The bill amends Section 27-29.1-1 of the General Laws regarding "Pharmacy Freedom of Choice, Fair Competition and Practices" by introducing new definitions and provisions. It adds a definition for "prescriber," which refers to healthcare professionals licensed in the state and authorized to prescribe drugs to treat or manage any condition of the body or mind.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 27-29.1-7.1, which mandates that pharmacy benefits managers must accept and honor the prescription drugs chosen by prescribers for their patients. It prohibits these managers from substituting, denying, rejecting, or otherwise failing to authorize coverage for a prescription drug selected by a prescriber based on their own clinical judgment, cost containment protocol, formulary preference, or step therapy requirement. Any action by pharmacy benefits managers that results in the denial, delay, or modification of a prescriber's chosen drug for a patient is deemed an unlawful interference with the practice of medicine and is subject to penalties instituted by the director of the department of business regulation.

Furthermore, the director of the department of business regulation or their designee is empowered to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties necessary to implement this chapter. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7817: 27-29.1-1