Bill Text: CA AB425 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Medi-Cal: pharmacogenomic testing.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2023-10-07 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 329, Statutes of 2023. [AB425 Detail]
Download: California-2023-AB425-Chaptered.html
Assembly Bill
No. 425
CHAPTER 329
An act to add Section 14132.11 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal.
[
Approved by
Governor
October 07, 2023.
Filed with
Secretary of State
October 07, 2023.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 425, Alvarez.
Medi-Cal: pharmacogenomic testing.
Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law sets forth a schedule of covered benefits under the Medi-Cal program.
This bill would, commencing on July 1, 2024, add pharmacogenomic testing as a covered benefit under Medi-Cal, as specified. The bill would define pharmacogenomic testing as laboratory genetic testing that includes, but is not limited to, a panel test, to identify how a person’s genetics
may impact the efficacy, toxicity, and safety of medications.
The bill would condition implementation of this benefit coverage on receipt of any necessary federal approvals and the availability of federal financial participation. The bill would authorize the department to implement these provisions through all-county letters or similar instructions.
The bill would also make related legislative findings.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NOBill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) This act is intended to benefit the total health, including mental and physical health, of Medi-Cal beneficiaries by using available, evidence-based technologies to assess how an individual’s genetics impact their metabolism of a variety of medications.
(b) The Legislature seeks to curb the opioid crisis in California, which is exacerbated by genetic changes in individuals that create unintended “high” feelings or no pain
relief, prompting increases in opioid dependency.
(c) Through Medi-Cal coverage of pharmacogenomic testing, the safety and efficacy of medications will improve and lead to progress in health equity as well as reduction of adverse drug events, opioid dependency, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions.
SEC. 2.
Section 14132.11 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, immediately following Section 14132.108, to read:14132.11.
(a) Commencing on July 1, 2024, pharmacogenomic testing shall be a covered benefit under the Medi-Cal program, subject to utilization controls and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.(b) “Pharmacogenomic testing” means laboratory genetic testing that includes, but is not limited to, a panel test, to identify how a person’s genetics may impact the efficacy, toxicity, and safety of medications.
(c) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals have been obtained and federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized.
(d) Notwithstanding
Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.
