Bill

A 3116

Requires health practitioners to discuss with patients the risks associated with certain pain medications before prescribing such medications

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 5 co-sponsors

Requires prescribers to discuss risks of certain pain meds with patients before prescribing, aiming to boost informed choice and patient safety.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

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Bill Summary · A 3116

Summary — New York Assembly Bill A 3116

Overview

Bill A 3116, titled “Requires health practitioners to discuss with patients the risks associated with certain pain medications before prescribing such medications,” is currently referred to the Health Committee. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025. The stated goal is to ensure patients are informed about risks before receiving certain pain medications.

Status: Referred to Health (introduced 2025-01-23)

Purpose and Intent

To ensure that health practitioners communicate the risks associated with certain pain medications to patients prior to prescribing them.
Aims to enhance informed decision-making and patient awareness regarding pain management options and potential adverse effects or risks tied to these medications.

Key Provisions (as described)

Health practitioners would be required to discuss the risks of “certain pain medications” with patients before prescribing those medications.
The specific list of medications covered, the required content of the risk discussion, and any accompanying documentation or consent requirements are not detailed in the provided information.
The bill’s text, if enacted, would establish prerequisites for prescribing practices related to designated pain medications; exact implementation mechanics (e.g., who must document the discussion, timing relative to the prescription, or required patient materials) are not specified here.

Affected Parties

Health practitioners authorized to prescribe pain medications (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other prescribers as defined by the bill’s definitions).
Patients who would receive pain medications that fall under the bill’s scope.
Healthcare facilities and institutions involved in prescribing and patient care documentation.

Procedural History and Related Legislation

Introduced: January 23, 2025
Status: REFERRED TO HEALTH (Health Committee)
Legislative actions show a duplicate entry on the same date (2025-01-23).
Related/Companion and Prior-Session Bills:
- Companion: S 493
- Related prior-session bills: A 7285, A 3405, A 1227
- Prior-session bill: S 4277
- The presence of companion and prior-session bills indicates ongoing interest in the policy area.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Positive: Improves patient knowledge about risks, potentially leading to safer prescribing and better patient engagement in treatment choices.
Administrative: May introduce additional time and documentation requirements for prescribers and practices.
Clinical Practice: Could influence prescribing patterns for certain pain medications (e.g., opioids or other high-risk analgesics) and promote consideration of alternatives.
Implementation: The bill’s effectiveness will depend on the specificity of required discussions, defined scope of medications, and whether accompanying materials or acknowledgment are mandated.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor for updates on passage, amendments, or the bill’s progression through the Health Committee.
Review the final bill text upon release to understand exact definitions, covered medications, required discussion content, and any documentation or consent requirements.
Consider how similar requirements might affect prescribing workflows, patient education resources, and informed-consent practices in your setting.

If you’d like, I can track subsequent actions on A 3116 and incorporate any new details (e.g., defined medication lists, discussion content, or effective dates) into an updated summary.

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