Grandfathering and Transition Period Information

The department is implementing a Preferred Drug List (PDL) in the Atypical Antipsychotics and Anticonvulsants classes. Following is specific information.

Atypical Antipsychotics

All patients currently on non-preferred atypical antipsychotics will be granted prior approval for a four-month period to allow time for the physician to determine whether that patient may be transitioned to a preferred atypical antipsychotic. If the physician believes that his or her patient cannot be transitioned to a preferred atypical antipsychotic, he or she may request a prior approval for the patient to remain on the non-preferred product. Prior approval should be requested by using the prior approval form specifically designed for the non-preferred atypical antipsychotics. That form will be posted to the department’s Web site.

Anticonvulsants

All patients currently on non-preferred anticonvulsants who are identified as having seizure disorder will be grandfathered. Those patients identified as having mental illness will be granted a prior approval for a four-month period to allow time for their physician to transition them to a preferred medication. Prior approval for non-preferred anticonvulsants may be requested by using the prior approval forms specifically designed for the non-preferred anticonvulsants. That form will be posted to the department’s Web site.