AZ HB2823

Requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to ensure nonopioid drugs approved by the FDA for pain treatment are not treated less favorably than opioid or narcotic drugs on the system's drug formulary.

Prohibits AHCCCS from designating a nonopioid pain drug as nonpreferred if an opioid or narcotic drug is designated as preferred.

Prevents AHCCCS from establishing more restrictive or extensive utilization controls (such as prior authorization or step therapy requirements) for nonopioid drugs compared to opioid or narcotic drugs used for pain management.