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 providing medications to injured employees. Key provisions include the requirement for employers to notify employees about the network and the process for obtaining prescriptions, as well as mandating that employees obtain outpatient medications exclusively from participating pharmacies. The bill also allows for different reimbursement amounts from the fee schedule established by the Commission and outlines the obligations of pharmacy management networks, including accepting licensed pharmacies, registering with the Commission, and providing a dispute resolution process for reimbursement issues.

Additionally, the bill specifies that out-of-network prescriptions for medically necessary medications will be reimbursed at the fee schedule amount until the out-of-network provider is notified of the network requirements. It prohibits charging pharmacies for dispensing-related fees and ensures that pharmacy processing agents are reimbursed according to contractual agreements. Importantly, it states that if a claim is disputed, the injured employee is not required to use the network until the dispute is resolved. The Commission is also granted the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementing these requirements. The new section is set to take effect on December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1062.04