Bill > SB248

This bill aims to increase the availability and awareness of prescription non-opioid pain treatment alternatives while providing patients with more comprehensive information about their pain management options. The legislation requires healthcare practitioners to inform patients about non-opioid alternatives before prescribing Schedule II opioid drugs, including discussing available medicinal drugs, interventional procedures, therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, physical therapy, and other appropriate treatments. Practitioners must now document that non-opioid alternatives were considered, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide patients with an educational pamphlet developed by the Department of Health about non-opioid pain treatment options. The bill also mandates that insurance providers, including public employee and Medicaid programs, cannot deny coverage of non-opioid prescription medications in favor of opioid drugs. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes patients' fundamental right to self-determination in healthcare decisions, particularly regarding opioid drug treatment. The overall goal is to reduce opioid dependency by encouraging healthcare providers to explore and prioritize non-opioid pain management strategies, in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's clinical practice guidelines.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=248&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill