This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 23-1062.04, which establishes a framework for employers to create pharmacy management networks for injured employees. Under the new law, employers can set up these networks and contract for reimbursement amounts that differ from the existing fee schedule established by the Commission. Employers are required to notify employees about the network and the process for obtaining prescriptions, both at the time of establishment and when an injury is reported. Employees must obtain outpatient medications from participating pharmacies within the network, while out-of-network prescriptions will be reimbursed at the fee schedule amount until the out-of-network provider is informed of the network requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines various operational requirements for pharmacy management networks, including accepting all licensed pharmacies willing to comply with contract terms, registering with the Commission, and providing a process for disputing reimbursements. It also prohibits charging pharmacies for fees related to dispensing or billing prescriptions and clarifies that injured employees are not required to use network pharmacies if their claim is disputed until the dispute is resolved. The bill allows the Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation and specifies that the new section will take effect after December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1062.04