Non-opioid Directive Moves in Minnesota House

March 13, 2025

On March 11, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee heard legislation to authorize a non-opioid directive that would include instructions to health professionals that a patient must not be administered an opioid or be offered a prescription for an opioid, if they so choose. 

The bill’s author, Rep. Dave Baker (R – Willmar) argued that the directive would be useful for individuals who have personal, medical, or familial reasons to avoid opioids, for example, those concerned about the risk of addiction, or those who prefer alternative pain management strategies. He went on to say that the directive offers individuals—especially those with a history of substance use disorder or a higher risk of dependency—a proactive way to manage pain without opioids. If the bill (HF 1379) passes, Minnesota would join 10 other states with voluntary non-opioid directives. 

The MMA worked with the author to include language to allow providers to administer opioids, if necessary, without violating the law in emergencies where a patient is incapacitated, and no directive is accessible. However, a draft form would be available on the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website, so Minnesota patients, physicians, and pharmacists could easily access, download, and use the tool. Like with other directives, standardizing the process across medical settings would help avoid inconsistencies and ensure healthcare professionals recognize the form statewide. 

The legislation was referred to the committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law. Its companion bill is SF 1814 (Gustafson, DFL - Vadnais Heights).