§8–1102.

    (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.