Bill > A03116

This bill requires health practitioners to have detailed, mandatory discussions with patients before prescribing certain pain medications, specifically Schedule II controlled substances and opioid drugs. When first prescribing such medications and again before the third prescription, practitioners must explain several key risks: the potential for addiction and overdose, the dangers of combining these drugs with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, the specific reasons for the prescription, available alternative treatments, and the risks of developing physical or psychological dependence. Additionally, for the first opioid analgesic prescription in a calendar year that exceeds a one-week supply, physicians must counsel patients about overdose risks and inform them about opioid antagonists like naloxone, which can counteract opioid effects in emergencies. The bill defines specific opioid analgesics (including medications like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone) and mandates that the health department develop guidelines to help practitioners conduct these required discussions. The legislation aims to increase patient awareness and potentially reduce risks associated with opioid medications by ensuring more comprehensive communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3116