South Carolina S0161 mandates non-opioid pain management education and coverage.

South Carolina S0161 requires the Department of Public Health to publish an educational pamphlet on non-opioid pain management alternatives by September 30, 2025. The bill mandates that healthcare practitioners inform patients of non-opioid alternatives before prescribing opioids for pain management. It also prohibits managed care organizations from denying coverage of non-opioid medications in favor of opioids. The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure that non-opioid drugs are not disadvantaged on the state's preferred drug list.

South Carolina S0161 mandates non-opioid pain management education and coverage.

South Carolina S0161 requires the Department of Public Health to publish an educational pamphlet on non-opioid pain management alternatives by September 30, 2025. The bill mandates that healthcare practitioners inform patients of non-opioid alternatives before prescribing opioids for pain management. It also prohibits managed care organizations from denying coverage of non-opioid medications in favor of opioids. The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure that non-opioid drugs are not disadvantaged on the state's preferred drug list.