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Rhode IslandS32592026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT .

Sponsored By: Melissa A. Murray (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Access to opioids for serious pain

The law lets clinicians prescribe or give controlled substances for cancer, palliative care, or chronic intractable pain when they document the diagnosis and treatment. They must check PDMP data, verify methadone or buprenorphine use, refer to addiction specialists when needed, and use a written treatment agreement under Health Department rules. The state repeals the old intractable pain chapter and sets updated rules and safeguards. Documented therapeutic care under these rules is protected, while non‑therapeutic or unlawful prescribing can lead to discipline.

Stricter rules for first opioid prescriptions

The law requires clinicians to assess your pain and record why non‑opioid options failed or are not right before prescribing an opioid. They may start opioids for acute pain only when non‑opioid care did not work or when documented benefits outweigh risks. For adults, the first opioid prescription for acute pain is limited to a seven‑day supply and must use the lowest effective immediate‑release dose. For minors, the prescription cannot exceed 20 doses; the clinician must discuss risks and non‑opioid options with the minor and parent or guardian, document the talk, and offer naloxone. The law removes older fixed MME and per‑prescription dose caps and leaves exact dosing to clinical judgment and Health Department rules.

Clear definitions for opioids and addiction care

Beginning January 1, 2023, the law says treating pain and treating opioid use disorder count as a therapeutic purpose when shown in the medical record. It also defines opioid medicines to include FDA‑approved opioids and partial agonists like buprenorphine, and defines opioid antagonists to include naloxone and other FDA‑approved overdose drugs. These definitions guide prescribers, pharmacists, and dispensers.

Stronger prescription checks and naloxone guidance

Before starting or refilling opioids, clinicians must check the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, including for intrathecal pump therapy. They must review any methadone or buprenorphine history first. For patients on continuous opioids three months or more, they must recheck the PDMP at least every three months and document it. The Health Department can issue best‑practice rules, including guidance on co‑prescribing naloxone and spotting patients at higher overdose risk.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AC PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 313

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/9/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/8/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/5/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/21/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/21/2026)

    5/15/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services

    5/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

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