The bill enacts a new provision in Louisiana law regarding the treatment of postpartum depression, specifically addressing the application of step therapy and fail first protocols for medications prescribed for this condition. It establishes that when health coverage plans impose restrictions on medications through these protocols, prescribing practitioners must have access to a clear and convenient process to request an override of such restrictions. The bill mandates that this override process be easily accessible on the health coverage plan's website.

Additionally, the bill specifies a new criterion for granting an override: if the required prescription drug for postpartum depression is not indicated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for postpartum depression on its approved labeling, the health coverage plan must expeditiously grant the override. This aims to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely treatment for postpartum depression without unnecessary barriers.

Statutes affected:
SB148 Original: 22:1053(K)