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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 10Ch. 4Art. 1§ 11156 Prescribing To Addiction Patients

§ 11156 Prescribing To Addiction Patients

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 11156 Prescribing To Addiction Patients

Key Takeaways

  • •Doctors can't give certain strong medicines to people who have a big problem with drugs, unless there's a special rule that says it's okay.
  • •A person has a 'big problem with drugs' if they really want the drug a lot, can't stop using it, or keep using it even when it hurts them.
  • •If someone is just trying to get drugs because they're in a lot of pain, this rule doesn't count for them.

Example

A person goes to the doctor and asks for strong painkillers, but the doctor knows this person has been taking too many painkillers for a long time and can't stop, even though it's causing problems in their life.

The doctor can't give the person the painkillers because the person has a big problem with drugs. The doctor has to follow the rules and can only give the medicine if there's a special reason.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 11156 Prescribing To Addiction Patients

(a) Except as provided in Section 2241 of the Business and Professions Code, no person shall prescribe for, or administer, or dispense a controlled substance to, a person with substance use disorder, or to any person representing themselves as such, except as permitted by this division. (b) (1) For purposes of this section, “person with substance use disorder” means a person whose actions are characterized by craving in combination with one or more of the following: (A) Impaired control over drug use. (B) Compulsive use. (C) Continued use despite harm. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a person whose drug-seeking behavior is primarily due to the inadequate control of pain is not a person with substance use disorder within the meaning of this section. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 21, Sec. 5. (AB 1130) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

person with substance use disordercontrolled substancesubstance use disorder

Related Statutes

  • § 11153 Controlled Substance Prescription Rules
  • § 11154 Unlawful Controlled Substance Dispensing
  • § 11159.2 Terminal Illness Prescription Exemption
  • § 11164 Controlled Substance Prescription Requirements
  • § 11164.1 Out-Of-State Controlled Substance Prescriptions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 11156.
View Official Source