Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 360 - RULES OF GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD
Chapter 360-5 - PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANTS
Rule 360-5-.12 - Guidelines concerning Prescriptive Authority

(1) If authorized by his/her job description, a physician assistant may issue a prescription drug order for any medical device as defined by Code Section 26-4-5, any dangerous drug as defined in Code Section 16-13-71 or any Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance as defined in Code Section 16-13-21.

(2) Any physician assistant who has been authorized to issue a prescription drug order for controlled substances must register with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA").

(3) A Physician assistant who has been issued a DEA number, regardless of prescribing habits, must register with the Georgia PDMP (prescription drug monitoring program) within 30 days of obtaining a DEA registration number.

(4) A prescription drug or device order form issued by an authorized physician assistant shall, at a minimum, contain the name, address and telephone number of the primary or alternate supervising physician, the patient's name and address, the drug or device ordered, the directions to the patient for taking the medication, the dosage, the number of refills allowed, the name and DEA number (if applicable) of the physician assistant, and the signature of the physician assistant.

(5) The prescription drug order may be transmitted orally, by telephone, on paper, electronically or via facsimile. Any electronic prescription drug order must comply with the provision of O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 13 and Title 26, Chapter 4. A record of the prescription must be maintained in the patient's medical record.

(6) A physician assistant may authorize refills of any drug or device for up to 12 months from the date of the original prescription unless otherwise provided by law. Scheduled III, IV or V controlled substances may not be refilled more than six months from date of original prescription.

(7) The primary or alternate supervising physician shall evaluate or examine patients receiving controlled substances at least every three months.

(8) The supervising physician shall periodically review patient records. This review may be achieved with a sampling of such records as determined by the supervising physician.

(9) If authorized by the job description, a physician assistant may request, receive, sign for and distribute professional samples. Professional samples means complimentary doses of a drug, medication vouchers or medical devices provided by the manufacturer for use in patient care. If the professional samples are controlled substances, the physician assistant must also be registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia PDMP (prescription drug monitoring program).