The bill S. 161 aims to enhance non-opioid pain management in South Carolina by establishing a state preferred drug list (PDL) and ensuring that non-opioid treatments are not disadvantaged compared to opioid treatments. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services adopt or amend a PDL, ensuring that no non-opioid drug approved by the FDA for pain management is treated less favorably than any opioid drug. The bill also prohibits managed care organizations from denying coverage for non-opioid medications in favor of opioids and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide relevant reimbursements for non-opioid treatments under the medical assistance program.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Health to create and publish an educational pamphlet on non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment, which must include information on available options and their pros and cons. Healthcare practitioners are also required to inform patients about non-opioid alternatives before prescribing opioids, discuss the risks of opioid use, and provide the educational pamphlet. The pamphlet is to be made available on the Department's website by September 30, 2025, and the act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.