A Louisiana senator is calling for a closed drug formulary for the state’s Worker’s Compensation program, to help combat the overutilization of opioids and compounded drugs.
A Louisiana senator is calling for a closed drug formulary for the state’s worker’s compensation program, to help combat the overutilization of opioids and compounded drugs.
Related: HIV/AIDs drugs reclassified at Aetna, Coventry in Florida
Sen. Danny Martiny (Rep.) filed S.B. 256, which says the state should switch to a closed formulary. The bill also says the Office of Worker’s Compensation should set up a Closed Formulary Oversight Panel made up of pharmacists and physicians.
Closed formularies, which have reduced workers comp medical costs in Ohio, Texas and Washington, require proof that non-formulary medications - or “N” drugs - are medically necessary before they can be prescribed to injured workers, according to an article in Business Insurance. A limited list of covered medications - or “Y” drugs - don’t require preauthorization.
According to the bill, "N" drugs would include medications labeled narcotics by FDA, any compounded drugs or compound medication, any experimental drugs and any drugs that aren’t listed on the closed formulary at the time of prescription.
The closed formulary won’t apply to claims with a date of injury prior to Jan. 1, 2016, according to S.B. 256.
FDA Issues Complete Response Letter for Pz-Cel to Treat Epidermolysis Bullosa
April 22nd 2024Prademagene zamikeracel is a cell therapy designed to incorporate the functional collagen-producing COL7A1 gene into a patient’s own skin cells. The FDA is asking for additional information on manufacturing practices.