SB 679

Abstract

Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Provides that a health care professional or other person acting under the direction of a health care professional may store and, without generating or affixing a patient-specific label, dispense an opioid antagonist to a patient in a hospital, hospital affiliate, or ambulatory treatment center if certain patient information is provided to the patient. Makes changes to provisions concerning the grants awarded under the Drug Overdose Prevention Program. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall (rather than may) develop policy or best practice guidelines for identification of at-risk individuals through SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) and contract or billing requirements for SBIRT. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop and seek federal approval of a SBIRT benefit for which qualified providers shall be reimbursed under the medical assistance program; and to develop a methodology and bundled reimbursement rate for SBIRT services. Provides that pharmacy fees or hospital fees related to the distribution of opioid antagonists prescribed for the treatment of an opioid overdose shall be covered under the medical assistance program. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed in this State that provides coverage for prescription drugs must provide coverage for all opioid antagonists approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires health care plans that provide coverage for hospital expenses to also reimburse a hospital for the hospital's cost of any FDA approved opioid antagonist.