Senate Bill 447 revises Montana's laws regarding prior authorization for health care services, primarily by extending the validity of prior authorization certifications. The bill amends Section 33-32-107 to ensure that certifications for health care services are valid for at least 12 months, and for treatments of chronic conditions, they will remain valid for the duration of the condition without the need for re-certification. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions, including "chronic condition," which is defined as a condition requiring ongoing medical attention or limitations on daily activities.

The legislation also prohibits prior authorization for certain prescription drugs, specifically generic medications that have been continuously prescribed for six months, and establishes that health insurance issuers cannot require prior authorization for specific therapeutic classes of medications. Furthermore, if an adverse determination is made during the prior authorization process, the issuer must provide a written notice that includes a list of reasonable therapeutic alternatives. These changes aim to streamline the prior authorization process, improve access to necessary health care services, and enhance patient care by reducing barriers to treatment.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1(1): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1(2): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1(3): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1(4): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1(5): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_1: 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(1): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(10): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(11): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(12): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(13): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(14): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(15): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(16): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(2): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(3): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(4): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(5): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(6): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(7): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(8): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2(9): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_2: 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(1): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(2): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(3): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(4): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(5): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(6): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(7): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3(8): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_3: 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(1): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(10): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(11): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(2): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(3): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(4): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(5): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(6): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(7): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(8): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X(9): 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221
SB0447_X: 33-32-102, 33-32-107, 33-32-221