HB 2969 - DIGEST

Finds that individuals in state purchased health care programs need assurance that they will have access to the medically necessary care ordered by their physician. The best available clinical evidence should be used by the state to give patients access to medically necessary care in a cost-effective manner. Decisions for broad patient populations made by the state must not jeopardize the ability of the physician and patient to choose the medical items and services that best meet the needs of the individual. The state must use open, transparent decision-making processes to ensure individuals in state purchased health care programs have access to medically necessary care.

Declares that quality improvement is a prerequisite for achieving more efficient utilization of health care and control of state health expenditures; improving patient access to medically necessary care in a cost-effective manner is an important priority for the state. The state should use available, valid evidence to improve access to needed medicines and other health care items and services and improve the quality of care received by individuals in state purchased health care programs.

Requires a legislative oversight committee to review and report at least yearly on the impact of evidence reports on patient access, treatment quality, and overall health care costs.