Opioid drugs; prescriber shall discuss with patient before prescribing, the risks of the drugs and available alternatives.

HB 956 requires doctors to discuss specific risks and alternatives with patients before prescribing opioid pain medications. Before issuing the initial prescription for acute or chronic pain treatment and again before the third prescription in that course, prescribers must explain risks like addiction, overdose dangers (especially when mixed with alcohol or other sedatives), the necessity of the prescription, and available non-opioid alternatives. This applies directly to patients receiving opioid prescriptions and their doctors, mandating documentation of these discussions in the patient's medical record. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and covers all opioid drugs prescribed for pain management.