By analyzing the effects of restrictions placed on second-generation anti-psychotic drugs in select state Medicaid programs this study concludes that the resulting cost savings are minimal.  The authors urge additional evaluations of the clinical consequences of prior authorization policies to better understand the risk/reward balance.   

Law, M. R., Ross-Degnan, D., & Soumerai, S. B. (2008). Effect of prior authorization of second-generation antipsychotic agents on pharmacy utilization and reimbursements. Psychiatric Services, 59(5): 540-6. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.59.5.540.   http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/59/5/540

Authors: Michael R. Law, Dennis Ross-Degnan, Stephen B. Soumerai