Opioid prescriptions: information: nonpharmacological treatments for pain.

Existing law requires a prescriber, with certain exceptions, before directly dispensing or issuing for a minor the first prescription for a controlled substance containing an opioid in a single course of treatment, to discuss specified information with the minor, the minor's parent or guardian, or another adult authorized to consent to the minor's medical treatment. This bill would extend that requirement for the prescriber by applying it to any patient, not only a minor, under those circumstances. The bill would also require the prescriber to discuss the availability of nonpharmacological treatments for pain, as defined. Existing law makes an exception to the requirement for the prescriber in the case of a patient who is being treated for a diagnosis of chronic intractable pain, as specified. This bill would remove that exception and would instead make an exception in the case of a patient who is currently receiving hospice care. The bill would require the prescriber, after discussing the information, to offer, as deemed appropriate by the prescriber, a referral for a provider of nonpharmacological treatments for pain, and to obtain informed written consent from the patient, a minor patient's parent or guardian, or another authorized adult, as specified. Existing federal law, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) , requires a health benefit plan issuer that offers coverage in the small group or individual market to ensure that the coverage includes the essential health benefits package, as defined. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations relating to addiction associated with overreliance on prescription medication for pain management, and providing that nonpharmacological treatments for pain should be considered during the next update to the state's essential health benefits benchmark plan.