The proposed bill amends the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act by introducing new definitions and requirements related to clinician-administered drugs. It defines "clinician-administered drug" as an outpatient prescription drug that cannot be self-administered and is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. Additionally, the bill establishes that specialty pharmacies must comply with federal regulations when shipping these drugs, provide 24/7 access to a pharmacist or nurse, and allow healthcare providers to request refills. It also mandates that a pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must disclose a process for appealing the use of specialty pharmacies under certain circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill includes several insertions and deletions to clarify terms and streamline the language of the existing law. Notably, it introduces the term "specialty pharmacy" and outlines specific obligations for these pharmacies regarding the shipment and delivery of clinician-administered drugs. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and it repeals the original sections of the law that are being amended.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 44-4601, 44-4603