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CRT 2023 Legislative Update - Week 8

May 1, 2023

Paul D. Seltzer, DO, Legislative Chair

Stephen R. Winn, ED

Michelle W. Larson, Assoc. ED

Jason D. Winn, Esq.

Summary

After eight weeks of the nine-week session, committees and subcommittees have officially concluded business. On April 24, 2023, the legislature formally began the 2023 budget conference, initiating the process to reconcile differences between the House and Senate budget plans. Conference Committees worked diligently to conclude their business, and unresolved items were moved to the "big chairs" for resolution. On Monday, May 1, 2023, the full Appropriations Conference Committee resolved their differences, finalizing the budget conference process.

FMA CEO Chris Clark & FOMA President Brett Scotch, DO

As the 2023 legislative session enters its final week, all eyes turn to the floor of each chamber. With the conclusion of committee business and the budget conference, the last week is expected to be marked by intense negotiations, last-minute amendments, and critical votes as lawmakers work to conclude their business for the year and salvage their remaining legislative priorities.

Despite the tight deadlines and the persistent winding down of the legislative clock, several legislative priorities are successfully progressing.

PBM Legislation Rolls to 3rd Reading in the House

On April 24, 2023, the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously passed HB 1500 relating to prescription drugs. The bill was Heard on second reading by the full House on Monday, May 1, 2023, and is scheduled for final vote on Tuesday, May 2. The Senate Companion, SB 1550, is in House Messages.

This legislation addresses the transparency of a manufacturer’s prescription drug price increases above certain thresholds. The bills also establish regulations concerning the relationships between pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy benefits plans and programs, and pharmacy providers for delivering pharmacy services to covered persons.

Step Therapy Legislation Passes the Senate

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the Senate unanimously passed SB 112 concerning step therapy protocols, sending it to the House for its consideration. This FOMA priority legislation defines the term “serious mental illness” to include certain conditions contained in the DSM-V. The bills require the Agency for Health Care Administration to approve drug products for Medicaid recipients for the treatment of serious mental illness without step-therapy prior authorization under certain circumstances.

The bill directs the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to include the bill’s rate impact on new managed care plan payment rates within Statewide Medicaid Managed Care that take effect October 1, 2023.

Bill Tracking Report

In the News

Lawmakers back Medicaid-managed care pilot for people with developmental disabilities

The Florida House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill that would create a pilot program to provide Medicaid-managed care services to people with developmental disabilities. Lawmakers in 2011 approved an overhaul of the Medicaid system that has led to most beneficiaries receiving services through managed care plans.

Florida continues to tangle with the FDA over Canadian drug importation

Four years after Florida lawmakers passed a plan to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, the plan remains snarled in disputes between the state and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.