United States;

(3) being employed and self-sustaining; or

(4) otherwise being independent from the care and control of the individual's parent, guardian or custodian.

"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 opioid agonist.

"Prescriber."A person that is licensed, registered or otherwise authorized to distribute, dispense or administer a controlled substance, other drug or device in the course of professional practice or research in this Commonwealth. The term does not include a veterinarian.