Controlled Substances Policy

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Our Position

Bloom360 is a preventive primary care clinic focused on proactive, whole-person health. As part of our commitment to safe, responsible care, Bloom360 providers do not prescribe controlled substances. This policy applies to all Bloom360 healthcare providers across all states in which we operate.

If you are currently taking a controlled substance prescribed by another healthcare provider, that is perfectly fine. Your Bloom360 care team can work alongside your existing prescriber to coordinate your overall health plan. We simply cannot initiate, refill, or manage prescriptions for controlled substances through our platform.

What Is a Controlled Substance

A controlled substance is a drug or medication whose manufacture, possession, and use is regulated by the U.S. government under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their accepted medical use, potential for abuse, and likelihood of causing dependence:

  • Schedule I: High potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in the United States (e.g., heroin, LSD, ecstasy).
  • Schedule II: High potential for abuse, accepted medical use with severe restrictions, may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence (e.g., oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, Ritalin).
  • Schedule III: Moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence (e.g., testosterone, ketamine, Tylenol with codeine).
  • Schedule IV: Low potential for abuse and dependence (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ambien, tramadol).
  • Schedule V: Lower potential for abuse, contain limited quantities of certain narcotics (e.g., cough preparations with less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 mL, Lyrica).

Common Medications We Do Not Prescribe

The following is a non-exhaustive list of commonly prescribed controlled substances that Bloom360 providers will not prescribe, refill, or manage:

Pain Medications / Opioids

  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Tramadol (Ultram)
  • Fentanyl (Duragesic)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Methadone (when used for pain or opioid use disorder)
  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)

Anxiety and Sedative Medications / Benzodiazepines

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Temazepam (Restoril)
  • Midazolam (Versed)

Sleep Medications

  • Zolpidem (Ambien)
  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • Zaleplon (Sonata)
  • Suvorexant (Belsomra)

ADHD and Stimulant Medications

  • Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
  • Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)

Weight Loss Medications (DEA-Scheduled)

  • Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
  • Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)
  • Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
  • Benzphetamine (Didrex)

Other Controlled Substances

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
  • Butalbital combinations (Fioricet, Fiorinal)
  • Carisoprodol (Soma)
  • Testosterone (controlled in many states)
  • Medical cannabis / marijuana products

Non-Controlled Medications Prescribed With Extra Caution

Some medications are not classified as controlled substances by the DEA but may have abuse potential, significant side effects, or require special monitoring. Bloom360 providers may prescribe these medications on a case-by-case basis with appropriate clinical oversight:

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin): Used for nerve pain and seizures. While not federally scheduled, some states classify gabapentin as a controlled substance due to abuse potential.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): An over-the-counter decongestant that is regulated due to its use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Available without prescription but tracked at point of sale.
  • Promethazine (Phenergan): An antihistamine and antiemetic that may be prescribed with caution due to sedative effects and abuse potential when combined with other substances.
  • Clonidine (Catapres): Used for blood pressure management and sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD or anxiety. Requires careful monitoring for blood pressure effects.
  • Muscle Relaxants: Certain muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol) may be prescribed with appropriate monitoring and for limited durations.

If You Need a Controlled Substance

If you have a medical condition that requires a controlled substance, we recommend the following:

  • Continue with your existing prescriber: If you currently receive a controlled substance from another healthcare provider, continue that relationship. Your Bloom360 care team can coordinate with your prescriber to ensure integrated care.
  • Seek an in-person evaluation: Many controlled substances, particularly those for pain management and mental health, are best managed through an in-person clinical relationship with appropriate monitoring. Consider establishing care with a local primary care provider, psychiatrist, or pain management specialist.
  • Request a referral: Your Bloom360 care team can help refer you to an appropriate specialist or provider who can manage your controlled substance needs. Let your provider know, and our care coordinator can assist with finding resources in your area.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is informed by and consistent with the following laws and regulations:

  • Controlled Substances Act (CSA): The federal law that establishes the framework for regulating controlled substances in the United States, including scheduling, manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing.
  • Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act: A federal law that requires at least one in-person medical evaluation before a controlled substance may be prescribed via telemedicine, with limited exceptions. While temporary flexibilities were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this law underscores the regulatory complexities of prescribing controlled substances through telehealth.
  • DEA Regulations: The DEA enforces regulations related to the prescribing, dispensing, and record-keeping of controlled substances. DEA-registered practitioners must comply with federal and state requirements when prescribing controlled substances.
  • State Laws: Individual states may impose additional restrictions on the prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth, including requirements for in-person evaluations, prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) checks, and quantity limitations.

Bloom360's policy to not prescribe controlled substances is a clinical and operational decision designed to prioritize patient safety and responsible care, and to ensure compliance with the complex and evolving regulatory landscape governing controlled substance prescribing in telehealth.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Controlled Substances Policy or need guidance on managing your medications, please contact us: