WA HB1034

Health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, are prohibited from maintaining prescription drug practices that disadvantage nonopioid pain medications compared to opioid or narcotic drugs

Nonopioid drugs cannot be designated as nonpreferred if any opioid is designated as preferred, and prior authorization or step therapy requirements for nonopioids cannot be more restrictive than the least restrictive requirements applied to opioids

Requirements apply to state employee health plans, commercial health plans, and Medicaid managed care organizations, with the Health Care Authority ensuring compliance in fee-for-service programs

Department of Health must develop and publish an educational pamphlet on nonopioid pain treatment alternatives by January 1, 2026, covering both nonopioid medications and nonpharmacological therapies

Nonopioid drugs are defined as FDA-approved drugs or biological products that produce pain relief without acting on opioid receptors