SC S0161

Requires healthcare practitioners to inform patients about non-opioid pain treatment alternatives before prescribing Schedule II opioid drugs, including options like acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and non-opioid medications

Mandates the Department of Public Health develop and publish an educational pamphlet on non-opioid pain treatment alternatives by September 30, 2025, to be offered to patients

Prohibits the state preferred drug list from disadvantaging non-opioid pain medications compared to opioids, including restrictions on designating non-opioids as non-preferred or imposing stricter prior authorization requirements

Bars managed care organizations and health insurers from denying coverage of non-opioid pain medications in favor of opioid prescriptions

Directs the Department of Public Health to work with the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund to utilize opioid abatement funding for education and services related to non-opioid alternatives