DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 529 Original 2017 Regular Session Broadwater
Abstract: Provides for the creation of a closed pharmacy formulary for the treatment of injured
workers in workers' compensation claims.
Proposed law requires that rules shall be promulgated and the closed pharmacy formulary be adopted
by July 1, 2018.
Present law created the medical treatment guidelines.
Proposed law retains present law and provides a procedure for the creation of a closed pharmacy
formulary subject.
Proposed law requires that in the development of a pharmacy formulary, the director consult with
workers' compensation stakeholders for specialized input.
Proposed law requires that in the promulgation of the closed pharmacy formulary, rules shall be
promulgated to address legacy claims to ensure the same transition to patients using opiods.
Present law requires that the director update the medical treatment guidelines every two years.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that the pharmacy formulary may be updated if an
update is recommended by the medical advisory council pursuant to high ranking medical evidence.
Present law provides that if the treatment needed by the injured worker is not sufficiently addressed
by the medical treatment guidelines, that the employer may demonstrate by preponderance of the
scientific medical evidence that a variance is necessary. Proposed law retains present law and adds
to this exception, along with the medical treatment guidelines, that the pharmacy formulary will also
be subject to a variance pursuant to the procedures in present law.
(Amends R.S. 23:1203.1(B), (D)(intro. para.), (H), (I), (J)(1), (L), and (M))