The bill proposes significant changes to the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" by revising Section 21-28-1.02, which defines various terms related to controlled substances, and replacing it with a new version that will take effect on January 1, 2023. This new section aims to modernize the definitions associated with controlled substances, including the introduction of terms such as "acute pain," "chronic pain," and "chronic intractable pain."

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding the prescription and administration of opioids. Practitioners are required to prescribe opioids only when non-opioid therapies are ineffective and are limited to prescribing an initial quantity of opioids for acute pain to a maximum of a seven-day supply.

The bill establishes stricter guidelines for practitioners when prescribing opioids to minors, which include mandatory discussions about the risks associated with opioid use, non-opioid treatment alternatives, and the necessity of the prescription. Practitioners must document these discussions and offer naloxone with the prescription. Furthermore, practitioners are required to review a patient's controlled substance use in the prescription drug monitoring program before initiating opioid therapy and to conduct regular reviews for patients on continuous opioid therapy.

The bill also repeals the existing Intractable Pain Treatment Act and introduces new definitions and guidelines for managing chronic intractable pain, ensuring that concerns about substance use disorder do not automatically hinder appropriate pain management. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation of opioid prescriptions while allowing practitioners to exercise their clinical judgment in treatment decisions.

Statutes affected:
7923: 21-28-1.02