Bill > SB317

This bill amends Montana's health insurance regulations to prohibit prior authorization for certain psychiatric drugs under specific circumstances. The legislation prevents health insurance issuers from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric prescription drugs that are designated as being in shortage, based on the official shortage list published quarterly by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill also introduces a provision that manufacturers of drugs subject to this shortage exemption cannot engage in predatory pricing or marketing related to the drug shortage, with potential enforcement and penalties under state commercial regulations. The bill expands existing prior authorization restrictions, which already prevent such requirements for generic drugs, drugs with previously approved authorizations, and drugs with adjusted dosages. Specifically, the new provision ensures that patients can more easily access psychiatric medications during supply shortages, potentially reducing barriers to mental health treatment by streamlining the prescription process during times of limited drug availability.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3691