This bill amends current law to allow patients to request that their prescription monitoring information include an indication that they should not be prescribed opioid drugs or other controlled substances with a significant potential for abuse or addiction. The indication will only be included at the patient's request, and the Division of Consumer Affairs will also establish a process for patients to remove this indication if they choose. Additionally, the division will create a method for patients to communicate their preference regarding prescriptions in situations where they may be incapacitated and unable to express their wishes. An education and outreach program for healthcare providers will also be developed to inform them about this new process.

The sponsors of the bill believe that enabling patients to indicate their preferences regarding the prescription of potentially addictive substances will support their recovery, help maintain sobriety, and prevent the issuance of prescriptions that could hinder their progress. This measure aims to assist healthcare practitioners in identifying patients who may be at risk of abusing or diverting prescription medications, ultimately promoting safer prescribing practices and better patient outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:1-46