OH HB618

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services must develop a non-opioid directive form within one year, specifying patient desire to refuse opioid analgesics, with input from prescribers, pharmacists, emergency medical services personnel, addiction treatment professionals, nursing homes, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical facilities.

Form must be made available on the department's website for free download and reproduction, with signing by patient or representative required to make it effective and placement in medical records mandatory, along with notification to the state board of pharmacy.

Non-opioid directive forms must be distributed to individuals completing addiction treatment at discharge and to individuals released from prison for drug offenses under Ohio Revised Code chapters 2925, 3719, or 4729.

Emergency medical services and emergency department personnel are not required to inquire about or comply with non-opioid directives in emergency situations and are protected from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and professional discipline when administering opioids in good faith emergency care.

Pharmacists, prescribers, and health care providers are protected from liability and professional discipline if they unknowingly dispense or prescribe opioids contrary to a directive, except in cases of knowing or willful/wanton misconduct; non-opioid directive status cannot be required as condition of insurance or health care benefits.