MA H2414

Adds formal definitions for "benzodiazepine" (including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam) and "non-benzodiazepine hypnotic" (including zaleplon, zopiclone, zolpidem) to Massachusetts controlled substances law

Requires practitioners to conduct a patient review before first-time prescriptions of benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, covering current condition, risk factors, mental health/substance use history, alternative treatments, and medication risks

Mandates written informed consent from patients (or parents/guardians for minors) before prescribing these medications, using a commissioner-prescribed form written in plain language

Extends similar review and consent requirements to Schedule II opioids and other opioid pain relievers, with an additional mandatory review required before issuing a third opioid prescription

Consent forms must include information on misuse/abuse risks, dependency and addiction potential, and long-term use risks; veterinarians are exempt from these requirements