The bill aims to promote the use of nonopioid drugs for pain management by prohibiting health plans and managed care organizations from implementing practices that disadvantage or discourage these alternatives compared to opioid or narcotic drugs. Specifically, starting January 1, 2026, health plans cannot designate nonopioid drugs as nonpreferred if any opioid is preferred, nor can they impose more restrictive utilization management practices on nonopioid drugs than those applied to opioids. The bill defines "nonopioid drug" as any drug approved by the FDA that provides pain relief without acting on opioid receptors.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of an educational pamphlet by the Department of Health by January 1, 2026, which will provide information on nonopioid alternatives and their pros and cons. It also amends existing definitions in RCW 48.43.400 to include references to the new sections introduced in the bill, ensuring that the definitions of clinical practice guidelines, clinical review criteria, and prescription drug utilization management are consistent with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.43.400