Section 946.625  Persons Receiving Care at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Seeking to Qualify for the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program

a)         A veteran or spouse of a veteran receiving care at a VA health care facility, who has a current prescription for an opioid, may apply for the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program by submitting a completed electronic application to the Department.

b)         The applicant shall:

1)         Be a resident of the State of Illinois, as defined in Section 946.200(c), at the time of application and remain a resident during participation in the program;

2)         Submit a photograph of the patient as follows:

A)        Current digital passport-size photograph, taken no more than 30 calendar days before the submission of the application;

B)        Taken against a plain, light-colored background or backdrop;

C)        At least 2 inches by 2 inches in size;

D)        In natural color; and

E)        That provides an unobstructed front view of the full face. A full-faced photograph must be taken without any obstruction of the applicant's facial features or any items covering any portion of the face.  Prescription glasses and religious head coverings not covering any areas of the open face will be allowed. Head coverings for persons diagnosed and undergoing treatment for cancer are allowed;

5)         Pay the registration co-payment of $10 for the initial registration in the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program;

6)         Provide a copy of medical records from the patient's VA health record found at www.myhealth.va.gov. The medical records shall include, but not be limited to, the VA Problem List, VA Appointments, and VA Medication History for the most current 12-month period.  The VA Medication History must show proof of a current, ongoing prescription for an opioid;

7)         Provide a copy of the patient's DD-214 or equivalent certified document indicating character and dates of service or, if the spouse of a veteran, a copy of the veteran's documents; and

c)         A veteran or the spouse of a veteran enrolled in the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program who submits an application to the Department for a medical cannabis registry identification card shall cease to be registered with the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program immediately upon submission of the application and associated fee.

d)         Opioid Alternative Pilot Program participants shall notify the Department of changes in the participant's name or address.

(Source:  Added at 45 Ill. Reg. 6205, effective April 27, 2021)