Panel advances bill to provide information on alternatives to opioid pain treatment

House members in a work session on the morning of the division moved unanimously to recommend passage of House Bill 241, a measure to provide information to patients and providers about alternatives to opioid pain treatment.

Representative Run moved that the committee report the bill ought to pass. A member who identified himself during discussion said the committee had "heard some compelling testimony from the prime sponsor" and that alternatives to opioid pain treatment "have been demonstrated" to be "very effective and less costly and non addictive than opioids are." Representative (speaker 3) commended the sponsor and the Commerce Committee and noted the bill has "no fiscal impact." The chair called the roll and announced the motion passed 7-0.

The bill, as described at the work session, does not mandate any specific services; it would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than require delivery of particular therapies. Supporters said stakeholders — including medical organizations and insurers — worked with the sponsor in drafting the measure. Opponents did not offer sustained objections during the recorded discussion.

The committee closed the executive session on HB241 after the clerk recorded the unanimous vote. The bill will proceed to the next steps in the legislative process following the committee recommendation.