The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon. DIGEST SB 180 Original 2021 Regular Session Fred Mills Present law provides for the use of a reverse auction by a political subdivision to purchase materials, supplies, or equipment when the procurement officer determines that the best interests of the political subdivision would be served and that electronic online bidding is more advantageous than other procurement methods. Proposed law provides that professional services may also be procured through the reverse auction process. Present law provides for the use of a reverse auction by the state for the acquisition of materials, supplies, services of any type, products, or equipment with the approval of the state chief procurement officer that the best interests of the state would be served. Proposed law provides that professional services may also be procured through the reverse auction process. Present law defines professional service for the purposes of the Louisiana Procurement Code and provides examples of professional services. Proposed law adds pharmacy benefit manager services as an example. Present law provides that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) shall administer the Medicaid prescription drug benefit program and requires contracts for pharmacy benefit manager services, either directly with LDH or as a subcontractor or subsidiary of a managed care organization, to meet certain requirements. Proposed law adds authority for LDH to procure and negotiate pharmacy benefit manager contracts through the use of a reverse auction. Present law provides that the Office of Group Benefits may negotiate and contract directly for the provision of other health care services to the program's covered persons. Proposed law adds authority for OGB to procure and negotiate pharmacy benefit manager contracts through the use of a reverse auction. Effective August 1, 2021. (Amends R.S. 38:2271(A)(1) and (2)(b) and 2271(C)(intro para) and R.S. 39:1556(42) and (50), 1600(D)(1) and (3), and 1648(C); adds R.S. 42:802(B)(12) and R.S. 46:450.7(C))