ND SB2290

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 50-24.6-04 to authorize the Department of Human Services to implement a Medicaid step therapy program modeled on Medicare Part B step therapy protocols.

Prohibits prior authorization for certain medication classes (antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and stimulants) when generic alternatives are available at lower cost to the state, with different rules for individuals under and over 21 years old.

Requires step therapy for antineoplastic cancer treatment drugs to be limited to new prescriptions only and prohibits disruption of ongoing therapies, with expedited exception and appeal processes available for prescribers.

Mandates the department consult with the drug use review board when adopting rules and allows the board to establish physician and pharmacist panels for expert guidance on drug inclusion in the prior authorization program.

Becomes effective on the date the executive director of the Department of Human Services certifies that a Medicare Advantage plan operating in the state has implemented a prior authorization step therapy program protocol for Medicare Part B.