Pennsylvania § 52A01 - Definitions.

§ 52A01. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Authorized adult." An adult who has a valid health care proxy to consent to the minor's medical treatment.

"Bureau." The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

"Controlled substance." A drug, substance or immediate precursor included in Schedules II, III, IV and V of section 4 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.

"Licensing board." A Commonwealth board which licenses, registers or certifies a prescriber.

"Medical emergency." A situation which, in a prescriber's good faith professional judgment, creates an immediate threat of serious risk to the life or physical health of a minor.

"Minor." An individual under 18 years of age. The term excludes an individual who is emancipated by:

(1) marrying;

(2) entering the armed forces of the United States;

(3) being employed and self-sustaining; or

(4) otherwise being independent from the care and control of the individual's parent, guardian or custodian.

"Opioid." Any of the following:

(1) A preparation or derivative of opium.

(2) A synthetic narcotic that has opiate-like effects but is not derived from opium.

(3) A group of naturally occurring peptides that bind at or otherwise influence opiate receptors, including opioid agonist.

"Prescriber." A person that is licensed, registered or otherwise authorized to distribute, dispense or administer a controlled substance, other drug or device in the course of professional practice or research in this Commonwealth. The term does not include a veterinarian.