AK HB89

Establishes legislative findings that opioid prescription drugs are addictive, lead to heroin addiction, harm families and children, increase crime, and impose significant costs on the state.

Requires dentists, physicians, podiatrists, advanced practice nurses, optometrists, and pharmacists to advise patients orally and in writing of opioid addiction risks and alternatives before prescribing opioids.

Mandates continuing education in pain management and opioid use and addiction (minimum 2 hours in 2 years) for license renewal for providers with federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers.

Allows boards to exempt certain patient classes from information requirements and to permit exemptions for unintentional violations, periodic accidental violations, or when immediate healthcare attention is needed for another patient.

Directs the Department of Health and Social Services to post an easily understandable written statement on opioids, including addictive and harmful qualities, on its website in printable format.