House Resolution No. urges the Louisiana Department of Health to review the Medicaid prior authorization criteria for prescribing L-glutamine, a treatment for acute complications of sickle cell disease. The resolution highlights the significant impact of sickle cell disease, which is the most common inherited hemoglobin disorder, leading to severe health complications and a reduced life expectancy. It notes that the current Medicaid requirement for prior authorization includes a stipulation that patients must have received intravenous pain medication in an emergency room or outpatient center at least twice within a year, which may hinder access to necessary treatment.

The resolution requests that the Department of Health assess the effectiveness of L-glutamine in alleviating pain associated with sickle cell disease, evaluate the feasibility of simplifying the prior authorization process, and report on the number of authorization requests that have been denied. The findings and recommendations are to be submitted to the House Committee on Health and Welfare by February 1, 2024. Additionally, copies of the resolution will be sent to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission.