The bill amends existing laws regarding the implementation timeline for the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) 4th edition criteria, which are treatment guidelines for addictive, substance-related, and co-occurring conditions. Specifically, it extends the deadline for Medicaid managed care organizations and carriers to begin using the updated criteria from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. This change allows for additional time for the health care authority and the office of the insurance commissioner to jointly assess the updated criteria and determine its applicability.

Additionally, the bill mandates that both the health care authority and the office of the insurance commissioner must post their decision regarding the use of the updated ASAM criteria on their websites. This ensures transparency and keeps relevant stakeholders informed about the implementation of the new treatment guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.24.619, 48.43.764
Bill as Passed Legislature: 71.24.619, 48.43.764
Session Law: 71.24.619, 48.43.764