California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4.5 - Division of Workers' Compensation
Subchapter 1 - Administrative Director-Administrative Rules
Article 5.5.2 - Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule
Section 9792.27.8 - Physician-Dispensed Drugs

(a) Drugs dispensed by a physician must be authorized through prospective review prior to being dispensed, except as provided in subdivision (b), section 9792.27.12 ("Special Fill"), and section 9792.27.13 ("Perioperative Fill").

(b) A physician may dispense up to a seven-day supply of one or more drugs that are designated as "Exempt" in the MTUS Drug List without obtaining authorization through prospective review, if the drug treatment is in accordance with the MTUS Treatment Guidelines and the up-to-seven-day supply is dispensed at the time of an initial visit that occurs within 7 days of the date of injury.

(c) Nothing in this Article shall invalidate a provision in a Medical Provider Network agreement which restricts physician dispensing by medical providers within the network.

(d) Nothing in this Article shall permit physician dispensing where otherwise prohibited by a pharmacy benefit contract pursuant to subdivision (a) of Labor Code section 4600.2.