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SB 70

RELATING TO THE CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Elefante and 4 co-sponsors

SB 70 streamlines access to mental health medications for Medicaid recipients by removing prior authorization for treatments of serious mental illnesses, improving care quality.

Carried over to 2024 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 70

Summary of SB 70 - Step-Therapy Protocols

Bill Number: SB 70
Introduced By: Senator Harrell
Introduced On: September 23, 2025
Current Status: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy

Purpose and Intent

SB 70 aims to amend existing Florida statutes regarding step-therapy protocols, particularly for Medicaid recipients diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. The bill seeks to streamline access to necessary medications without the requirement of prior authorization under certain conditions, thereby improving the quality of care for individuals with serious mental health conditions.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Serious Mental Illness:

    • The bill introduces a formal definition of "serious mental illness" in section 409.901 of the Florida Statutes. This includes:
      • Bipolar disorders
      • Major depressive disorders
      • Obsessive-compulsive disorders
      • Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders
      • Paranoid personality disorder and other psychotic disorders
      • Depression in childhood or adolescence

  2. Prior Authorization Changes:

    • Section 409.912 is amended to require the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to approve drug products for Medicaid recipients without step-therapy prior authorization for the treatment of serious mental illnesses, under specified circumstances.

  3. Rate Impact Considerations:

    • The bill directs the AHCA to include any rate impacts resulting from these changes in the Medicaid rates that become effective on a specified date.

  4. Conforming Amendments:

    • The bill makes necessary conforming changes to existing statutes to ensure consistency with the new provisions.

Affected Parties

  • Medicaid Recipients: Individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses will benefit from reduced barriers to accessing necessary medications.
  • Healthcare Providers: Providers will have clearer guidelines regarding the treatment of serious mental illnesses and the medications that can be prescribed without prior authorization.
  • Agency for Health Care Administration: The AHCA will have new responsibilities in approving medications and managing the implications of these changes on Medicaid rates.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on September 23, 2025, and has been referred to the Health Policy and Appropriations Committees for further consideration.
  • The legislative process will involve discussions and potential amendments in these committees before it can be voted on by the full Senate.

Conclusion

SB 70 represents a significant step towards improving access to mental health medications for Medicaid recipients in Florida. By eliminating the step-therapy requirement for certain medications, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care for individuals suffering from serious mental illnesses, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate treatment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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