Bill > SB0331

This bill makes several key amendments to Utah's laws regarding pain medication and prescription drug management. It introduces new definitions for terms like "immunosuppressive drug", "nonopioid drug", and "prescription drug utilization management" across multiple sections of state code. The bill prohibits state Medicaid programs and health benefit plans from designating nonopioid drugs as nonpreferred if any opioid or narcotic drug is designated as preferred, and prevents them from establishing more restrictive utilization management practices for nonopioid drugs compared to opioid drugs. Additionally, the bill requires the state to produce and distribute a pamphlet about opiates that includes information on addiction risks, proper drug storage and disposal, alternative pain management options, naloxone benefits, and substance use disorder resources. The bill also modifies rules around long-term drug prescriptions, requiring health benefit plans to provide advance notice and justification before requiring patients to change medications, with some exceptions. These changes aim to provide more patient-friendly approaches to pain medication management and promote awareness of opioid alternatives and risks. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0331.html