§153.3.2. Medicaid prescription medication for chronic or acute pain; opioid alternatives

            A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a Medicaid managed care organization shall not deny coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug in favor of an opioid prescription drug when a licensed physician has prescribed a nonopioid medication for the treatment of chronic or acute pain.

            B. The department shall not establish more restrictive or more extensive utilization controls, including but not limited to more restrictive or more extensive prior authorization or step therapy requirements, for clinically appropriate nonopioid drugs than the least restrictive or extensive utilization controls applicable to any clinically appropriate opioid or narcotic drug.

            C. The department shall:

            (1) Provide education, awareness, and technical assistance on the advantages of nonopioid alternative drugs.

            (2) Collaborate with political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, and other state agencies to seek funding opportunities for educational and healthcare services related to nonopioid alternatives.

            (3) Assist, upon request, political subdivisions that receive opioid grant awards as a result of any money obtained through a settlement or judgment by the attorney general on behalf of this state related to opioid litigation involving pharmaceutical supply chain participants.

            Acts 2024, No. 320, §1.