(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Nonpreferred medication” means a medication prescribed to treat an opioid use disorder that contains methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone and is not on the State’s preferred drug list.
(3) “Preferred medication” means a medication prescribed to treat an opioid use disorder that contains methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone and is on the State’s preferred drug list.
(b) The Department shall:
(1) Adopt a reporting system to monitor the prescribing of medications to treat opioid use disorders in the State, including which medications are being prescribed;
(2) Analyze patterns of prescribing medications in the State to identify prescribers who regularly prescribe nonpreferred medications, including a comparison of the patterns to the findings of the report submitted under subsection (d) of this section;
(3) Conduct outreach to individuals authorized to prescribe drugs and devices in the State using educational materials regarding the benefits of prescribing preferred medications; and
(4) Identify barriers to individuals who need medication to treat an opioid use disorder to obtaining the medication in a timely manner.
(c) On or before October 1 each year, beginning in 2023, the Department shall report on its findings and actions taken under subsection (b) of this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
(d) On or before October 1, 2022, the Department shall submit a report with an initial analysis of the items listed under subsection (b) of this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.