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36-0021

An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29, subchapter I relating to opioids and requiring that a practitioner discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids

2025-2026 Regular Session

Requires clinicians to discuss risks, alternatives, safe use, and other information with patients when prescribing opioids, improving safety and informed consent.

Sent to Lt. Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0021

Summary of Bill 36-0021

Overview

Bill 36-0021, titled An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29, subchapter I relating to opioids and requiring that a practitioner discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids, would add a requirement for practitioner-patient discussions at the point of opioid prescribing. The bill has progressed through the executive and legislative process in 2025 and is currently sent to the Lt. Governor.

Purpose and Intent

  • To enhance patient safety and informed consent in the prescribing of opioid medications.
  • To ensure patients receive information about risks, alternatives, safe use, and other relevant considerations when opioids are prescribed.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Amendments to Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, Part III, Chapter 29, Subchapter I.
  • A practitioner would be required to discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids.
  • Specific topics or items to be discussed are not detailed in the provided summary; the exact list of required information is not enumerated here.

Note: The summary document does not include the precise items to be discussed. If you need the exact topics, please provide the bill’s text or an official synopsis.

Affected Parties

  • Practitioners who prescribe opioids (e.g., physicians, advanced practice clinicians).
  • Patients receiving opioid prescriptions.
  • Healthcare facilities and prescribing entities subject to VI medical regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025.
  • Assigned: January 23, 2025.
  • To Senate: February 3, 2025.
  • Introduced (formal introduction date): February 27, 2025.
  • Sent to Governor: June 6, 2025.
  • Governor approval: June 13, 2025.
  • Sent to Lt. Governor: June 26, 2025.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Benefits: Potential reduction in opioid misuse and better patient understanding of risks, leading to safer prescribing practices.
  • Operational considerations: May require clinicians to allocate time for structured discussions during prescribing, which could affect clinic workflow.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Details on compliance mechanisms, penalties, or oversight are not provided in the summary.
  • Implementation: If enacted, implementation would require training for providers and possibly updates to patient intake or consent processes.

Next Steps

  • Review the full bill text for exact language, required discussion topics, and any enforcement provisions.
  • Monitor for any amendments or implementing regulations from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs or related VI health authorities.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill’s exact text or official summaries to expand the “Key Provisions” section with precise discussion topics and compliance details.

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

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