Bill > H4814

This bill aims to enhance patient assessment and notification requirements prior to prescribing certain medications, including benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and opioids. The bill defines "benzodiazepine" and "non-benzodiazepine hypnotic," and requires practitioners to conduct a comprehensive review with patients (or their parents/guardians for minors) before prescribing these medications for the first time. The review must include an evaluation of the patient's condition, risk factors, and treatment history, an assessment of alternative treatments, and a discussion of the risks associated with the medication, such as addiction and overdose. The practitioner must also obtain the patient's (or their parent/guardian's) written informed consent before the initial prescription. Similar requirements are established for prescribing opioids, including additional review and consent procedures for third-time prescriptions.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Public Health (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4814