Bill > HB667

This bill aims to reduce addiction, overdose, and death related to the use of opioids in Hawaii. The key provisions are: 1. Patients and prescribers of opioids must execute a written informed consent agreement if the patient requires opioid treatment for more than three months, is prescribed benzodiazepines and opioids together, or is prescribed a high dose of opioids. The agreement covers topics like risk of overdose, availability of naloxone, non-opioid treatment options, and ongoing risk assessment. 2. Initial prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines are limited to a maximum of seven consecutive days, except for treatment of cancer, palliative or hospice care, or substance abuse or dependency, where the prescriber must document the medical condition and that a non-opioid alternative is not appropriate. The bill seeks to address the nationwide opioid epidemic through an informed consent process and limits on initial opioid prescriptions.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=667&year=2018