The proposed bill establishes new provisions aimed at promoting the use of non-opioid drugs for pain management within the medical assistance program and health insurance policies in South Dakota. It mandates the Department of Social Services to create a preferred drug list that includes non-opioid drugs approved by the FDA for pain treatment, ensuring these drugs are not disadvantaged compared to opioids. This protection applies immediately upon FDA approval, regardless of the drug's review status by the department. Additionally, insurers and self-funded employee benefit plans are required to maintain a formulary that similarly does not disadvantage non-opioid drugs.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that health insurers and self-funded plans cannot deny coverage for non-opioid drugs when prescribed by healthcare professionals in favor of opioids. If any insurance policy restricts coverage for a non-opioid drug, an exception must be granted if the prescribing professional determines that the non-opioid is appropriate for the patient's treatment based on their clinical judgment. This legislation aims to encourage the use of non-opioid alternatives in pain management, thereby addressing concerns related to opioid dependency and misuse.