State of the States

Oklahoma - On Tuesday, Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt (R), signed into law HB 2367, the workers’ comp reform bill. Among the less notable measures in the bill is a requirement that the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) hire an outside consultant to conduct a complete review of the fee schedule in order for the WCC to make recommended updates to the schedule in the coming years.

Delaware - Delaware is poised to be the 26th state to mandate the use of electronic prescribing. HB 115, which is now before the Governor for signature, mandates that all dentists, podiatrists, doctors, nurses, and optometrists utilize electronic prescribing for all prescriptions issued in Delaware beginning January 1, 2021.

New Jersey - Late last week, A 5460 was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly. If passed, the bill requires that when an immediate-release opioid drug is prescribed for acute pain, the prescription is limited to the shortest period that is possible to treat the injury. The bill also requires that prescribers consider alternatives to Schedule II controlled substances or other opioid drugs before issuing an initial prescription of a Schedule II or opioid drug.

Louisiana - Governor John Bel Edwards (D) signed into law SB 107 on June 5. The bill adds PTSD to the list of presumed illness compensable under the workers’ comp statute for local and state police officers, paid and volunteer firefighters, and EMT personnel. The bill takes effect August 1, 2019

Arizona - The Industrial Commission of Arizona has released proposed rules on the Physician and Pharmacy Fee Schedules ahead of 2020. The proposal limits reimbursement for repackaged medications to the original NDC and limits the reimbursement amounts for physician dispensed medications. A hearing is scheduled on July 1, 2019.

By Danielle Jeffee

Courtesy of Injured Workers Pharmacy Blog

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