The bill seeks to enhance the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders by addressing premature discharges from residential addiction treatment and insurance authorization challenges. It requires licensed behavioral health agencies to submit their policies on patient transfers or discharges without consent, with the Department of Health set to adopt a model policy by April 2025. Starting July 1, 2025, these agencies must report involuntary discharges or voluntary departures before treatment completion. The legislation also mandates that agencies educate patients about pharmacological treatment options and prohibits denying services based solely on a patient's prior voluntary discharge. Additionally, it emphasizes shared decision-making in medication management and ensures the confidentiality of patient health care information.

The bill amends existing laws related to health plans and managed care organizations, particularly concerning the coverage of withdrawal management services and inpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Effective January 1, 2021, health plans cannot require prior authorization for these services and must provide coverage for a minimum number of days before conducting utilization reviews. Starting January 1, 2025, the initial authorization for inpatient treatment must last at least 14 days, with subsequent reauthorizations lasting no less than seven days. The bill also establishes a work group to streamline authorization processes and requires health plans to reimburse hospitals for specific outpatient services related to opioid overdose reversal. Furthermore, it includes provisions for confidentiality of health-related data and stipulates that the bill will become null and void if specific funding is not allocated by June 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.24.618, 18.225.145, 43.70.250
Substitute Bill: 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 18.225.145, 43.70.250
Second Substitute: 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 18.225.145, 43.70.250
Bill as Passed Legislature: 71.24.037, 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 43.70.250, 41.05.527, 48.43.762, 42.56.360
Session Law: 71.24.037, 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 43.70.250, 41.05.527, 48.43.762, 42.56.360