Pain Assessments

Effective January 1, 2018, AB 1048 (Chapter 615, Statutes of 2017) removes the requirement that health facilities licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) assess pain concurrently with the collection of patient vital signs. The bill retains the requirement to assess patient pain but does not specify when the assessment will take place.

Removal of the requirement to assess patient pain along with vital signs allows facilities to create their own policies and procedures surrounding pain assessment and management, consistent with clinical practice.

Partial Fill Authority

Effective July 1, 2018, AB 1048 authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense Schedule II substances as a partial fill prescription at the request of either the patient or the prescriber. This bill also establishes storage, reporting, and recording requirements.

For information regarding AB 1048’s requirements for licensed pharmacists in health facilities, please contact the California State Board of Pharmacy (BoP) at:

California State Board of Pharmacy

1625 North Market Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95834

(916) 574-7900

You may also visit BoP’s website at: CA State Board of Pharmacy

CDPH’s failure to expressly notify facilities of statutory or regulatory requirements does not relieve facilities of their responsibility for following all laws and regulations. Facilities should refer to the full text of all applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations to ensure compliance.

If you have questions, please contact your local Licensing and Certification district office (DO). DO contact information is located at:

District Office Contact

Sincerely,

Original signed by Jean Iacino

Jean Iacino
Deputy Director