The bill enacted as R.S. 46:153.3.2 establishes guidelines for Medicaid managed care organizations regarding the coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs for the treatment of chronic or acute pain. Specifically, it prohibits these organizations from denying coverage for nonopioid medications when prescribed by a licensed physician, ensuring that nonopioid alternatives are prioritized over opioid prescriptions. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Health is mandated to avoid implementing more restrictive utilization controls for nonopioid drugs compared to those applied to opioid medications.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific duties for the Louisiana Department of Health, which include providing education and technical assistance on the benefits of nonopioid alternatives, collaborating with various organizations to secure funding for related services, and assisting local governments that receive opioid grant awards linked to settlements from opioid litigation. This comprehensive approach aims to promote the use of nonopioid treatments and enhance public awareness of their advantages in pain management.