This bill seeks to improve access to preventive healthcare for HIV by empowering pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and administer antiretroviral drugs. It introduces new provisions that prohibit health plans from implementing step therapy protocols for these medications and mandates coverage when prescribed by qualified pharmacists. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of pharmacists in counseling patients about HIV prevention drugs and requires the establishment of standardized protocols for their prescription. Additionally, it ensures that health plans provide equitable coverage for pharmacist-prescribed drugs, matching the reimbursement rates for other healthcare providers.

Moreover, the bill amends medical assistance coverage to include antiretroviral drugs and necessary laboratory tests for HIV prevention, aligning with health plan requirements under section 62Q.524. It modifies the prior authorization process, requiring the commissioner to inform about the impact of such processes on patient care and program costs, and mandates a public forum for feedback prior to implementation. The bill clarifies that prior authorization must comply with newly inserted sections 62Q.184 and 62Q.1842, while removing references to a single section, thereby enhancing medication accessibility and management for vulnerable populations in need of specific treatments.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 151.01, 151.37, 256B.0625