This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding new provisions to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Specifically, it would insert a new section, 36-2930.07, which prohibits AHCCCS contractors from making therapeutic substitutions for opioid drugs when a licensed physician has prescribed a non-opioid drug for chronic or acute pain. This change aims to ensure that patients receive the prescribed non-opioid treatment without being switched to an opioid.

Additionally, the bill would prevent AHCCCS from implementing more restrictive utilization controls for non-opioid prescription drugs compared to those applied to opioid or narcotic drugs. This means that any prior authorization or step therapy requirements for non-opioid medications cannot be more stringent than those for opioids, thereby promoting equitable access to necessary medications. Overall, these updates seek to enhance patient care and safety in the management of pain treatment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2930.07