Amendment #44 to H4725

Workers Compensation Drug Formulary

Mr. Finn of West Springfield moves to amend the bill by striking section 13 and inserting in place the following:-

Chapter 152 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 13 the following section:-

Section 13 ½. The Department of Industrial Accidents shall select a nationally recognized, evidence-based prescription drug formulary appropriate for resolving issues related to drugs prescribed for or related to the treatment of work-related injuries, including, but not limited to, the type, dosage and duration of prescriptions arising under the workers’ compensation law set forth in Chapter 152.  In selecting a nationally recognized, evidence-based prescription drug formulary for adoption, the Department of Industrial Accidents shall consider the following factors:

(a)  Whether the formulary focuses on medical treatment specific to workers' compensation.

(b)  Whether the basis for the formulary is readily apparent and publicly available.

(c)  Whether the formulary includes measures to aid in management of opioid medications.

(d)  Whether the formulary appropriately limits both duration and dosage of prescriptions.

(e)  The cost of implementation of the formulary.

The commissioner shall promulgate the rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the procedures relative to the pharmacy formulary. The rules shall be promulgated and the formulary shall be adopted by January 1, 2019.