What's happening
This bill requires healthcare practitioners to consider and discuss non-opioid alternatives before prescribing opioids for neuromusculoskeletal pain, with certain exceptions.
Why it matters
Requires practitioners to inform patients about non-opioid options,. such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and non-opioid medications, before starting opioid treatment for neuromusculoskeletal pain, ensuring patients are aware of a broader range of pain management strategies.
Mandates a shared decision-making conversation. based on national guidelines and patient preferences, potentially increasing patient involvement, and empowering individuals to choose treatments that align with their values and circumstances.
Highlights insurance coverage limitations,. compelling practitioners to tell patients that some non-opioid treatments may not be covered, which could influence patient choices or highlight gaps in health coverage.
Defines clear exceptions,. meaning the rule does not apply for cancer care, post-surgical pain immediately after surgery, hospice, end-of-life care, or emergencies, maintaining flexibility for situations where opioids are standard and necessary.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Non-Opioid Pain Options
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Amended on third reading 8256a
- Ordered to third reading cal.321
- Ordered to third reading rules cal.435
- Rules report cal.435
- Reported
- Reported referred to rules
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Promote Non-Opioid Pain Treatments
In Senate Committee · Health · Sponsor Gustavo Rivera
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8256--A Cal. No. 321
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
June 10, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GOTTFRIED, GRIFFIN, GALEF -- read once and referred to the Committee on Health -- ordered to a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place on the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to consideration and prescription of non-opioid treatment alternatives for treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 3331 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 9 to read as follows:
9. (a) When a patient seeks treatment for any neuromusculoskeletal condition that causes pain, where a practitioner considers an opioid treatment, the practitioner shall consider, discuss with the patient, and, as appropriate, refer or prescribe non-opioid treatment alternatives, based on the practitioner's clinical judgment and following generally accepted national professional or treatment guidelines, and consistent with patient preference and consent, before starting a patient on opioid treatment. For the purposes of this subdivision, nonopioid treatment alternatives include, but are not limited to: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, non-opioid medications, interventional treatments and non-clinical activities such as exercise. The practitioner shall inform the patient that some treatments may not be covered by the patient's health coverage.
(b) The requirements of this subdivision shall not apply for patients being treated under any of the following circumstances: treatment of cancer; hospice or other end-of-life care; post-surgery treatment immediately following a surgical procedure; or in a medical emergency. For purposes of this subdivision, "medical emergency" means an acute injury or illness that poses an immediate risk to a person's life or health.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13187-02-0
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.