Physicians in Indiana have to follow new prescribing procedures for certain types of drugs. Last year state lawmakers directed the Medical Licensing Board to set standards and protocols for the prescribing of controlled substances consistent with standard medical practices in pain management treatment. Prescription pain medications are among the most commonly abused drugs in the state, according to law enforcement officials. The new rules took effect yesterday. They require new procedures for who exceed the prescribing threshold of 60 opioid-containing pills a month or a morphine equivalent dose of more than 15 milligrams per day. The Indiana Board of Pharmacy will also consider adoption of this emergency rule when they meet in January in order to broaden its application to other types of providers like dentists and veterinarians.