HB 2844 - DIGEST

     Recognizes that outpatient prescription drugs are an essential component of patient care and as a health benefits payer under the state's medical assistance program, the legislature directs the department of social and health services' medical assistance administration to add a prior authorization component to its drug utilization review program to ensure that beneficiaries have access to medically necessary medicines in a clinically appropriate manner.

     Establishes the drug utilization review board within the department of social and health services' medical assistance administration for the implementation of a retrospective and prospective drug utilization review program.