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Bill

SB 956

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

SB 956 allows healthcare providers to prescribe a three-day supply of opiates via telehealth, improving access for patients while ensuring responsible prescribing practices.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#opiates #prescriptions #telehealth #three-daysupply
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Bill Summary · SB 956

Summary of Bill SB 956: Relating to Prescription Drugs

Overview

Bill SB 956 aims to address issues related to the prescription of opiates, particularly in the context of telehealth services. The bill seeks to establish guidelines for prescribing a limited supply of opiate medications, with a focus on enhancing patient access while ensuring safety and accountability.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 956 is to facilitate the responsible prescribing of opiate medications through telehealth platforms. By allowing healthcare providers to prescribe a three-day supply of opiates without an in-person visit, the bill aims to improve access to necessary medications for patients who may face barriers to traditional healthcare settings.

Key Provisions

  • Telehealth Prescriptions: The bill permits healthcare providers to prescribe a three-day supply of opiate medications via telehealth consultations.
  • Patient Access: This provision is designed to enhance access for patients, particularly those in remote areas or with mobility challenges.
  • Safety Measures: The bill includes stipulations to ensure that prescriptions are made responsibly, potentially requiring providers to assess patient history and current health status during the telehealth consultation.

Affected Parties

  • Patients: Individuals requiring opiate medications for pain management or other medical conditions will benefit from increased access through telehealth.
  • Healthcare Providers: Physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals will have the authority to prescribe opiates remotely, which may streamline their practice and improve patient care.
  • Healthcare Systems: The bill may impact how healthcare systems manage prescriptions and telehealth services, necessitating adjustments to protocols and training.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • First Reading: January 21, 2025
  • Referral: Referred to the Health and Human Services (HHS) and Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) committees on January 23, 2025.
  • Public Hearing: A public hearing was scheduled for February 10, 2025, at 1:20 PM in Conference Room 225 and via videoconference.
  • Committee Action: The HHS committee deferred the measure on February 10, 2025.

Related Legislation

  • HB 951: This bill serves as a companion to SB 956, indicating that similar provisions may be considered in the House.

Conclusion

SB 956 represents a significant step towards modernizing the prescription process for opiates, particularly through telehealth. By allowing a limited supply of medications to be prescribed remotely, the bill seeks to balance patient access with the need for responsible prescribing practices. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final outcome and any amendments to the proposed measures.

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

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