ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 289
BY REPRESENTATIVE PHELPS
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to review Medicaid prior
authorization criteria for prescribing L-glutamine to treat acute complications of
sickle cell disease and to report its findings by February 1, 2024.
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is the most common inherited hemoglobin disorder,
but despite its high mortality rates and severe economic impact, needs for effective therapies
for the disease remain unmet; and
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease can affect any organ and has particularly harmful
effects on the kidneys, lungs, and spleen; and
WHEREAS, vaso-occlusive crises are common among patients, causing recurrent
episodes of acute pain and leading to irreversible organ damage, poor quality of life, and
stroke; and
WHEREAS, on average, life expectancy among persons who suffer from sickle cell
disease is twenty-five to thirty years less than among those who do not have the disease; and
WHEREAS, according to a 2018 study, sickle cell disease imposes a nearly three
billion dollar economic burden on the United States healthcare system annually, of which
fifty-seven percent is attributed to hospital inpatient costs; and
WHEREAS, L-glutamine is indicated to reduce acute complications of sickle cell
disease in adults and children five years of age and older; and
WHEREAS, one criterion for patients with Louisiana fee-for-service Medicaid to
obtain a prior authorization for L-glutamine is to have been treated at an emergency room
or outpatient center with intravenous pain medication twice within a twelve-month period.
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 289 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health
to review Medicaid prior authorization criteria for prescribing L-glutamine to reduce acute
complications of sickle cell disease and provide information including but not limited to all
of the following:
(1) The effectiveness of L-glutamine at reducing pain associated with sickle cell
disease.
(2) The feasibility of increasing access to L-glutamine by eliminating overly
burdensome prior authorization criteria.
(3) The numbers of authorizations for L-glutamine sought by healthcare providers
for the treatment of Medicaid patients with sickle cell disease that were denied.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than February 1, 2024, the department
shall prepare and submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House
Committee on Health and Welfare.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2