Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB2449

Creates the Mental Health Drug Open Access Authorization Act. Provides that the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Medicaid program, the pharmaceutical assistance program under the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act, and other State prescription drug assistance programs may not use or require the use of a prior authorization procedure in connection with the dispensing of a prescription drug, or reimbursement for the dispensing of a drug, classified as a central nervous system drug or prescribed for the treatment of mental illness. Amends the Children's Health Insurance Program Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, and the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act to provide that health benefits coverage, medical assistance, and pharmaceutical assistance provided under those Acts are subject to the Mental Health Drug Prior Authorization Act. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Mental Health Drug Open Access Authorization Act and amends the Children's Health Insurance Program Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, and the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Contains provisions substantially similar to those of House Bill 2449 as introduced, but with changes that include the following: (1) makes changes concerning legislative findings and the purpose of the Mental Health Drug Open Access Authorization Act; (2) adds a definition of "cross-indication" (replacing a definition of "cross-indicated"); (3) changes a reference to "the AMA Drug Evaluations" to "AHFS Drug Information"; (4) provides that nothing in the Mental Health Drug Open Access Authorization Act precludes prior authorization requirements on dosages that exceed those established by the FDA; and (5) provides that State agencies are not prevented from implementing restrictions other than prior authorization requirements for the purpose of ensuring the appropriate use of medications. Effective immediately.

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