This bill amends Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivision 13g, to ensure that nonopioid drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain treatment or management receive equal coverage in Minnesota’s preferred drug list (PDL).

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Nonopioid drug parity: The bill prohibits the state from disadvantaging or discouraging coverage of nonopioid pain medications in comparison to opioids and narcotics.
• Coverage requirements: The state cannot designate a nonopioid drug as "nonpreferred" if an opioid is listed as "preferred."
• Utilization management restrictions: The use of prior authorization or step therapy requirements for nonopioid drugs cannot be more restrictive than those applied to opioids.
• Immediate applicability: Nonopioid drugs must be given fair consideration upon FDA approval, even before being formally reviewed for inclusion on the preferred drug list.
• Transparency and public input: Any deletions or modifications to the preferred drug list must consider public health implications and health disparities, and require a public hearing with adequate notice.

The bill aims to promote access to nonopioid alternatives for pain management, addressing concerns regarding opioid overuse and ensuring fair treatment of nonopioid medications in the state's healthcare system.