SECTION 229.143. Organization

(a) Organization types. A narcotic treatment program (NTP) may be organized as an independent single program or may be a part of a centralized organization. Each location site must receive independent approval and, upon approval, be issued an approved narcotic drug permit. If an applicant is a partnership or a corporation, all individuals having a majority or management interest in such corporation or partnership must be identified.

(b) Persons responsible. Where two or more NTPs share a central administration (e.g., a city or statewide organization), the person responsible for the organization is required to be listed as the permit holder for each separate participating program. An individual shall indicate participation in the central organization at the time of the application. The permit holder shall fulfill all recordkeeping and reporting requirements for these programs, but each program must continue to receive separate approval. If a physician assumes medical responsibility for more than one NTP, a statement describing how medical services will be provided to each NTP shall be submitted to the department.

(c) Medication unit. A program may establish a medication unit to facilitate the needs of patients who are stabilized on an optimal dosage level. A medication unit is limited to administering or dispensing a narcotic drug and collecting samples for drug testing or analysis for narcotic drugs in accordance with §229.148(h)(1). The only patients who shall be referred to a medication unit are those not in need of frequent counseling, rehabilitative, or other services. The physician shall be responsible for making this determination and documenting the patient's record. If a private practitioner wishes to provide other services besides administering or dispensing a narcotic drug and collecting samples for drug testing or analysis for narcotic drugs, he or she must submit an application for separate approval as an NTP.

Source Note: The provisions of this §229.143 adopted to be effective September 3, 1990, 15 TexReg 4823; amended to be effective December 31, 2001, 26 TexReg 10871; amended to be effective January 1, 2005, 29 TexReg 11980