(1) Only those classes of topical medications approved for use by 37-24-108 , MCA, may be applied by the clinician to a patient.

(2) Each clinician is responsible for understanding the use of approved topical medications. The medications must be prescribed for the patient by a licensed medical practitioner with prescriptive authority.

(a) The clinician is responsible for reading and understanding the medication's package inserts for indications and contraindications, as well as actions.

(b) The clinician is responsible for consulting the Physician's Desk Reference ("PDR") whenever the clinician needs to supplement the information contained in the package insert in order to appropriately understand the use of the medication.

(c) The clinician is responsible for keeping appropriate records with respect to the topical medication applied or administered in the course of the clinician's practice. Such record keeping must be part of the patient's chart and must verify that the topical medication is properly labeled and packaged as required. Moreover, the record must include a verification that the topical medication was purchased from a licensed Montana pharmacy.

(3) The following list identifies the classes of topical medications which are approved for use by the clinician. The list also cross-references the rule that provides more detailed information concerning each class of approved topical medications:

(a) debriding agents, including bactericidal agents (see ARM 24.165.518);

(b) anesthetic agents (see ARM 24.165.519);

(c) anti-inflammatory agents (see ARM 24.165.520);

(d) antispasmodic agents (see ARM 24.165.521); and

(e) adrenocortico-steroids (see ARM 24.165.522).

(4) The use of an approved class of topical medications is subject to the conditions and requirements established by the administrative rule applicable to that class.

(5) In the event a licensee works at a facility that has different protocols for the use of topical medications by occupational therapy practitioners, the licensee may apply to the board for authorization to use topical medications pursuant to the protocols adopted by the facility. The board, in the exercise of its sound judgment and discretion, and in consultation with such health care providers as it deems appropriate, may grant a licensee such authorization on a case-by-case basis. In no instance will the board authorize the use of topical medications that are not within the classes of topical medications authorized by statute for use by occupational therapy practitioners.