KENTUCKY BOARD OF PODIATRY

Prescribing Controlled Substances

Prior to prescribing controlled substances to patients in Kentucky, a licensed podiatrist must have the following:

An active Kentucky Podiatry License
A DEA registration number specific for Kentucky. If you practice in more than one state or store controlled substances in multiple locations within Kentucky, you may be required to register for additional DEA numbers.
DEA Registration Information
DEA Contact Information
An active KASPER account. Additional information is available here: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dai/deppb/Pages/kasper.aspx

Kentucky Revised Statute 218A.182 mandates the electronic prescribing of controlled substances in Kentucky effective January 1, 2021. Click here for more information from CHFS.

Podiatrists licensed in Kentucky may ONLY prescribe a controlled substance:

For the examination, diagnosis, and treatment affecting the human foot and its related or governing structures and,
As outlined in the Kentucky Podiatrists Prescribing Regulation 201 KAR 25:090 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/201/025/090.pdf

Consider Risks vs Benefits More than 98,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in June 2021, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, and an increase of over 18% compared to the previous year. Podiatrists should consider non-pharmacologic and non-opioid therapy first. If controlled substances are necessary, patients should be screened for factors that increase risk of harm or misuse. For example:

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) -- History of drug misuse, overdose, family history of SUD;
Co-Morbid Medical Conditions -- Sleep apnea, obesity, pregnancy, older age;
Mental Health Conditions -- Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD; and
Other prescriptions -- Benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, hypnotics or other prescription opioids.

Podiatrists should only prescribe controlled substances if the benefits outweigh the risks. All patients should be educated on the safe and proper use of medication, the risks and benefits of use, appropriate storage and disposal methods, as well as risks associated with operating heavy machinery. Below you will find various links in order to assist podiatrists in screening patients and complying with the podiatry prescribing regulation (201 KAR 25:090).

Patient Counseling Guide

Sample Consent Form