This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1947, proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 256B.0625, subdivision 13g, related to the preferred drug list under the state's Medicaid program. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Ensuring Coverage for Nonopioid Pain Medications: The bill mandates that nonopioid drugs approved by the FDA for managing pain must not be disadvantaged or discouraged in comparison to opioids or narcotic pain medications. This means:

   • A nonopioid drug cannot be designated as nonpreferred if any opioid or narcotic drug is designated as preferred.
   • Utilization management protocols (such as prior authorization or step therapy) for nonopioid drugs cannot be more restrictive than the least restrictive protocols applied to opioids.

2. Immediate Application Upon FDA Approval: Once the FDA approves a nonopioid pain management drug, these protections would apply immediately, even before the drug is reviewed for inclusion on Minnesota’s preferred drug list.

3. Transparency and Public Involvement:

   • The Department of Human Services (DHS) must maintain publicly accessible information about the preferred drug list, past versions of the list, and contract details with vendors.
   • The Formulary Committee must provide public notice and allow public comment before modifying or removing a drug from the preferred drug list.
   • Before making changes, DHS must assess public health and health disparity impacts and conduct a public hearing.

4. Federal Compliance: The bill directs the commissioner of DHS to seek any necessary federal approval or waivers to implement these changes.

Overall Impact:

The bill's primary objective is to ensure that Medicaid patients have fair access to nonopioid pain treatments, potentially reducing opioid dependence by preventing barriers to safer alternatives. It also emphasizes transparency and public accountability in drug list management.