A bill that would create a new government council and tax. HF400 establishes an Opioid Stewardship Fund in the state. The fund’s revenue would come from fees on manufacturers and wholesalers of opioid medication. Fees will be determined by the board of the Opioid Stewardship Fund based on its $20 Million annual budget.

HF 400 dictates how much opioid pain medication can be prescribed to patients following major trauma or surgery. The bill states “when used for the treatment of acute pain associated with a major trauma or surgical procedure, initial prescriptions for opiate or narcotic pain relievers listed in Schedules II through IV of section 152.02shall not exceed a seven-day supply.”

The bill also adds another mandated coverage to Minnesota health insurance plans. According to the bill, all “health plans must cover acupuncture services for the treatment of pain and ongoing pain management.”

The new tax was voted overwhelmingly by Republicans in the Minnesota Senate. It passed 59 - 6. Here's the vote:

Action 4 Liberty opposes this bill for several reasons. With rising health care costs in this country, this bill adds more costs that will inevitably pass on to consumers. Action 4 Liberty seeks to reduce mandates on health insurance plan coverage, but this bill increases mandates. Lastly, government should not get involved in the decision-making of prescribing pain medication from medical professionals.

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