This bill proposes to amend Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 23-1062.04, which would establish regulations for formal pharmacy management networks in the context of workers' compensation. Under the new law, employers or insurers would be authorized to create or contract with these networks to provide necessary medications to injured employees. The bill outlines specific requirements for these networks, including the ability to set reimbursement amounts different from the existing fee schedule, the obligation to notify employees about the network, and the stipulation that out-of-network prescriptions will be reimbursed at the established fee schedule until proper notice is given to the out-of-network providers.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that ensure pharmacies and dispensing providers can join the network if they meet certain criteria, mandates timely dispute resolution processes for reimbursement issues, and prohibits charging pharmacies for various fees related to prescription dispensing. It also clarifies that injured employees must obtain medications through the network unless a claim dispute is unresolved. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1062.04