Jessica Fento advocates removing red caps on opioid prescription bottles for patient privacy

A significant discussion unfolded at the Arizona Senate Health and Human Services meeting on March 5, 2025, as Jessica Fento, a pain management clinic owner from Scottsdale, addressed the stigma surrounding opioid medications. Fento highlighted the negative impact of red caps on prescription bottles, which she argued unfairly label patients as drug addicts and compromise their privacy.

Fento explained that the red caps serve as a visible marker, exposing patients to judgment and scrutiny from others, including pharmacists and insurance companies. She emphasized that while patients with other medical conditions can maintain their privacy, chronic pain patients are subjected to unnecessary stigma. "The least they can get is a normal cap," she stated, advocating for a change that would allow these patients to feel respected and secure.

The discussion around House Bill 2291, which aims to remove the red caps, gained momentum as Fento expressed gratitude for the committee's attention to the issue. She underscored the importance of this legislation, stating it would be a meaningful step toward ensuring chronic pain patients receive the same privacy as those with other health conditions.

The committee responded positively, with members recognizing the potential benefits of the bill. Fento's passionate testimony resonated with many, setting the stage for further discussions on the bill's passage. As the meeting concluded, the committee moved forward with a recommendation for the bill to pass, signaling a hopeful shift in the treatment of chronic pain patients in Arizona.