The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christine Arbo Peck.
DIGEST
SB 241 Original 2018 Regular Session Morrell
Present law provides for licensure of pharmacy benefit managers by the commissioner of insurance.
Proposed law prohibits pharmacy benefit managers licensed in Louisiana from imposing "gag
orders" by contract on pharmacies or pharmacists which prevent them from informing the patient
of cheaper alternatives when filling their prescription drug. Proposed law prohibits such provisions
in contracts and retroactively makes null and void any such provisions in place on August 1, 2018.
Proposed law authorizes pharmacists to inform patients that a cheaper alternative may be available,
including cash payment if a cash payment is cheaper than the patient's insurance copayment or
deductible amount. Proposed law provides immunity for a pharmacist who does not provide the
information to a patient.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 22:1657; adds R.S. 37:1219)