Concerning nonopioid drugs for the treatment of pain.



ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5916

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senate Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Harris, Chapman, and Saldaña)

READ FIRST TIME 01/28/26.

AN ACT Relating to nonopioid drugs for the treatment of pain; amending RCW 48.43.400 ; reenacting and amending RCW 41.05.017 ; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A health plan issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, and any health care benefit manager as defined in RCW 48.200.020 that is directly or indirectly contracted with the health plan, shall provide coverage for at least one nonopioid legend drug for the treatment or management of pain without prescription drug utilization management, including prior authorization or step therapy protocols.