The bill amends Section 21-28-3.20.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28, known as the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act," to update the guidelines that practitioners must follow when prescribing, administering, and dispensing controlled substances. The amendment specifically addresses the management of pain associated with cancer, palliative or nursing home care, and chronic intractable pain as outlined in § 5-37.4-2, or other conditions permitted by the department of health regulations. The bill replaces the reference to the "2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain" with the "CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain--United States, 2022," thus updating the standards to the most recent guidelines.

Additionally, the bill grants the director of health the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section. These rules must consider the individualized needs of patients and allow practitioners to use their best judgment in managing pain associated with their patients' illnesses, notwithstanding any other statute, rule, or regulation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage. The legislative explanation clarifies that the purpose of the act is to update the opioid prescribing guidelines from the 2016 version to the 2022 version.

Statutes affected:
793  SUB A: 21-28-3.20.1
793: 21-28-3.20.1