The Pain Relief Parity Act aims to ensure equitable treatment of non-opioid pain relief medications within the Arkansas Medicaid Program. The act mandates that the Department of Human Services must not disadvantage or discourage the coverage of non-opioid drugs that are FDA-approved and lack therapeutic equivalents when compared to opioid or narcotic drugs. This includes prohibiting the designation of non-opioid drugs as non-preferred if any opioid or narcotic is preferred, as well as preventing the imposition of more stringent utilization controls, such as prior authorization or step therapy, on non-opioid drugs compared to their opioid counterparts.

The bill introduces new legal language to the Arkansas Code, specifically adding a section titled "20-77-408. Medicaid pain relief parity." This section outlines the requirements for the formulary and preferred drug list, emphasizing the need for parity in pain relief options to promote the use of non-opioid alternatives in the treatment and management of pain. The overarching goal of the legislation is to enhance patient access to a broader range of pain management therapies while addressing concerns related to opioid use.