California Assembly Bill AB3285

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Medi-Cal: antipsychotic drugs.

Impact

By allowing a pharmacist to dispense a 90-day supply of prescribed antipsychotic medications under certain conditions, AB 3285 aims to enhance convenience and ensure that patients have uninterrupted access to their medications. This legislative change is expected to alleviate some of the barriers that low-income individuals face when accessing mental health treatments, promoting better adherence to prescribed therapies. The measure also modifies existing limits on the number of prescribed drugs under Medi-Cal by exempting antipsychotic drugs from the typical cap of six per month, thereby recognizing the unique needs of individuals with serious mental health conditions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 3285 seeks to amend California's Medi-Cal regulations specifically regarding the provision and prescription of antipsychotic drugs intended for the treatment of serious mental illnesses. The bill proposes to eliminate the prior authorization requirement for such medications after the initial prescription is dispensed for a period of 365 days. Furthermore, it stipulates the automatic approval of antipsychotic prescriptions if a verified diagnosis of serious mental illness is documented within the previous 365 days. This change is aimed at improving access to necessary medications for individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal, making it easier for patients to obtain their essential treatments without bureaucratic delays.

Contention

Despite its intentions, AB 3285 may face scrutiny regarding its potential fiscal implications and the broader context of mental health care provisions. Stakeholders may express concerns over the costs associated with the increased accessibility of these drugs, the effectiveness of automatic approvals, and whether this approach adequately addresses the nuanced needs within mental health treatment frameworks. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, the discussions around it may reflect broader themes of healthcare equity, access, and the adequacy of resources allocated for mental health services in California.