CA AB1437

Prescription refills for drugs treating serious mental illness are automatically approved for 365 days after the initial prescription is dispensed under Medi-Cal.

Automatic approval applies only to individuals 18 years of age or older who are not under transition jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

"Serious mental illness" is defined as a mental disorder identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is severe, persistent, and substantially interferes with daily functioning and independent living.

The definition includes but is not limited to schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, major affective disorders, and other severely disabling mental disorders.