Bill
HB 5373
HB 5373 aims to improve continuity of care for sub-chronic pain patients by formalizing care plans, cross-provider coordination, and coverage for nonpharmacologic therapies.
Status snapshot
- Bill number: HB 5373
- Short title: CONT SUB-CHRONIC PAIN TREATMEN
- Introduced: February 9, 2024 (filed by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy)
- Chief Senate sponsor: Sen. Laura Fine
- Notable co-sponsors: Rep. Sonya M. Harper (chief co-sponsor), Rep. Hoan Huynh, Rep. Barbara Hernández, Rep. Kevin Schmidt, Rep. Diane Blair‑Sherlock, Rep. Suzanne M. Ness; multiple senators listed as alternate co‑sponsors (e.g., Sen. Mike Simmons, Sen. Robert Peters).
- Key procedural status: Passed both houses and adopted amendments (Senate Committee Amendment No. 1; House Floor Amendment No. 2). Major recorded dates: filed 2024-02-09; Senate first reading 2024-04-19; Senate passage and amendments Nov 2024; House concurrence and final procedural actions through Jan 6, 2025. Read again and referred to State Affairs on 2025-04-07.
- Note: Full bill text was not provided with this request.
Purpose and intent
- The bill’s title indicates it addresses continuing treatment for "sub‑chronic" pain (pain that persists beyond the acute phase but is not classified as long‑term chronic pain). The general intent, as suggested by committee referrals to Human Services and Health and Human Services, is to change policy or practice around ongoing care for patients experiencing sub‑chronic pain—likely to improve continuity, access, or quality of pain management.
Key actions and process highlights
- Referred early to Human Services and to Health and Human Services in the Senate, indicating health‑policy focus.
- Multiple committee amendments and at least two floor amendments were filed and adopted (House Committee Amendment No. 1, Senate Committee Amendment No. 1, House Floor Amendment No. 2), showing substantive revision during committee and floor consideration.
- Passed both chambers (records show third reading/pass votes and concurrence motions); rules and deadlines were extended and amended during final consideration. The bill has moved between Rules, Assignments, and State Affairs committees, which is common for bills that require cross‑cutting review.
Likely substantive provisions (based on title and committee referrals)
- Because the bill text is not available here, the following are plausible topics commonly addressed by such legislation—these are illustrative, not definitive:
- Requirements for continuity of care for patients transitioning from acute to sub‑chronic pain management (e.g., care plans, follow‑up timelines).
- Standards or limitations around prescribing practices for pain medications (including opioid stewardship, tapering guidance, or prescribing duration limits).
- Coverage or reimbursement rules for non‑pharmacologic pain therapies (physical therapy, behavioral health, pain‑management programs).
- Care coordination protocols among primary care, specialists, and behavioral health providers.
- Reporting, data collection, or provider training requirements related to pain treatment outcomes.
Who would be affected
- Patients experiencing sub‑acute/sub‑chronic pain (access to ongoing pain care).
- Health care providers (physicians, advanced practice clinicians, physical therapists, behavioral health providers) — potential new documentation, care coordination, or prescribing requirements.
- Insurers and Medicaid programs — potential changes to coverage or prior‑authorization rules.
- State health agencies or licensing boards if the bill imposes reporting or enforcement duties.
Impact and next steps
- Fiscal and regulatory impacts depend on the exact provisions (e.g., expanded coverage could increase expenditures; new administrative requirements could create implementation costs).
- Because the publicly provided record here lacks the bill’s full text or fiscal note, readers should consult the official enrolled bill, legislative analysis, or fiscal memo for precise language, effective dates, and budgetary impact.
- For authoritative detail, review HB 5373 text and committee reports on the legislature’s website and check whether the bill was signed by the governor or enacted into law following the latest procedural steps.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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