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Bill

A 1937

Relates to patient counseling before issuing a prescription for a schedule II opioid

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 1937 mandates counseling for patients before prescribing schedule II opioids, enhancing safety and informed choices to combat opioid misuse and addiction.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 1937

Summary of Bill A 1937

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 1937
  • Title: Relates to patient counseling before issuing a prescription for a schedule II opioid
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1937 aims to enhance patient safety and informed decision-making by mandating counseling for patients prior to the issuance of prescriptions for schedule II opioids. The intent is to address the growing concerns surrounding opioid misuse and addiction by ensuring that patients receive comprehensive information about the risks and benefits associated with these powerful medications.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Counseling: The bill requires healthcare providers to offer counseling to patients before prescribing schedule II opioids. This counseling must include:

    • Information on the potential risks of addiction and overdose.
    • Alternatives to opioid therapy.
    • Proper usage and disposal of opioids.

  • Documentation Requirement: Providers will be required to document the counseling session in the patient's medical record, ensuring accountability and compliance.

  • Patient Education Materials: The bill encourages the development and distribution of educational materials that can aid in the counseling process, providing patients with accessible information.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Patients: Individuals receiving prescriptions for schedule II opioids will benefit from enhanced counseling, leading to better-informed choices regarding their treatment options.
  • Healthcare Providers: Physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals will need to adjust their prescribing practices to comply with the new counseling requirements.
  • Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals and clinics may need to implement new protocols and training for staff to ensure compliance with the bill's provisions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 14, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.
  • Related Bills: This bill is related to several prior-session bills (A 8538, A 741, A 2091, A 770) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 5260), indicating ongoing legislative interest in addressing opioid prescription practices.

Conclusion

Bill A 1937 represents a proactive approach to combatting the opioid crisis by ensuring that patients are well-informed before receiving potentially addictive medications. By mandating counseling and documentation, the bill seeks to promote safer prescribing practices and enhance patient education regarding opioid use.

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

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