In the September 20, 2008 issue of the Louisiana Register, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners amending the rules governing dispensation of medications. The amended rules now forbid dispensing physicians from dispensing any controlled substance or drug of concern, unless the physician practices at a governmental facility or a licensed abuse or addiction treatment facility, or is engaged in a regulated clinical research project or investigational study.

The amended rule does permit a dispensing physician to dispense up to a single 48-hour supply of a single controlled substance or drug of concern to a patient. Also, a physician is permitted to submit a written application to depart from the prohibition for an individually identified patient. The board will review such written waiver applications on an individual case basis. The Louisiana Register publication of the Rule is here .