This bill establishes new provisions in South Dakota law regarding the treatment of pain with non-opioid drugs. It mandates that the Department of Social Services create a preferred drug list for the medical assistance program, ensuring that non-opioid drugs approved by the FDA for pain management are not disadvantaged compared to opioid drugs. This protection applies immediately upon FDA approval of a non-opioid drug, regardless of its review status by the department. Additionally, health insurers and self-funded employee benefit plans must also ensure that non-opioid drugs are treated equitably in their formularies.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that when a healthcare professional prescribes a non-opioid drug for pain management, insurers cannot deny coverage in favor of an opioid drug. If an insurance policy restricts coverage for a non-opioid drug, an exception must be granted if the prescribing professional confirms that the non-opioid drug is appropriate based on their clinical judgment. This legislation aims to promote the use of non-opioid pain management options and reduce reliance on opioids.