March 10, 2010

Nevada Senate Bill 4; Adding Antipsychotic Medications to the Medicaid Preferred Drug List

Nevada Senate Bill 4 was signed by Governor Jim Gibbons on March 6, 2010. It adds the three new drug classes to the Medicaid preferred drug list (PDL) and outlines grandfathering procedures for particular drugs. It goes into effect June 30, 2010; people taking brand-name atypical and typical antipsychotic medications to treat mental illness, anticonvulsant medications, and anti-diabetic medications will have continued access to those medications. No prior authorization will be required if the patient maintains continuous Medicaid eligibility and continues to take the medication. After June 30, 2010, prior authorization for new clinical uses will be required. New patients must demonstrate therapeutic failure on one preferred atypical or typical antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, and anti-diabetic medication, before use of a non-preferred medication will be approved.