HB 2001 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive opioid abuse prevention measures including limits on initial opioid prescriptions (5-day supply for acute pain, 14 days post-surgery) and a 90 morphine milligram equivalent daily dosage cap for prescribers, with exceptions for cancer, hospice, and medication-assisted treatment patients.

• Prohibits most health professionals (physicians, dentists, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, optometrists, homeopathic physicians, veterinarians) from dispensing Schedule II opioids except for medication-assisted treatment, while requiring naloxone co-prescription for patients receiving more than 90 morphine milligram equivalents daily.

• Creates immunity protections for individuals ("Good Samaritans") who seek emergency medical assistance for opioid overdoses from prosecution for drug possession or paraphernalia charges related to the overdose.

• Requires pain management clinics to obtain licensure beginning January 1, 2019, with regulations for medical directors, informed consent, and record maintenance; mandates electronic prescription orders for opioids in populated counties beginning 2019.

• Appropriates $10 million to a substance use disorder services fund, $400,600 for opioid abuse prevention campaign, and $400,600 for community opioid education grants; requires structured sober living homes to allow medication-assisted treatment and establishes drug/paraphernalia drop-off locations in each county.