California Code of Regulations
Title 9 - Rehabilitative and Developmental Services
Division 4 - Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
Chapter 4 - Narcotic Treatment Programs
Subchapter 5 - Patient Treatment
Article 4 - Take-Home Medication Privileges
Section 10386 - Split Doses

(a) The medical director or program physician may, upon determining that a split dose is medically necessary, order that a patient receive his or her daily dose of medication split in two doses.

(b) Prior to ordering a split dose, the medical director or program physician shall determine that the patient is responsible in handling narcotic medications as specified in Section 10370(a).

(c) The medical director or program physician shall immediately, upon the decision of medical necessity, document in the patient's record the medical necessity for split doses, the dosage amounts and the ingestion times of the doses.

(d) Any portion of a split dose removed from the program or medication unit shall be considered take-home medication.

(e) The medical director or program physician shall adhere to the step levels set forth in Section 10375 for patients receiving methadone as take-home medication in a split dose.

(f) For purposes of calculating the take-home supply of medication pursuant to Section 10375, a split dose shall be considered a one-day take-home supply.