HD 1189 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to patient opioid notification

This bill requires healthcare providers to discuss specific risks with patients before prescribing strong opioids for pain treatment. Before the first prescription and again before the third prescription in a course of treatment, providers must cover risks of addiction, overdose (especially with alcohol or other sedatives), the necessity of the prescription, alternative treatments, and dangers of misuse. It applies to most opioid prescriptions but excludes patients receiving cancer treatment, hospice care, long-term facility care, or substance abuse treatment. The law mandates providers to document these discussions in the patient's medical record.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor