Oregon House unanimously OKs Bend lawmaker’s bill that aims to reduce patients’ use of opioids

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A bill introduced by a Central Oregon lawmaker that would equip patients to make informed decisions about the medications they could receive - such as opioids - passed the Oregon House unanimously Monday. 

HB 3211, introduced by Reps. Emerson Levy (D-Bend) and Cyrus Javadi (R-Tillamook), creates an easily accessible, online non-opioid form to inform health care and emergency medical service providers on patients’ preferences on taking opioids.

The form would be developed by the Oregon Health Authority and incorporated into existing patient health forms at health care facilities. An individual or their health care representative can execute the form. 

“This legislation will help limit the misuse of opioids by encouraging health care providers to explore non-opioid medication for the treatment of pain,” said Rep. Levy. “This will be especially helpful for those who are in recovery or are more at-risk for addiction. As a state and a country, we have made a lot of changes in pain management, and we need to continue to look for upstream solutions for mitigating addictive medicine.” 

The bill establishes a clear framework for exceptions, including emergency care, surgery, skilled nursing facilities and treatment for substance use disorder or hospice care.

“HB 3211 helps protect people from addiction,” said Rep. Javadi. “It’s a small form with a big impact. It’s all about giving patients more control.”

Many other US states have also adopted non-opioid directive policies, including Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Similar legislation has been introduced at the federal level. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.