SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6107
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 17, 2012
Title: An act relating to prescription review for medicaid managed care enrollees.
Brief Description: Concerning prescription review for medicaid managed care enrollees.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Keiser, Conway, Swecker, Pridemore, Harper, King, Kilmer, Schoesler, Fain, Frockt, Haugen, Honeyford, Hatfield, Hill and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/16/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Mich'l Needham (786-7442)
Background: Many patients are simultaneously managing more than one chronic health condition and may receive multiple medications to manage their health. The complexity of managing the multiple health conditions and multiple medications that may have interactions is appropriate to address within a medical home model with the provider and care team to ensure medications remain appropriate and effective. The 2011 Legislature passed SSB 5394 which directed the Health Care Authority to include in all of the state purchased medical programs (Medical Assistance, Basic Health, and Public Employees Benefits Board programs) the development of a health home or primary care health home with emphasis on a primary care provider coordinating all medical care services with a multidisciplinary team. Although the health care team may include a pharmacist, the description of possible medical home services did not call out the review and management of prescriptions.
Summary of Bill: The Health Care Authority contracts for Medical Assistance (commonly referred to as Medicaid) managed care services must include a requirement that any patient with five or more prescriptions be placed in an automatic review process with the primary care provider to ensure all the prescriptions are medically appropriate, and to review for drug interactions and opportunities to reduce the number of prescriptions. The multiple prescription review must be completed at least annually.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2012.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a great concept to provide a review of multiple prescriptions that people take, to ensure appropriate patient care and review for drug interactions, and possibly save money by reducing the number of prescriptions people take. Focusing on the Medicaid managed care plans is a start that may help the state. We support the goal of reviewing patient prescriptions, and most family providers already review a patient's drugs with them. We have some concerns about putting language in statute and some concerns about the potential administrative burdens of the approach outlined here.
OTHER: We have concerns about the potential burden on the front line and concerns about the cost of creating a program.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Becker, prime sponsor; Mary Clogston, Washington Academy of Family Physicians.
OTHER: Carl Nelson, Washington State Medical Association.