Bill > S0161

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting non-opioid pain management in South Carolina by creating new regulations for healthcare practitioners, insurance providers, and state health departments. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a Preferred Drug List (PDL) that ensures non-opioid pain treatments are not disadvantaged compared to opioid treatments, prohibiting practices like making non-opioid drugs less preferred or imposing more restrictive coverage requirements. Healthcare practitioners will be required to inform patients about non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment before prescribing Schedule II controlled substance opioids, including discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives and considering the patient's personal preferences and history of substance abuse. The Department of Public Health must develop and publish an educational pamphlet about non-opioid pain management alternatives by September 30, 2025, which will provide information on various treatment options like medicinal drugs, interventional procedures, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other therapies. Insurance providers are also prohibited from denying coverage of non-opioid prescription medications in favor of opioid drugs, and the state will ensure appropriate reimbursement for non-opioid treatments under medical assistance programs. The bill aims to provide patients with more comprehensive pain management options while reducing potential opioid dependency.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0161&session=126&summary=B