The bill proposes significant changes to the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" by revising Section 21-28-1.02, which will be replaced with a new version effective January 1, 2023. This new section introduces updated definitions related to controlled substances, including terms such as "acute pain," "chronic intractable pain," and "opioid therapy."

The bill establishes that opioids may only be prescribed for acute pain when non-opioid therapies are ineffective, and it limits initial prescriptions to a maximum of seven days. It also sets forth stricter guidelines for practitioners when prescribing opioids to minors, including a prohibition on issuing more than twenty doses at a time and a requirement to discuss the risks and alternatives with patients or their guardians. Practitioners must document these discussions and provide naloxone with prescriptions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that practitioners review patients' controlled substance use histories before initiating opioid therapy and allows for the development of best practices in opioid use for pain management.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing Intractable Pain Treatment Act and clarifies that practitioners will not face disciplinary action for therapeutic prescriptions for intractable pain, provided that proper documentation is maintained. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3259: 21-28-1.02
3259  SUB A: 21-28-1.02