New York Assembly Bill A09010

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/13/25
• Refer: 8/13/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

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 implications of A09010 on state laws are significant, as it seeks to formalize the conversation between doctors and patients regarding opioid prescriptions. It reinforces the responsibility of practitioners to ensure that patients are well-informed. Additionally, the requirement to present alternative treatment options is intended to reduce reliance on opioid prescriptions, potentially lowering the risk of addiction and misuse. The discussion of risks involved in such prescriptions is meant to enhance patient safety and empower them to make informed treatment choices.

Summary

A09010 aims to address the ongoing opioid crisis by amending the public health law to require healthcare practitioners to discuss certain risks with patients prior to prescribing opioid analgesics or schedule II controlled substances. The bill sets forth guidelines for practitioners about the necessity of discussing the risks of addiction and overdose, particularly highlighting the dangers of mixing opioids with alcohol and other depressants. It also mandates that alternatives to opioid treatment be considered and presented to patients, such as physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise around the requirement for practitioners to discuss these risks. Some may argue that this could place an additional burden on healthcare providers, especially in high-volume practices where time is limited. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential for this law to negatively impact patients in immediate need of pain relief by adding procedural steps to the prescription process. While the intention is to promote safer prescribing practices, the effectiveness and feasibility in real-world clinical settings remain to be closely scrutinized.