NC H318

Establishes patient right to elect nonopioid prescriptions and treatment through a portable voluntary nonopioid advance directive form issued by authorized practitioners (physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners).

Requires Department of Health and Human Services to develop an official form by January 1, 2020, in consultation with the North Carolina Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy, and make it accessible on its website in downloadable format.

Official form must include patient name, authorized practitioner information, range of nonopioid treatment options, effective date, revocation procedures, and prominent statement that signing is not required to receive treatment.

Provides immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and disciplinary action for health care providers who withhold opioids in good-faith reliance on a valid form, and establishes liability for knowing or willful noncompliance.

Permits health care facilities to accept portable forms as medical staff orders and allows voluntary nonopioid advance directives to be filed in the Advance Health Care Directive Registry; becomes effective January 1, 2020.