Sec. 1579.106. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN DRUGS. (a) In this section, "drug formulary" means a list of drugs preferred for use and eligible for coverage by a health coverage plan.

(b) A health coverage plan provided under this chapter that uses a drug formulary in providing a prescription drug benefit must require prior authorization for coverage of the following categories of prescribed drugs if the specific drug prescribed is not included in the formulary:

(1) a gastrointestinal drug;

(2) a cholesterol-lowering drug;

(3) an anti-inflammatory drug;

(4) an antihistamine drug; and

(5) an antidepressant drug.

(c) Every six months the trustee shall submit to the comptroller and the Legislative Budget Board a report regarding any cost savings achieved in the program through implementation of the prior authorization requirement of this section. The report must cover the previous six-month period.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1G.003, eff. April 1, 2009.