Bill > S1406

This bill aims to improve coordination of care for patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment by modifying two sections of Massachusetts law. First, it requires the department of public health to establish a process for including information about opioid maintenance treatment in the prescription monitoring program (PMP), a database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions, while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. The goal is to enable licensed professionals prescribing opioids to be aware of a patient's ongoing opioid maintenance treatment before issuing a new prescription. Second, the bill mandates that opioid treatment programs (facilities providing medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction) present patients with a consent form that allows the release of their treatment information through the PMP. This form must clearly explain that consent is voluntary but encouraged to improve service coordination, and patients must be informed about how they can complete and return the form. The facility must maintain a record of the patient's consent election, presenting the form both at the start and end of treatment. These provisions are designed to enhance patient care and prevent potential medication conflicts while respecting patient privacy and autonomy.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1406