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HSB 160

A bill for an act relating to the standards of practice relating to the prescribing of certain pain medications.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Summary of HSB 160: Bill Relating to Standards for Prescribing Pain Medications Purpose and IntentThis proposed bill seeks to establish new standards and requirements for healthcar

Tabled until future meeting.
#painmanagement #prescriptiondrugs
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Bill Summary · HSB 160

Summary of HSB 160: Bill Relating to Standards for Prescribing Pain Medications

Purpose and Intent

This proposed bill seeks to establish new standards and requirements for healthcare providers when prescribing certain opioid and other pain medications. The goal is to help address the ongoing opioid addiction crisis by placing additional restrictions and guidelines around the prescribing of these potentially addictive substances.

Key Provisions

The main components of HSB 160 include:

  1. Mandatory Limits on Opioid Prescriptions: The bill would require healthcare providers to limit initial opioid prescriptions to no more than a 7-day supply for acute pain, with limited exceptions. Refills would also be capped at a 7-day supply.

  2. Mandatory Pain Management Education: All healthcare providers authorized to prescribe controlled substances would be required to complete at least 2 hours of continuing education on best practices for pain management and opioid prescription.

  3. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Requirements: Providers would be mandated to check the state PDMP database before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances, to identify any potential misuse or "doctor shopping."

  4. Expanded Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs: The bill would require all opioid prescriptions to be accompanied by a prescription for naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Affected Parties

This legislation would impact several groups:

  • Healthcare providers such as doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, and others authorized to prescribe controlled substances
  • Patients seeking treatment for pain management, including those with acute or chronic pain conditions
  • Pharmacists responsible for dispensing opioid and other controlled medication prescriptions
  • State and local governments, who would need to enforce the new prescribing standards and monitor compliance

Procedural and Timeline Details

HSB 160 was introduced in the state legislature on February 11, 2025. The bill has currently been tabled and is awaiting further consideration at a future legislative meeting. If passed, the new prescribing standards would likely take effect 6-12 months after the bill is signed into law, to allow time for provider education and system changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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