The proposed bill establishes the "Opioid Addiction Prevention Pilot Project" aimed at improving post-surgical pain management and reducing unnecessary opioid prescriptions. The project will be managed by the Department of Health, which will contract with a third party that has a proven track record in providing nurse navigation services. This service will include personalized pain management coaching, follow-up support, and education on medication use, all while ensuring compliance with federal health regulations. The pilot project will run for five years and will focus on preventing opioid misuse, addiction, and related health issues stemming from surgical procedures.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $9 million from the opioid crisis recovery fund to support the project from fiscal years 2026 through 2031. The Department of Health is required to report annually to the legislative finance committee and the legislative health and human services committee on the project's outcomes, including metrics on surgical cases and opioid use reduction. The bill emphasizes the urgency of its implementation by declaring an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately for the benefit of public health and safety.