The proposed bill, known as the Verified Opioid and Intoxicant Consumer Education or VOICE Act, aims to enhance patient education regarding the risks associated with opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. It introduces a new section, 3719.051, which mandates that the departments of health and behavioral health, in collaboration with relevant boards, develop educational materials for patients. These materials will cover critical topics such as the risks of addiction, signs of substance use disorder, safe usage and disposal of medications, alternative pain management methods, and available resources for intervention and treatment.

When a pharmacist or pharmacy intern dispenses an initial prescription for these medications, they are required to provide the educational materials and a survey to assess the patient's understanding of the information. The bill allows for the distribution of these materials through digital means, but also ensures that paper copies are available for those without electronic access. However, certain exemptions apply, such as prescriptions for cancer treatment, hospice patients, or those receiving palliative care, where the educational requirements do not need to be fulfilled.