An Act relative to non-opioid alternatives in pain treatment

This bill requires doctors to discuss non-opioid pain treatment options with patients before prescribing opioids for chronic pain. It mandates that physicians explain the risks of opioids, review alternative therapies like behavioral health or physical treatments, and provide educational materials to patients or their guardians. The law applies to most outpatient settings but excludes acute hospital care, hospice, and substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, the state health department must create and publish online guides detailing these non-opioid alternatives and their pros and cons.