A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE Department of Health and Human Services TO IMPOSE UNDER THE MEDICAID PROGRAM PRIOR Authorization RESTRICTIONS ON ALL BRAND-NAME PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR WHICH THERE IS A GENERIC EQUIVALENT THAT IS LESS COSTLY THAN THE BRAND-NAME DRUG.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Part 6 of Article 2 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:
"§ 108A-68.1. Prescription drug prior authorization requirements.
The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall apply prior authorization requirements to any prescribed brand-name prescription drug for which there is a generic equivalent that is less costly than the brand-name drug. Nothing in this section prohibits the Department from imposing prior authorization requirements on prescribed brand-name prescription drugs for which there is no generic equivalent."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2003.