Section 71-5-156 - Development of policy regarding births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome and opiod use by women of childbearing age(a) As used in this section: (1) "Bureau" means the bureau of TennCare; and(2) "Managed care organization" or "MCO" means a health maintenance organization, behavioral health organization, or managed health insurance issuer that participates in the TennCare program.(b) The general assembly finds that issues raised by births of children with neonatal abstinence syndrome and the use of opioids by women of childbearing age constitute a critical problem for enrollees in the TennCare program, healthcare providers, the TennCare program, public health, and the fiscal well-being of the state.(c) In order to address issues raised by births of children with neonatal abstinence syndrome and the use of opioids by women of childbearing age in the TennCare program, the bureau is directed to promptly fully review these issues and to develop an appropriate and accountable policy response that includes both primary prevention and secondary prevention.(d) On or before September 1, 2017, the bureau shall issue appropriate requests for information for program initiatives aimed at primary prevention and secondary prevention of births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome and the use of opioids by women of childbearing age enrolled in the TennCare program.(e)(1) Each MCO that participates in the TennCare program shall provide the overall medical loss ratio for the MCO with respect to the TennCare program. The MCO shall also calculate a medical loss ratio with respect to expenditures associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome and the use of opioids by women of childbearing age enrolled in the TennCare program.(2) For purposes of this subsection (e), "medical loss ratio" means the ratio of medical claims and quality improvement activities to the total funds received by the MCO from the bureau pursuant to its contractor risk agreement.(f) Nothing in this section shall affect contracts in effect on June 6, 2017, with the managed care organizations for program services related to opioid use by women of childbearing age enrolled in the TennCare program.(g) The bureau shall report concerning the progress and implementation of the program authorized by this section to the speaker of the house of representatives, the speaker of the senate, the comptroller of the treasury, the chair of the health committee of the house of representatives, and the chair of the health and welfare committee of the senate beginning on September 1, 2017, and thereafter on a quarterly basis.(h) The bureau shall recommend to the general assembly any legislation necessary to implement initiatives selected under subsection (g) on or before January 15, 2018.(i) If the commissioner of finance and administration, in consultation with the bureau, determines that a federal waiver or an amendment to an existing federal waiver is necessary in order to implement initiatives under this section, the commissioner shall promptly apply for an appropriate waiver or waiver amendment to the United States department of health and human services.Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 483,s 3, eff. 7/1/2017.