S.B. No. 310 Summary

• Establishes procedures for patients to file "non-opioid directive" forms with healthcare providers to request not being prescribed opioid analgesics, with voluntary participation and ability to revoke at any time.

• Requires prescribers (physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, dentists, podiatrists) to inform patients about evidence-based non-opioid therapies before initiating opioid treatment for acute or chronic pain.

• Mandates health insurers cover non-opioid pain treatment options including chiropractic services, acupuncture, oriental medicine, and osteopathic services that do not use opioids.

• Adds compliance with non-opioid directives and patient information requirements as grounds for professional discipline against healthcare providers who violate these standards.

• Applies to health insuring corporations, sickness and accident insurance policies, and public employee benefit plans created or renewed on or after July 1, 2019.