On page 1, line 1, of the Introduced bill, after "to " insert "require non-opioid alternatives to pain management"
On page 1, line 3, of the Introduced bill, after "Dakota:" insert "
Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added:
34-20A-114. Pain management—Non-opioid alternatives—Exceptions.
Before a health care provider, acting within the scope of the provider's practice, may prescribe an opioid for the purpose of mitigating or alleviating a patient's pain, the provider shall recommend a non-opioid medication or an alternative treatment for pain management. For purposes of this section alternative treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic services, massage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and participation in a pain management program.
The restriction set forth in this section does not apply:
(1) To a provider who, using sound medical judgment, determines and documents in the patient's medical file that:
(a) Following or necessitated by a major physical trauma, illness, a surgical or other medical procedure, or a dental procedure, the patient's risk of adverse effects from pain outweighs the risk of opioid usage; or
(b) The patient would receive the greatest benefit from a course of treatment that includes an opioid prescription, while simultaneously pursuing alternative treatments for pain management; or
(2) In the case of a patient who is receiving:
(a) Treatment for cancer;
(b) Palliative care;
(c) Hospice care; or
(d) Treatment for an opioid use disorder.
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