SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois doctors have more discretion for giving their patients with chronic pain opioids, thanks to a new law.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday loosening regulations for doctors prescribing opioids for chronic pain. The law is based on new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), who sponsored the bill, said now patients in the state are ensured the they are getting the treatments they need.

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“Patients with legitimate chronic pain are placed at further risk of self-medicating or mental and physical harm if they are restricted from accessing necessary medical treatment,” Fine said. “Those suffering from chronic pain due to an injury or illness will now receive the care they need without barriers or misunderstandings.”

The law also has language aiming to protecting patient confidentiality of opioid prescriptions and treatment. In the law, no information can be released without a legal order from the Illinois Department of Human Services or an administrative subpoena from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

“Chronic pain should be managed with the proper prescription by a physician who is treating the patient – not by limitations that fail to address the appropriate level of treatment needed,” Fine said. “This measure will facilitate access to essential health care services and ease the suffering for some individuals in chronic pain.”

The law took effect immediately. The full text of the law can be found here.

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