Bill > H4165

This bill amends South Carolina law to create new guidelines for pain management that prioritize non-opioid treatments and patient education. The legislation requires the Department of Public Health to develop an educational pamphlet about non-opioid pain treatment alternatives by September 30, 2025, which will be published on their website. Before prescribing Schedule II opioid medications for pain, healthcare practitioners must now inform patients about non-opioid alternatives, which can include various treatments like acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, and non-opioid medications. Practitioners must discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives with patients, consider the patient's personal preferences and substance abuse history, and document the alternatives considered in the patient's medical record. The requirements do not apply to opioid prescriptions for medical emergencies, acute trauma, hospitalized patients, cancer treatment, palliative or end-of-life care, sickle cell disease, perioperative care, or prescriptions following current CDC clinical guidelines. The bill aims to provide patients with more comprehensive information about pain management and reduce potential opioid misuse by encouraging exploration of alternative treatments.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4165&session=126&summary=B