This Week in Health Care

STATE HIGHLIGHTS

CALIFORNIA

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on July 1 regarding the following:

• AB 1902: This measure requires pharmacy dispensers to provide translated directions for use in the languages the Pharmacy Board has made available. Dispensers are not required to provide translated directions for use beyond the required language. 
  Contact: Matthew Lidz
   
• AB 2428: This measure requires Medicaid MCOs to reimburse Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) providers at least at the required fee-for-service minimum rate.
  Contact: Dylan Hughes
   
• AB 2703: This measure allows for Medicaid reimbursement to psychological associates under a supervising licensed behavioral health practitioner.
  Contact: Dylan Hughes

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on July 2 regarding AB 2136. This measure exempts testing equipment designed for use to test a substance for the presence of contaminants, toxic substances, hazardous compounds, or other adulterants, or controlled substances that include, without limitation, fentanyl, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or any analog of fentanyl from the definition of "drug paraphernalia." 

Contact: Matthew Lidz

The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee will hold a hearing on July 2 regarding SB 1120. This measure provides that healthcare plans and disability insurers, including specialized healthcare service plans covering dental services that use algorithms or artificial intelligence (AI) for utilization review or utilization management functions, must comply with the following: 

• decisions should be based on the enrollee's medical history and clinical circumstances that are presented by the requesting provider;
• decisions must be fair and equitably applied, without discriminating against an individual because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or medical condition;
• the utilization review must be open to inspection and follow policies that review decisions for accuracy and reliability; 
• the utilization review can not use data beyond its intended and stated purpose;
• decisions about denying, delaying, or changing healthcare services due to medical necessity must be made by a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the specific clinical issues related to the requested services.

Contact: Allison Collins

The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee will hold a hearing on July 2 regarding SB 1333. This measure amends existing code to require healthcare providers and laboratories to report all cases of HIV to the local health officer using patient names. 

Contact: Olivia O'Donnell

The Senate Health Committee will hold a hearing on July 3 regarding the following:

• AB 2115: The measure allows a practitioner to dispense a narcotic drug for the purpose of relieving acute withdrawal symptoms while arrangements are being made for referral for treatment at a clinic.  Only a physician, pharmacist, or another authorized individual, may dispense the narcotic drug.
  Contact: Warda Butt
   
• AB 2467: This measure requires a health care service plan contract or health insurance policy, except for a specialized contract or policy, to include coverage for the treatment of perimenopause and menopause. 
  Contact: Olivia O'Donnell
   
• AB 2914: This measure provides that it is the Legislature's intention to review the state's essential health benefit benchmark plan and create a new benchmark plan for the 2027 plan year. 
  Contact: Allison Collins
   
• AB 3156: This measure removes the requirement that providers contract with a Medicaid managed care organization in order to provide care to Medicaid enrollees with a Medicaid MCO as a secondary payer and to subsequently bill that MCO. It requires Medicaid MCOs to provide assistance to providers and beneficiaries upon request on maintaining health care relationships following the transition from fee-for-service to MCO.
  Contact: Dylan Hughes

GROUPS EVENTS

For more information on these events, contact Zachary Cook.

American Public Health Association (APHA)

2024 Policy Action Institute

Washington, DC

June 17-18

Learn the Latest Developments in Prescription Drug Affordability Boards

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs) are gaining substantial influence within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. With multiple states having already established PDABs and others in the process of forming their own, it's important for businesses to actively monitor and assess their progress.

Our comprehensive engagement and monitoring services can help you stay informed on the latest developments in the PDAB landscape. Contact us or visit www.stateside.com/PDABs for more information.