Controlled Substance Prescribing Policy
At Boston Premier Psychiatry, we are committed to providing you with safe, evidence-based psychiatric care. This policy explains how we approach the prescribing of controlled substances—medications that carry federal and state regulations due to their potential for dependence or misuse. Understanding our prescribing practices helps you know what to expect and ensures we’re the right fit for your treatment needs.
Our Commitment to Safe Prescribing
Our Primary Goal: To provide effective treatment while prioritizing your long-term health, safety, and
well-being.
We comply with all federal and Massachusetts state regulations related to controlled substances, including the Ryan Haight Act. This means:
- Every prescription decision is guided by clinical appropriateness, patient safety, and strict regulatory compliance
- We conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations before prescribing controlled substances
- We monitor your treatment regularly to ensure safety and effectiveness
- We use evidence-based alternatives whenever appropriate
Our Services Include Telemedicine
We provide comprehensive psychiatric care via telemedicine, including evaluation and treatment for conditions such as ADHD. This means you can receive quality psychiatric care from the comfort of your home—while maintaining the same rigorous safety and evaluation standards we apply to all in-person visits.
Controlled Substance Prescribing: Key Policies
When Controlled Substances Are Prescribed
Controlled substances are prescribed only when all of the following conditions are met:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation completed
- Strict diagnostic criteria documented in your medical record
- Clinical need clearly established based on symptoms and functional impairment
- Regulatory requirements satisfied
- Patient commitment to ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
Stimulant Medications and ADHD Treatment
Stimulant medications (used to treat ADHD) may be prescribed via telemedicine, but only when all federal and Massachusetts regulatory requirements are satisfied.
For Children and Adolescents
Stimulant medications may be considered only after:
- A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Completion and review of validated rating scales (Vanderbilt scales) from both:
- A parent or caregiver
- The child’s teacher
- Clear documentation of clinically significant functional impairment
- Commitment to ongoing monitoring and follow-up appointments
For Adults
Stimulant medications may be considered only after:
- Documentation of ADHD through formal neuropsychological testing
- Review and approval of relevant outside medical records
Monitoring with the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT)
MassPAT is a state monitoring system that helps us prescribe safely.
- Prior to prescribing stimulant medications, we review your MassPAT record
- We continue periodic MassPAT reviews as required by Massachusetts law
- All MassPAT reviews are documented in your medical record
- This monitoring helps us identify potential drug interactions, previous prescriptions, and ensure safe
prescribing practices
Medications We Do Not Initiate
To provide evidence-based, safer treatment alternatives, this practice does not initiate new prescriptions for:
Benzodiazepines
Examples include: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and similar medications
Sedative-Hypnotic Sleep Medications
Examples include: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, and similar medications
If You're Already Taking These Medications
If you are currently taking benzodiazepines or sedative-hypnotic medications, we can:
- Discuss gradual dose reduction (called “down-titration”) when clinically appropriate—we never abruptly stop these medications
- Offer non-controlled medication alternatives
- Recommend non-pharmacologic treatment options (such as therapy techniques, sleep hygiene, relaxation practices)
We work collaboratively with you to transition to safer, evidence-based treatments.
Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance
What Happens After We Prescribe Controlled Substances
When controlled substances are prescribed, regular follow-up and monitoring are required. This includes:
- Regular appointments to assess medication effectiveness and side effects
- Ongoing safety monitoring through clinical assessment and periodic reviews
- Communication about any concerns or changes in your symptoms
- Documentation in your medical record
Possible Reasons for Medication Adjustment or Discontinuation
We may reduce your dose or discontinue controlled substances if:
- Early refill requests suggest possible misuse
- Concerns arise about medication misuse or diversion
- You don’t comply with the agreed-upon treatment plan
- A controlled substance treatment agreement (if used) is not followed
Is This Practice Right for You?
We Are the Right Choice If You:
- Want evidence-based, safe psychiatric care
- Are willing to undergo comprehensive evaluation
- Commit to regular follow-up appointments
- Value clinician expertise and regulatory compliance
- Prefer a collaborative approach to treatment
- Are open to medication alternatives and non-pharmacologic treatment
We May Not Be the Right Choice If You:
- Are seeking controlled substances without comprehensive evaluation
- Prefer a provider who prescribes "quick and easy"
- Are unwilling to participate in regular monitoring
- Need immediate controlled substance prescriptions without formal evaluation
- Are looking for a practice that initiates benzodiazepines or sedative-hypnotics
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights as a Patient
- Receive comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before starting controlled substances
- Understand why specific medications are (or are not) recommended
- Know the risks and benefits of any prescribed medication
- Ask questions at any time
- Request alternative treatment options
- Privacy and confidentiality of your medical record
Your Responsibilities
- Attend scheduled appointments as agreed
- Provide honest information about your symptoms, medical history, and medication use
- Follow prescribing instructions and take medications only as directed
- Report side effects or concerns promptly
Participate in ongoing monitoring - Use medications only for the prescribed purpose
Telemedicine for Controlled Substances
We provide psychiatric care via telemedicine in compliance with federal law (including the Ryan Haight Act) and Massachusetts regulations.
Telemedicine with Controlled Substances:
- First visit: Usually in-person or requires additional verification procedures
- Subsequent visits: May be conducted via telemedicine when appropriate
- Prescribing decisions: Guided by the same clinical criteria as in-person visits
- Monitoring: Continues via telemedicine between in-person appointments when needed
We ensure the same level of evaluation, safety, and monitoring whether you’re seen in person or via
telemedicine.
Additional Resources
For More Information About Mental Health Treatment:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org
Crisis Support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Patient Acknowledgment & Consent
By choosing to become a patient at Boston Premier Psychiatry, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the
following items:
- Read and understood this Controlled Substance Prescribing Policye Prescribing Policy
- Reviewed the specific requirements for controlled substance evaluation and monitoring
- Understand that controlled substances are prescribed only after comprehensive evaluation and when strict criteria are met
- Agree to participate in ongoing monitoring, regular appointments, and compliance with treatment agreements when applicable
- Acknowledge that we do not initiate benzodiazepines or sedative-hypnotic sleep medications, though safer alternatives will be offered
- Understand that our telemedicine services comply with federal and Massachusetts regulations for controlled substance prescribing
- Confirm that this practice's prescribing approach aligns with your treatment expectations and needs
- Consent to use of the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT) prior to and periodically during controlled substance prescribing