Bill > S01974

This bill amends the workers' compensation law to allow claimants to obtain prescribed medicines from a pharmacy of their choice, rather than being required to use a pharmacy that has a contract with the employer or insurance carrier, in certain situations. Specifically, this is permitted if the employer or carrier has refused to provide payment for the prescribed medication and the claimant is unable to obtain it from the contracted pharmacy within 72 hours, or if the medication requires reauthorization but the employer or carrier fails to do so within 72 hours for various reasons. The bill outlines requirements for the pharmacy dispensing the medication, such as adhering to the workers' compensation fee schedule and treatment guidelines, and provides for the pharmacy to be reimbursed by the employer or carrier after the medication is approved.