IC 35-45-21-5 — Obstruction of delivery of prescription drug
Chapter 21. Offenses Against Public Health
Section text
Sec. 5. (a) The following definitions apply throughout this section: (1) "Health care provider" refers to a health care provider (as defined in IC 16-18-2-163(a), IC 16-18-2-163(b), or IC 16-18-2-163(c)) or a qualified medication aide as described in IC 16-27.5-4. (2) "Licensed health professional" has the meaning set forth in IC 25-23-1-27.1. (3) "Practitioner" has the meaning set forth in IC 16-42-19-5. However, the term does not include a veterinarian. (4) "Prescription drug" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-48-1.1-35. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally physically interrupts, obstructs, or alters the delivery or administration of a prescription drug: (1) prescribed or ordered by a practitioner for a person who is a patient of the practitioner; and (2) without the prescription or order of a practitioner; commits interference with medical services, a Class A misdemeanor, except as provided in subsection (c). (c) An offense described in subsection (b) is: (1) a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury; (2) a Level 5 felony if it is committed by a person who is a licensed health care provider or licensed health professional; (3) a Level 4 felony if it results in serious bodily injury to the patient; and (4) a Level 2 felony if it results in the death of the patient. (d) A person is justified in engaging in conduct otherwise prohibited under this section if the conduct is performed by: (1) a health care provider or licensed health professional who acts in good faith within the scope of the person's practice or employment; or (2) a person who is rendering emergency care at the scene of an emergency or accident in a good faith attempt to avoid or minimize serious bodily injury to the patient.
As added by P.L.158-2013, SEC.547. Amended by P.L.186-2025, SEC.241; P.L.143-2025, SEC.53; P.L.186-2025, SEC.275.
Source: official publisher (2026 edition)