(a) Except when a patient is being treated as set forth in Sections 11159, 11159.2, and 11167.5, and Article 2 (commencing with Section 11215) of Chapter 5, pertaining to the treatment of addicts, or for a diagnosis of chronic intractable pain as used in Section 124960 of this code and Section 2241.5 of the Business and Professions Code, a prescriber shall discuss all of the following with the minor, the minor’s parent or guardian, or another adult authorized to consent to the minor’s medical treatment before directly dispensing or issuing for a minor the first prescription in a single course of treatment for a controlled substance containing an opioid:
(1) The risks of addiction and overdose associated with the use of opioids.
(2) The increased risk of addiction to an opioid to an individual who is suffering from both mental and substance abuse disorders.
(3) The danger of taking an opioid with a benzodiazepine, alcohol, or another central nervous system depressant.
(4) Any other information required by law.
(b) This section does not apply in any of the following circumstances:
(1) If the minor’s treatment includes emergency services and care as defined in Section 1317.1.
(2) If the minor’s treatment is associated with or incident to an emergency surgery, regardless of whether the surgery is performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
(3) If, in the prescriber’s professional judgment, fulfilling the requirements of subdivision (a) would be detrimental to the minor’s health or safety, or in violation of the minor’s legal rights regarding confidentiality.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 11374, failure to comply with this section shall not constitute a criminal offense.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 693, Sec. 13. (SB 1109) Effective January 1, 2019.)