Utilization management controls for prescription drugs to treat mental illness under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health Services from imposing any utilization management controls for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program that are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and have an indication of approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a serious mental illness. Under the bill, “serious mental illness” is defined to mean a mental disorder, as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder, that results in serious functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. Currently, DHS administers the Medical Assistance program, which is a joint federal and state program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources.

Who's behind it

4 senators are its authors⁠. All 4 are Republicans.

5 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DHS