The bill amends the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" to introduce new definitions and regulations concerning the prescription and administration of controlled substances, particularly opioids. It establishes definitions for "acute pain," which is defined as pain of less than thirty (30) days duration, and "chronic intractable pain," characterized by severe, debilitating pain that dominates a patient's conscious moments. The term "opioid therapy" is introduced, encompassing the prescription and administration of controlled substances for therapeutic purposes.

Practitioners are required to initiate opioid therapy only for acute pain unresponsive to non-opioid treatments, prescribing the lowest effective dosage for an initial maximum of seven (7) days. The bill also includes provisions for chronic pain management, allowing practitioners to prescribe controlled substances for chronic intractable pain without regard to the CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, provided that the diagnosis and treatment are documented in the patient's medical records.

The bill repeals the existing chapter on "Intractable Pain Treatment" and emphasizes that concerns about a patient's substance use disorder should not automatically preclude treatment, as long as proper documentation and monitoring are in place. Practitioners must document the medical condition necessitating opioid prescriptions and review the prescription drug monitoring program prior to initiating opioid therapy.

Additionally, the bill introduces a temporary definition section effective until January 1, 2023, and streamlines the legal framework by repealing Section 21-28-1.02, which contained extensive definitions related to controlled substances. These amendments aim to enhance the regulation of opioid prescriptions while ensuring effective pain management practices. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5615: 21-28-1.02
5615  SUB A: 21-28-1.02