Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB148

Introduced
2/29/24  
Introduced
2/29/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Refer
3/11/24  
Refer
3/11/24  
Report Pass
4/17/24  
Refer
4/22/24  
Refer
4/22/24  
Engrossed
4/24/24  
Engrossed
4/24/24  
Refer
4/25/24  
Refer
4/25/24  
Report Pass
4/30/24  
Report Pass
4/30/24  
Enrolled
5/21/24  
Enrolled
5/21/24  
Chaptered
5/28/24  
Chaptered
5/28/24  
Passed
5/28/24  

Caption

Provides relative to postpartum depression. (8/1/24) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

If enacted, SB 148 is poised to impact Louisiana state laws related to health coverage, specifically concerning mental health. The bill is expected to facilitate more straightforward access to necessary treatments for postpartum depression by preventing insurers from setting strict limitations that could delay or deny care. The bill also establishes a framework for ensuring that medical practitioners are supported in advocating for their patients, potentially resulting in better healthcare outcomes for postpartum individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 148 deals with the prescription drug coverage for postpartum depression and aims to enhance the accessibility of treatments for this condition. The bill introduces the requirement for health coverage plans to provide a clear process for prescribing practitioners to request overrides for step therapy or fail first protocols that restrict medication use. It is explicitly highlighted that if a drug is not indicated by the FDA for postpartum depression, practitioners can seek an override of these restrictions based on clinical evidence.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 148 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support reflected in the Senate's voting history, which showed no opposition to the bill during the vote. This consensus suggests strong legislative backing for addressing postpartum depression, indicating an acknowledgment of its significance within public health discussions. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and advocacy groups for women's health, likely view the bill as a necessary step towards improving mental health services for new mothers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the override process and the criteria used to evaluate requests. Questions could be raised around the adequacy of clinical evidence required for overrides, and whether health plans will comply with the bill's requirements in practice. Additionally, there may be ongoing discussions about the adequacy of resources allocated to support healthcare providers and ensure they can effectively navigate the new regulations imposed by SB 148.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB66

Provides relative to telehealth services. (1/1/24) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB468

Provides relative to utilization review standards and approval procedures for healthcare service claims submitted by healthcare providers (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SB110

Provides for patient's right to prompt coverage. (8/1/23) (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

LA HB55

Provides relative to mental health treatment of incarcerated people (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SB167

Provides relative to design-build. (8/1/23) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB548

Provides relative to the 340B drug pricing program (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SB104

Provides for health insurance coverage of genetic testing for diseases and other medical conditions. (8/1/23) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB185

Provides relative to the licensing and regulation of virtual businesses. (8/1/23) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB578

Provides relative to a smoking cessation benefits program (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)

LA SB186

Provides relative to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. (1/1/24) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.