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MISAM Supports Legislation to Remove Prior Authorization on FDA-Approved Medications
On November 1st, the Michigan Society of Addiction Medicine (MISAM) sent a letter to the membership of the House Committee on Health Policy in support of SB 412. If enacted, SB 412 would remove prior authorization requirements on FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder within the state’s Medicaid program.
MISAM’s letter cited how prior authorization requirements create extended waiting periods for FDA-approved medications, detrimentally impacting individuals with opioid use disorder. Many individuals with opioid use disorder who seek treatment need immediate intervention to stabilize their condition. In turn, when forced to wait for prescriptions, there is a high likelihood of returning to use or overdose among these individuals. Additionally, MISAM’s letter highlighted the regulatory burden that prior authorization places upon addiction specialist physicians (ASPs). According to survey data, 92% of physicians reported delays in care due to prior authorization, including 64% who reported delays spanning one business day or more. Due to the scale of the opioid epidemic, ASPs must be empowered to provide evidence-based care in a timely manner. SB 412’s steps to remove prior authorization on FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder would expedite the treatment process, improving the quality of care available to the state’s residents.