WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 2183

An Act relative to the prescription monitoring program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker

The bill requires adding opioid maintenance treatment data to the Prescription Monitoring Program and lets OTPs obtain patient consent to share that data to improve coordinated car

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2183

Summary: An Act relative to the prescription monitoring program (HD 2183)

Overview

HD 2183, titled “An Act relative to the prescription monitoring program,” is a proposed Massachusetts bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session. It seeks to expand and formalize the sharing of information through the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to improve coordination of care for individuals receiving opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). The bill adds new requirements for the Department of Public Health (DPH) and opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to ensure clinicians have access to important treatment information while addressing privacy considerations.

Key Provisions

Section 24A of Chapter 94C (Added subsection (c½))

  • The Department shall establish a process, by rule or regulation, to include information about the administration of opioid maintenance treatment in the PMP.
  • This inclusion must not conflict with state or federal privacy rules.
  • Purpose: ensure licensees authorized to prescribe controlled substances have PMP data showing a patient’s participation in opioid maintenance treatment before issuing a new opioid prescription (excluding the maintenance opioid itself).
  • Effect: Enhances information flow to prevent unsafe prescribing and support continuity of care for patients in OMT.

Section 18 of Chapter 111E (Added subsection (a½))

  • For each facility that is an opioid treatment program (OTP) as defined by 42 CFR Part 8, the facility must provide entering patients with a consent form to release information via the PMP about the administration of opioid maintenance treatment.
  • The form must explain that consent is not required but is encouraged to improve coordination of services, and explain how to return the form to the facility or to DPH.
  • A record of the patient’s election is to be kept as part of the treatment record; the same form must be presented to the patient upon discharge.
  • Effect: Enables patients to opt into PMP data sharing related to maintenance treatment, facilitating coordinated care while preserving patient autonomy.

Who Is Affected

  • Opioid treatment programs (OTP facilities) and their staff.
  • Clinicians and pharmacists who prescribe or dispense controlled substances.
  • Patients enrolled in opioid maintenance treatment (including entry and discharge processes).
  • The Department of Public Health, which would implement rules and oversee consent mechanisms.

Privacy and Consent

  • Data sharing via PMP must comply with state and federal privacy rules.
  • Patients have the option to consent to release information about maintenance treatment; consent is encouraged to improve care coordination but not mandatory.
  • The bill emphasizes transparent disclosure and a formal process for consent and recordkeeping.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Section 24A(c½) requires the department to establish the PMP inclusion process through rules/regulations.
  • Section 18(a½) requires OTPs to implement consent processes at entry and discharge.
  • The text does not specify an explicit effective date; implementation would depend on regulatory adoption following enactment.

Notes

  • The bill references opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) within the PMP and OTP context, aligning with medical treatment standards and privacy requirements.
  • It appears to aim at reducing prescribing risks and improving care coordination for individuals in OMT.

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

Sign in to ask a question.