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Opioid Medication Risks — Patient Discussions

Starting January 1, 2025, before prescribing or dispensing the first prescription in a single course of treatment for a controlled substance that contains an opioid, SB 607 requires the prescriber to discuss the following with their patient (or a parent/guardian of a minor patient):

• The risks of addiction and overdose related to the use of opioids.
• The increased risk of opioid addiction for someone suffering from both mental and substance abuse disorders.
• The danger of taking an opioid with a benzodiazepine, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressant.
• Any other information required by law.

The prescriber is exempt from this requirement if, in their judgment, doing so would be detrimental to the patient's health or safety or violate their right to confidentiality. Other exceptions to this requirement include when the patient's treatment involves:

• Orders for a controlled substance for use of a patient in a hospital, as described in Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 11159.
• Hospice Care or treatment for a terminal illness related to HSC section 11159.2.
• Orders for a Schedule II controlled substance in certain settings, as described in HSC section 11167.5.
• Treatment for substance use disorders, related to these laws.
• An emergency surgery or other emergency care, as defined in HSC section 1317.1.

For additional information, please visit the California Legislative Information website.