Delays the use of the ASAM Criteria for treatment of substance-related conditions by Medicaid managed care organizations and carriers.

This bill amends existing laws to delay the implementation of updated versions of the ASAM Criteria for treating substance-related conditions. The Health Care Authority and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner must jointly decide whether to adopt these updates and, if so, when they should be implemented by Medicaid managed care organizations and carriers. The decision must be posted on their websites. For the ASAM Criteria, 4th edition, the updated criteria must be used no later than January 1, 2028, unless the agencies jointly decide against their use.

Delays the use of the ASAM Criteria for treatment of substance-related conditions by Medicaid managed care organizations and carriers.

This bill amends existing laws to delay the implementation of updated versions of the ASAM Criteria for treating substance-related conditions. The Health Care Authority and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner must jointly decide whether to adopt these updates and, if so, when they should be implemented by Medicaid managed care organizations and carriers. The decision must be posted on their websites. For the ASAM Criteria, 4th edition, the updated criteria must be used no later than January 1, 2028, unless the agencies jointly decide against their use.