This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to establish and regulate the use of nonopioid directives within the state's healthcare system. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

1. Definition of Key Terms:

   • It defines an Emergency Medical Services provider to include licensed ambulance services, medical response units, emergency medical responders, and ambulance service personnel.
   • A Nonopioid Directive is a written statement that instructs healthcare providers not to administer or prescribe opioids to a patient.
   • A Prescriber refers to medical professionals authorized to prescribe medications.

2. Health Record Requirements:

   • Upon a patient's request, healthcare providers must document any opioid-related instructions in the patient’s health record.
   • If a patient or their healthcare agent submits a nonopioid directive, healthcare providers must include it in medical records.
   • If a nonopioid directive is revoked, this must also be recorded in the patient’s file.

3. Establishment and Revocation of Nonopioid Directives:

   • Patients with decision-making capacity or their healthcare agents may execute a nonopioid directive, specifying that no opioids should be administered or prescribed.
   • Patients can revoke a nonopioid directive at any time, either verbally or in writing.
   • A healthcare agent may also revoke the directive on behalf of the patient by submitting a dated written statement.

4. Compliance and Exceptions:

   • Healthcare providers and prescribers must comply with nonopioid directives.
   • There is an exception for emergencies and hospital settings where a prescriber deems opioid administration medically necessary.
   • If an exception is made, healthcare providers must ensure the patient receives information on substance use disorder services.

5. Legal Protections and Immunities:

   • Healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, and emergency medical services providers are granted immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, or professional disciplinary actions for adhering to a nonopioid directive or inadvertently administering an opioid in good faith.

6. Development of a Standardized Form:

   • The Minnesota Department of Health is tasked with creating a standardized nonopioid directive form.
   • The form must include revocation instructions and other relevant information.
   • The completed form will be made available on the Department of Health website.

Summary

This bill seeks to formalize the process by which Minnesotans can opt out of opioid treatment, ensuring such directives are respected by healthcare providers while allowing for limited exceptions in emergency situations. It also provides legal protections for medical professionals who follow these directives in good faith and mandates the creation of a standardized form for easy implementation.