New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09010

Introduced
8/13/25  

Caption

Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.

Impact

The bill's provisions are designed to reduce incidents of unintended opioid misuse and dependency, a growing public health concern. By enforcing a requirement for practitioners to have informed discussions before issuing opioid prescriptions, the legislation aims to ensure that patients are aware of the associated risks and alternatives. This could lead to a cultural shift in the approach to pain management within the state, prioritizing non-opioid treatments where appropriate.

Summary

Bill A09010 introduces amendments to New York's public health law aimed at enhancing the safety of opioid prescribing practices. It mandates that healthcare practitioners discuss various risks with patients when prescribing schedule II controlled substances or opioid analgesics. Practitioners are required to counsel patients about the dangers of addiction and overdose, alternative treatment options, and the necessity of the prescribed medication, especially emphasizing the risks associated with mixing opioids with other substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Contention

The legislation has sparked discussions among health professionals and policymakers regarding the balance between necessary pain management and the risks of opioid medications. Supporters argue that increased communication and education can help combat the opioid crisis, while some practitioners might express concern about the feasibility of meeting these new requirements in busy clinical settings. Additionally, there may be worries about how this could impact patient access to pain relief for legitimate medical needs, particularly in situations where opioids may remain the best option.

Companion Bills

NY S06758

Same As Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.

Previously Filed As

NY A01227

Requires health practitioners to discuss with patients the risks associated with certain pain medications before prescribing such medications; requires that for the first opioid analgesic prescription of a calendar year the prescribing physician shall counsel the patient on the risks of overdose.

NY S03521

Requires health practitioners to discuss with patients the risks associated with certain pain medications before prescribing such medications; requires that for the first opioid analgesic prescription of a calendar year the prescribing physician shall counsel the patient on the risks of overdose.

NY S04482

Relates to prescribing opioids to a minor; prohibits practitioners from prescribing to a minor more than a seven day supply of any controlled substance containing an opioid; requires practitioners to obtain written parental consent before issuing a first prescription of a controlled substance containing an opioid to a minor; establishes exceptions.

NY A09841

Requires practitioners to provide counselling to patients about the potential addictive properties of opioids prior to prescribing such medications; requires pharmacists to provide counselling to patients about the potential addictive properties of opioids at the time a prescription for opioids is filled.

NY A00770

Relates to patient counseling before issuing a prescription for a schedule II opioid; requires practitioners to consult with the patient regarding the quantity of the opioid and the patient's option to fill the prescription in a lesser quantity, and to inform the patient of the risks associated with opiate addiction and document the reason for the prescription.

NY S04870

Relates to patient counseling before issuing a prescription for a schedule II opioid; requires practitioners to consult with the patient regarding the quantity of the opioid and the patient's option to fill the prescription in a lesser quantity, and to inform the patient of the risks associated with opiate addiction and document the reason for the prescription.

NY A07872

Requires health care practitioners to offer health care proxy information to palliative care patients.

NY S08632

Requires health care practitioners to offer health care proxy information to palliative care patients.

NY A03153

Permits specialist assistants to prescribe controlled substances as a practitioner.

NY S05389

Requires clinical experience for certain mental health practitioners; allows such practitioners to make assessment-based treatment plans; makes related provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.