Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Lenz aims to amend Section 33-32-221 of the Montana Code Annotated to prohibit health insurance issuers from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric drugs that are either in shortage or have been discontinued. The bill specifies that health insurance issuers cannot perform prior authorization on any prescription drug, whether generic or brand name, that is designated as in shortage according to a quarterly list published by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This list will be updated on April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1, and will remain in effect until the next quarterly update.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that any adverse determinations made during the prior authorization process must be conducted by a physician specializing in the relevant condition. It also introduces a clause that prohibits manufacturers of prescription drugs from engaging in predatory pricing or marketing related to any shortages, with violations subject to enforcement and penalties under Title 30, Chapter 14, Part 1 of the Montana Code. The amendments aim to streamline access to necessary psychiatric medications and protect patients from potential exploitation during drug shortages.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 33-32-221
SB0317_1(1): 33-32-221
SB0317_1(2): 33-32-221
SB0317_1(3): 33-32-221
SB0317_1(4): 33-32-221
SB0317_1(5): 33-32-221
SB0317_1: 33-32-221
SB0317_2(1): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(10): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(2): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(3): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(4): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(5): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(6): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(7): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(8): 33-32-221
SB0317_2(9): 33-32-221
SB0317_2: 33-32-221