RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 317 (SB 241) 2018 Regular Session Morrell
Prior law provided for licensure of pharmacy benefit managers by the commissioner of
insurance. New 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. New law
prohibits these provisions in contracts and retroactively makes void any provisions in place
on August 1, 2018.
New 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. New 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)