This bill codifies regulatory provisions related to the prescription of controlled dangerous substances and prescription monitoring in New Jersey. It mandates that practitioners limit initial prescriptions for opioid drugs to a five-day supply for acute pain and requires thorough documentation of the patient's medical history, treatment plan, and prescription monitoring information before issuing prescriptions for both acute and chronic pain. Additionally, practitioners must discuss the risks associated with opioid use with patients or their guardians, enter into pain management agreements for chronic pain treatment, and conduct regular assessments and urine drug testing to monitor compliance and potential dependence.

The bill also amends the definition of chronic pain to specify that it persists for three or more consecutive months and includes provisions for prescribing a 90-day supply of an implantable infusion pump for patients with cancer, intractable pain, or terminal illness. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of advising patients about the availability of opioid antidotes and referring them to specialists if treatment objectives are not met. Overall, the bill aims to enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of opioid misuse and addiction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:21-15.2