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HB 364

Opioids; require health care professionals to discuss opioid use prior to prescription of Schedule II controlled substances, exceptions provided

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Barnes

Alabama bill mandates healthcare providers discuss opioid risks and alternatives with patients before prescribing Schedule II opioids, with emergency and terminal illness exceptions.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Health
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Bill Summary · HB 364

Legislative bill overview

HB 364 requires healthcare professionals to have a discussion with patients about opioid use risks and alternatives before prescribing Schedule II controlled substances (the most restrictive category of commonly prescribed opioids). The bill includes exceptions for emergency situations, terminal illnesses, and other specified clinical circumstances where such discussions may not be feasible.

Why is this important

The opioid epidemic has caused significant public health damage, with prescription opioids serving as a major gateway to addiction and overdose deaths. Mandatory informed discussions can help reduce unnecessary prescriptions, increase patient awareness of risks, and potentially lower addiction rates by encouraging providers to consider non-opioid alternatives first.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden on providers: Healthcare professionals may face increased administrative time and liability concerns, potentially slowing clinical workflows in busy practices
  • Vagueness of "discussion" requirement: The bill may lack specificity about what constitutes an adequate discussion, creating uncertainty about compliance and potential enforcement inconsistencies
  • Exception scope: Disagreement over which situations warrant exceptions—particularly regarding chronic pain patients who may need rapid access without repeated discussions at each visit

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

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