State Legislation
Louisiana
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Our comprehensive return to work program ensures collaboration and communication with all interested parties including the injured worker, employer, human resources, medical and safety teams, and healthcare providers. We use technology, compassionate case management for employees and cost containment measures, to give Louisiana employers a superior program.
As a service to our clients, CorVel is providing links to information related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the states.
Louisiana has released the following updates in response to the COVID-19 outbreak:
Settlements and Attorney Fee Petitions
WC Emergency Rule in Regards to COVID-19 (03/23)
WC Emergency Rule in Regards to COVID-19 (04/03)
Update to Telephone Office Visits
Legislature Status: Legislature met briefly on March 31, suspended indefinitely.
- April 14, 2020 – The Governor postponed Louisiana’s election again and is now rescheduled for July 11th.
- April 10, 2020 – The Governor announced the creation of a Healthy Equity Task Force which will look at how health inequities are affecting communities that are most impacted by the coronavirus.
Legislation
- SCR 22 Requests the State Board Elementary and Secondary Education to suspend statewide standardized assessments for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19. Pending.
- SCR 31 Requests the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Revenue to develop an incentive package that will make Louisiana the domestic prescription drug manufacturing leader for the United States. Pending.
- SCR 33 Temporarily suspends video draw poker device operation fees due to mandatory closure of establishments in response to coronavirus pandemic. Pending.
- HCR 22 Urges and requests the Public Service Commission to temporarily prohibit energy and water companies from disconnecting services. Pending.
- HCR 23 Suspends laws regarding legal deadlines, including prescription and preemption, in recognition of the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pending.
- HCR 25 Provides for the suspension of all civil prescriptive, preemptive, filing, and other deadlines in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declared by the Governor. Pending.
- HCR 27 Provides consent for the adjournment of the 2020 Regular Session of the Legislature for a period longer than three days to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Adopted.
- HCR 34 Suspends the severance taxes levied on oil, natural gas, distillate and condensate. Pending.
- HCR 39 Temporarily suspends the payment of video draw poker device operation fees due to the closure of licensed establishments as a result of Coronavirus disease. Pending.
- HCR 40 Directs the Department of Revenue to develop data on the projected impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on state business revenue and on net operating loss carry forward tax deductions for future tax filings. Pending.
- HCR 43 Suspends the corporation franchise tax levied on domestic and foreign corporations and the initial tax levied on certain business entities subject to the corporation franchise tax to mitigate some financial losses suffered by businesses. Pending.
- SB 426 Requires health insurance coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Pending.
- SB 445 Provides relative to limitation of civil liability for medical personnel and healthcare providers during public health emergency. Pending.
- SB 449 Requires reporting of contagious or infectious diseases to first responders. Pending.
- SB 450 Exempts from seizure payments received under federal law coronavirus relief. Pending.
- SB 469 Provides relative to professional and occupational licensing boards and commissions during declared emergencies. Pending.
- SB 475 Provides relative to workers’ compensation claims filed by essential workers in the workplace. Pending.
- SB 477 Provides relative to business interruption insurance. Pending.
- SB 481 Provides for suspension of certain laws pertaining to elementary and secondary education for students impacted due to the coronavirus public health emergency. Pending.
- SB 495 Creates a private fund, called the Business Compensation Fund, to expedite certain property insurance claims, resolve disputes, and provide coverage for losses sustained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides for contributions to and disbursements from the fund. Pending.
- SB 499 Provides relative to the regulation of business entities during a public health emergency. Pending.
- SB 500 Relative to state agencies; to provide relative to the administration and regulation of state agencies during an emergency; to provide for terms, conditions, procedures, requirements, and effects; and to provide for related matters. Pending.
- SB 506 Requires property insurance policies insuring commercial and residential buildings to cover cost of disinfecting fumigation. Pending.
- SB 511 Suspends certain legal requirements as a result of emergency health measures relative to the coronavirus. Pending.
- HB 774 Relative to post-emergency public procurement following COVID-19; to require purchases from Louisiana vendors in certain circumstances; to provide time limits; to provide exceptions; and to provide for related matters. Pending.
- HB 805 Relative to the effect of obligations during certain emergencies and disasters; to provide for the suspension of prescription and preemptive periods and other legal deadlines; and to provide for related matters. Pending.
- HB 826 Provides limited liability for healthcare providers, certain real estate owners, and certain private persons, firms, or corporations during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Pending.
- HB 846 Provides relative to the Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive Program; expands businesses eligible to participate in the program to include those engaged in cybersecurity, renewable or a recycling process, agri-bio industry or COVID-19. Pending.
- HB 851 Provides for the use of federal funds appropriated to Louisiana through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act for workforce training; to provide for the appropriation, administration, and use of the Workforce Training Rapid Response Fund; and to provide for related matters. Pending.
- HB 856 Provides relative to limitations of liability related to the preparation, conditions or delivery of food or other supplies in good faith in response to the COVID-19 state of emergency. Pending.
- HB 858 Requires coverage for business interruption claims due to coronavirus disease 2019; provides for the scope of coverage; provides for applicability; provides for retroactive application; provides for effectiveness; and provides for related matters. Pending.
- HB 862 Provides for the Coronavirus Business Recovery and Growth Program. Pending.
- HB 868 Provides relative to the continuity of the legislature in times of emergency or disaster. Pending.
Louisiana Regulatory Updates 04/11/2024
HB 200 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to Past Payments of Workers’ Compensation Premiums
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 02/28/2024:This measure applies to workers’ compensation.
This measure prohibits an insurer from collecting past payments of workers’ compensation premiums from an insured for a claim that arises out of the misclassification of an employee unless the insurer provides written notice to the insured by within 90 days of discovery of the misclassification.
This measure prohibits an insurer from recovering past payments on premiums if the insurer conducts an audit and fails to notify the insured within 90 days of discovery of the error. An audit by the insurer shall serve as notice to the insured.
This measure prohibits an insurer from collecting past payments on premiums that occurred three years prior to the insured being notified of the misclassification, unless it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the misclassification was a result of fraud by the insured. This measure is effective August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update:This measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
Louisiana HB 618 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to Accident Reporting and Access to Medical Records and Information Related to Claims
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/13/2024:
This measure requires employees to sign and return an authorization form to release medical records within 10 business days to the employer and benefits may be suspended if an employee fails to comply. Benefits may not be suspended if the workers’ compensation judge has determined good cause for the employee’s refusal to comply. The workers’ compensation judge must order the employee to sign and return the release and require the employee to reimburse all costs and attorney fees incurred by or on behalf of the employer as a result of the refusal if good cause is not determined.
This measure requires a notice of injury to be given to the employer as soon as possible but no more than 30 days after the date of the injury or death. A presumption that the injury or death of an employee did not occur during employment if notice of the death or injury is not provided within 30 days for a claim. The employer must send a report to the insurer or administrator of the employer’s workers’ compensation claims within 10 days of receiving the notice or actual knowledge of injury resulting in death or in lost time over one week after the injury or death. Failure to submit the report is subject to a penalty of $500 per report.
This measure takes effect August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
Louisiana SB 324 – Workers’ Compensation: Provides Relative to Accident Reporting and Access to Medical Records and Information Related to Claims. (8/1/24)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure requires employees to sign and return an authorization form to release medical records within 10 business days to the employer and benefits may be suspended if an employee fails to comply. Benefits may not be suspended if the workers’ compensation judge has determined good cause for the employee’s refusal to comply. The workers’ compensation judge must order the employee to sign and return the release and require the employee to reimburse all costs and attorney fees incurred by or on behalf of the employer as a result of the refusal if good cause is not determined.
This measure requires a notice of injury to be given to the employer as soon as possible but no more than 30 days after the date of the injury or death. A presumption that the injury or death of an employee did not occur during employment if notice of the death or injury is not provided within 30 days for a claim. The employer must send a report to the insurer or administrator of the employer’s workers’ compensation claims within 10 days of receiving the notice or actual knowledge of injury resulting in death or in lost time over one week after the injury or death. Failure to submit the report is subject to a penalty of $500 per report.
This measure takes effect August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 529 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to the Determination of the Average Weekly Wage
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure redefines wages for purposes of workers’ compensation as any of the following: (1) the employee’s total earnings paid by the employer during the 52 weeks preceding the date of the work accident and excluding the week of the injury, divided by 52; (2) the average weekly wage must be determined by dividing the employee’s total earnings by the total number of weeks worked, excluding the week of the injury if the employee has worked less than 52 weeks preceding the date of the work accident; (3) the average weekly wage must be determined based on the average weekly amount earned by a person in the same or similar job level or classification in the community If the employee worked less than four weeks; and (4) wages must not include any earnings paid or received by the employee from any source other than the employment from which the accident or occupational disease arises. This measure takes effect August 1 after enacted.
Most Recent Update:This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 556 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to an Injury Producing the Permanent Total Disability of an Employee
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure requires any compensable injury producing permanent total disability to engage in any self-employment or occupation in which the employee was engaged when injured, and whether or not an occupation for which the employee at the time of injury was fitted due to education, training, or experience, occurring on or after August 1, 2024, for which permanent total disability continues. The injured employee must be entitled to an adjustment in the weekly compensation rate, based on the following formula: (1) determine the percentage of the injured employee’s average weekly wage at the time of the injury to the state’s average weekly wage for the same corresponding year; (2) determine the adjusted average weekly wage of the injured employee by applying the percentage determined against the state’s current average weekly wage which is established annually on August 1 of each year as of the quarter ending on the immediately preceding March 31 of each year for the previous calendar year; and (3) determine the revised weekly rate of compensation by applying the adjusted average weekly wage to the current schedule.
This measure establishes that injured employees are entitled to weekly compensation rate adjustments at one-year intervals beginning on August 1 of each year with the initial review occurring on or after the third anniversary of the injury. Adjustments may only apply to injuries that result in temporary total or permanent total disability and must not be retroactive from the anniversary date of review.
This measure requires every insurance carrier or self-insured employer to report compensable injury cases to the Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission if permanent total disability payments continue or are expected to continue for six months from the injury date.
This measure takes effect August 1 after enacted.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 668 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to Benefits and Period of Disability
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024: This measure makes changes related to workers’ compensation.
Disputes: This measure adds disputes concerning the diagnosis or causation of the injury or occupational disease, work restrictions, physical limitations, and degree of disability to the criteria that are subject to an additional medical opinion.
Burial expenses: This measure increases the maximum burial expenses amount an employer must pay from $8,500 to $12,500 and requires employers to pay the difference to the deceased employee’s heirs if burial expenses are less than $12,500.
Temporary total disability: This measure requires benefits based on temporary total disability to cease under any of the following circumstances: (1) the employee is engaged or can engage in any self-employment or occupation for wages; (2) the employee has reached maximum medical improvement; (3) 26 weeks following the work accident and a preponderance of the medical evidence shows that the employee will remain temporarily totally disabled and is unable to engage in any self-employment or occupation for wages. No benefits may be paid for more than a total of 350 weeks following the work accident. Permanent total disability must not exceed a maximum of 450 weeks.
This measure requires temporary partial disability to not exceed a maximum of 350 weeks and must terminate: (1) when the employee is earning or can earn wages equal to 90% percent or more of wages at the time of injury; (2) after receipt of a maximum of 350 cumulative weeks of benefits; (3) when the employee has reached 70 and is receiving regular retirement income benefits from any source. An employee with pre-existing conditions may only be entitled to benefits to the extent and for the period that the accident objectively aggravates or increases the pre-existing disability, impairment, or disease. This measure changes the term supplemental earnings benefits to temporary partial disability.
Vocational rehabilitation services: This measure requires an employer, upon written request, to provide vocational rehabilitation services for returning the employee to any self-employment or occupation for wages and establishing wage-earning capacity. An employer may file a claim to review the need for a licensed professional vocational rehabilitation counselor to evaluate and assist the employee in job placement or vocational training. The employer or payor may reduce weekly compensation, including temporary partial disability, if an employee does not cooperate with vocational rehabilitation. Jobs identified by a licensed professional vocational rehabilitation counselor are deemed suitable for establishing the employee’s wage-earning capacity.
Lump sums: This measure changes the lump sum payment for an employee with no legal dependents, whether biological or adopted, from $75,000 to $100,000. The amount must be paid to the employee’s surviving biological and adopted children who are 18 or older. This measure changes the lump sum payment for an employee with no legal dependents and no biological or adopted children from $75,000 to $100,000. The amount must be paid to each surviving parent of the deceased employee.
Effective date: This measure takes effect August 1 after enacted.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 703 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to Controversion of Benefits, Preliminary Determination Hearings, Disputed Claims, and Penalties and Attorney Fees
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/13/2024: This measure makes changes related to workers’ compensation.
Attorney fees and penalties: This measure establishes that the maximum amount of attorney fees that may be imposed at a hearing, regardless of the number of penalties, is $8,000, excluding any additional fees.
This measure provides that an award of penalties and attorney fees at any hearing on the merits will be adjudicated to all claims for which penalties may be imposed. This provision does not apply if the employee has failed to submit an amicable demand for the benefit in dispute to the employer or insurer, in writing, or if following receipt of the employee’s amicable demand, the employer or insurer pays the disputed benefit within 10 business days.
Claims: This measure requires the employer or payor who has been notified of the claim to do the following upon the first payment of compensation indemnity benefits: (1) send the notice and copy of the notice of the initial indemnity payment to the injured employee any time within 10 business days of the first payment of indemnity benefits by mail, email, facsimile, hand-delivery, or any commercial carrier express delivery; and (2) send the “Notice of Payment, Modification, Suspension, Termination, or Controversion of Compensation and/or Medical Benefits” and a copy to the injured employee any time within 10 business days to the employee by either by mail, email, facsimile, hand-delivery, or any commercial carrier express delivery. The notice must also be provided to the employee’s representative if the injured employee is represented by an attorney. Any injured employee or their representative who disagrees with the information provided on the notice must notify the employer or payor of amicable demand within 10 business days. Any injured employee or their representative must notify the employer or payor by letter for the contention of entitlement to compensation or medical benefits if no first payment of compensation has been made on the claim.
Amicable demands: This measure changes the time for making amicable demands from seven days to 10 days. Preliminary determination: This measure allows an employer or payor to be entitled to a preliminary determination regarding the notice of the initial indemnity payment, modification, suspension, termination, controversion, or any amicable demand if the employer or payor has complied with the requirements of this measure. An employer who fails to request a preliminary determination may be subject to penalties and attorney fees. Any dispute by the employee or their representative for the request for a preliminary determination hearing by the employer or payor must be filed by a formal motion with the court within 10 business days of the employer’s or payor’s motion.
Effective date: This measure takes effect August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
SB 315 – Workers’ Compensation: Provides Relative to Benefits and Period of Disability. (8/1/24)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure makes changes related to workers’ compensation.
Disputes: This measure adds disputes concerning the diagnosis or causation of the injury or occupational disease, work restrictions, physical limitations, and degree of disability to the criteria that are subject to an additional medical opinion.
Burial expenses: This measure increases the maximum burial expenses amount an employer must pay from $8,500 to $12,500 and requires employers to pay the difference to the deceased employee’s heirs if burial expenses are less than $12,500.
Temporary total disability: This measure requires benefits based on temporary total disability to cease under any of the following circumstances: (1) the employee is engaged or can engage in any self-employment or occupation for wages; (2) the employee has reached maximum medical improvement; (3) 26 weeks following the work accident and a preponderance of the medical evidence shows that the employee will remain temporarily totally disabled and is unable to engage in any self-employment or occupation for wages. No benefits may be paid for more than a total of 350 weeks following the work accident. Permanent total disability must not exceed a maximum of 450 weeks.
This measure requires temporary partial disability to not exceed a maximum of 350 weeks and must terminate: (1) when the employee is earning or can earn wages equal to 90% percent or more of wages at the time of injury; (2) after receipt of a maximum of 350 cumulative weeks of benefits; (3) when the employee has reached 70 and is receiving regular retirement income benefits from any source. An employee with pre-existing conditions may only be entitled to benefits to the extent and for the period that the accident objectively aggravates or increases the pre-existing disability, impairment, or disease.
This measure changes the term supplemental earnings benefits to temporary partial disability.
Vocational rehabilitation services: This measure requires an employer, upon written request, to provide vocational rehabilitation services for returning the employee to any self-employment or occupation for wages and establishing wage-earning capacity. An employer may file a claim to review the need for a licensed professional vocational rehabilitation counselor to evaluate and assist the employee in job placement or vocational training. The employer or payor may reduce weekly compensation, including temporary partial disability, if an employee does not cooperate with vocational rehabilitation. Jobs identified by a licensed professional vocational rehabilitation counselor are deemed suitable for establishing the employee’s wage-earning capacity.
Lump sums: This measure changes the lump sum payment for an employee with no legal dependents, whether biological or adopted, from $75,000 to $100,000. The amount must be paid to the employee’s surviving biological and adopted children who are 18 or older.
This measure changes the lump sum payment for an employee with no legal dependents and no biological or adopted children from $75,000 to $100,000. The amount must be paid to each surviving parent of the deceased employee.
Effective date: This measure takes effect August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
Louisiana SB 319 – Workers’ Compensation: Provides Relative to Workers’ Compensation Penalties and Attorney Fees. (8/1/24)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/05/2024
This measure makes changes related to workers’ compensation.
Attorney fees and penalties: This measure establishes that the maximum amount of attorney fees that may be imposed at a hearing, regardless of the number of penalties, is $8,000, excluding any additional fees.
This measure provides that an award of penalties and attorney fees at any hearing on the merits will be adjudicated to all claims for which penalties may be imposed. This provision does not apply if the employee has failed to submit an amicable demand for the benefit in dispute to the employer or insurer, in writing, or if following receipt of the employee’s amicable demand, the employer or insurer pays the disputed benefit within 10 business days.
Claims: This measure requires the employer or payor who has been notified of the claim to do the following upon the first payment of compensation indemnity benefits: (1) send the notice and copy of the notice of the initial indemnity payment to the injured employee any time within 10 business days of the first payment of indemnity benefits by mail, email, facsimile, hand-delivery, or any commercial carrier express delivery; and (2) send the “Notice of Payment, Modification, Suspension, Termination, or Controversion of Compensation and/or Medical Benefits” and a copy to the injured employee any time within 10 business days to the employee by either by mail, email, facsimile, hand-delivery, or any commercial carrier express delivery. The notice must also be provided to the employee’s representative if the injured employee is represented by an attorney. Any injured employee or their representative who disagrees with the information provided on the notice must notify the employer or payor of amicable demand within 10 business days. Any injured employee or their representative must notify the employer or payor by letter for the contention of entitlement to compensation or medical benefits if no first payment of compensation has been made on the claim.
Amicable demands: This measure changes the time for making amicable demands from seven days to 10 days.
Preliminary determination: This measure allows an employer or payor to be entitled to a preliminary determination regarding the notice of the initial indemnity payment, modification, suspension, termination, controversion, or any amicable demand if the employer or payor has complied with the requirements of this measure. An employer who fails to request a preliminary determination may be subject to penalties and attorney fees. Any dispute by the employee or their representative for the request for a preliminary determination hearing by the employer or payor must be filed by a formal motion with the court within 10 business days of the employer’s or payor’s motion.
Effective date: This measure takes effect August 1, 2024.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
SB 366 – Workers’ Compensation: Provides Relative to the Workers’ Compensation Weekly Wage. (8/1/24)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/13/2024
This measure redefines wages for purposes of workers’ compensation as any of the following: (1) the employee’s total earnings paid by the employer during the 52 weeks preceding the date of the work accident and excluding the week of the injury, divided by 52; (2) the average weekly wage must be determined by dividing the employee’s total earnings by the total number of weeks worked, excluding the week of the injury if the employee has worked less than 52 weeks preceding the date of the work accident; (3) the average weekly wage must be determined based on the average weekly amount earned by a person in the same or similar job level or classification in the community If the employee worked less than four weeks; and (4) wages must not include any earnings paid or received by the employee from any source other than the employment from which the accident or occupational disease arises.
This measure takes effect August 1 after enacted.
Most Recent Update: This measure was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. The measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 769 – Workers Compensation: Creates a Civil Liability For Denial of Medical Expenses
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/26/2024:
This measure grants employers a cause of action against workers’ compensation insurers for the cost of healthcare benefits paid by the company up to the amount the workers’ compensation insurer is liable for. It allows a penalty of up to 24% of the benefits recovered, in addition to attorneys’ fees if the workers’ compensation insurer’s denial was not the result of reasonable controversion. It also makes unrelated technical corrections to the workers’ compensation statute.
Most Recent Update: On March 26 this measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations, chaired by Representative Raymond J. Crews (R).It is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 765 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to a Presumption of Compensability Under Workers’ Compensation
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/26/2024: This measure provides a rebuttable presumption of compensability under workers’ compensation in the 90 days following an accident.
Most Recent Update: On March 26 this measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations, chaired by Representative Raymond J. Crews (R).It is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
HB 764 – Workers Compensation: Provides Relative to Defenses In Workers’ Compensation Claims
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 03/26/2024: This measure blocks defenses relating to lack of compensability in workers’ compensation appeals cases if the lack of compensability was not asserted at the first opportunity as a reason for denial of authorization.
Most Recent Update: On March 26 this measure was referred to the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations, chaired by Representative Raymond J. Crews (R).It is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
Louisiana Regulatory Updates 06/15/2020
SB 160 – Provides for the creation of a workers’ compensation pharmacy formulary
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Prescription Drug Formulary), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure requires that the formulary use the same criteria as used for the development of the medical treatment guidelines. As it relates to the formulary, this measure states that the OWC Assistant Secretary may adopt an existing formulary. This measure further states, in determining which formulary to adopt, the Assistant Secretary will consider the following factors:
(1) Whether the formulary is written for specifically for workers’ compensation.
(2) Whether the formulary includes measures to aid in the management of opioid medications.
(3) Whether the formulary appropriately limits both the duration and the dosage of prescriptions.
(4) The cost of implementation of the formulary.
(5) Whether the formulary is self-updating.
This measure requires that the formulary will be updated when deemed necessary by the OWC Assistant Secretary.
This measure also requires that any prior authorization of a pharmacy or healthcare provider dispensing prescription medications, regardless of classification or lack of classification must follow existing laws.
Most Recent Update: This measure failed to pass the Louisiana State Legislature by the June 1st adjournment date. This measure will not receive further consideration.
Louisiana Regulatory Updates 08/01/2019
SB 41 – Relating to regulation of pharmacy benefit managers
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Pharmacy Fee Schedule), Special Request
Summary:
This measure establishes provisions relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers.
Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure
This measure no longer requires pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed by the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners, and licensed by the Louisianian Board of Pharmacy. The measure requires that pharmacy benefit managers will be licensed by the Department of Insurance, as required in present law, in addition to the general requirement that pharmacy benefit managers operating in this state be registered with the Louisiana secretary of state to do business in Louisiana, and may require permitting by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy if the pharmacy benefit manager performs services that include: (1) Adjudication of appeals or grievances related to prescription drug coverage; (2) Disease management programs; (3) Drug formularies; (4) Drug regimen reviews; (5) Prescription drug management programs; (6) Processing of prior authorization requests; (7) Quality care dosing services; (8) Step therapy procedures; (9) Utilization management and utilization reviews; or (10) any other act or service relating to the compounding, filing, dispensing, exchanging, giving, offering for sale, or selling of drugs, medicines, poisons, or devices in this state by a pharmacist or pharmacy.
The measure states that the Commissioner of Insurance and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy will be responsible for investigation and enforcement of present law within the Louisiana Insurance Code and applicable provisions of proposed law and present rule relative to pharmacy benefit managers. The measure requires that the Commissioner refer any complaint they believe to be outside of his jurisdiction to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy or the Louisiana Department of Justice Consumer Affairs Division for review, investigation, and action. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to suspend or revoke a pharmacy benefit manager’s permit, license, or registration in accordance with present law and present rule relative to pharmacy benefit managers. The measure further states that instead of authorizing the attorney general to penalize a pharmacy benefit manager for certain violations of proposed law by suspending or revoking any license or permit issued by the Commissioner or the Board, the attorney general may suspend, revoke, or place on probation any permit or license issued to the pharmacy benefit manager or any entity in which the pharmacy benefit manager has an ownership or controlling interest. Additionally, this measure establishes a pharmacy benefit manager monitoring advisory council, and provides guidelines concerning membership and function of such council. Furthermore, this measure removes provisions authorizing the Board of Pharmacy to assess fees of up to $5,000 per violation for pharmacy benefit mangers who operate in this state after filing an attestation without first obtaining a permit.
Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC)
This measure mandates that a pharmacy will not fail to honor maximum allowable cost prices as set forth in the National Drug Code. The measure clarifies that “maximum allowable cost” shall include any term that a pharmacy benefit manager or a healthcare insurer may use to establish reimbursement rates for generic and multi-source brand drugs to a pharmacist or pharmacy for pharmacist services. This measure also mandates that the term “maximum allowable cost list” will not include any rate mutually agreed to and set forth in writing in the contract between the pharmacy benefit manager and the pharmacy or include the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost.
Spread Pricing
This measure removes the prohibition of mass marketing directed at a beneficiary of a health plan being administered by the pharmacy benefit manager. Instead, the measure prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from conducting or participating in spread pricing without providing written disclosure and receiving acknowledgement from the patient. Furthermore, this measure requires that such disclosure shall explain that the pharmacy benefit manager has an ownership interest in the pharmacy, and that the patient has the right to use any alternate pharmacy that they choose. The pharmacy benefit manager is prohibited from retaliation or further attempts to influence the patient, or treat the patient or patient’s claim any differently if he or she chooses to use an alternate pharmacy. Moreover, this measure changes the definition of “spread pricing” to mean any amount a pharmacy benefit manager charges or claims from a health plan provider or managed care organization for payment of a prescription or for pharmacy services that is different than, rather than in excess of, the amount the pharmacy benefit manager paid to the pharmacist or pharmacy who filled the prescription or provided the pharmacy services.
Pharmacy Reimbursement
This measure prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from retroactively denying or reducing a claim of a pharmacist or pharmacy for payment, or demanding repayment of all or part of a claim, after the claim has been approved by the pharmacy benefit manager. Additionally, this measure prohibits discrimination against any pharmacist or pharmacy in reimbursing the pharmacy for dispensing a drug, device, or service for less than the amount paid to any other pharmacist or pharmacy for the same drug, device, or service. This measure makes reimbursement parity applicable to local pharmacies. Further, this measure adds a provision which dictates that no pharmacy benefit manager shall charge or pay anyone a fee or surcharge for paying any sales tax or remitting any sales tax proceeds to a pharmacist or pharmacy if that fee or surcharge would be imposed directly or indirectly on the pharmacist or pharmacy. Accordingly, this measure lays out that state and local sales taxes and other applicable state imposed taxes or fees will be considered as part of the allowable cost and will be included in the claim submitted by a pharmacist or pharmacy.
Step Therapy
This measure prohibits a PBM from requiring a beneficiary to follow a plan’s step therapy protocol if the prescribed drug is on the health plan’s prescription drug formulary, the beneficiary has tried the step therapy required prescription drug while under his or her current or previous health plan, the provider has submitted a justification and supporting clinical documentation that such prescription drug was discontinued due to lack of efficacy or effectiveness, diminished effect, or an adverse effect or event.
Prior Authorization
Additionally, this measure adds a provision detailing that a pharmacy benefit manager shall not delay the decision on a request for authorization to dispense a prescription drug for more than seventy-two hours, or twenty-four hours in exigent circumstances in which the patient, in the opinion of the prescribing provider, pharmacy, or pharmacist submitting the authorization request, is suffering from a health condition that may seriously jeopardize the patient’s life, health, or ability to regain maximum function. This measure mandates that a request for authorization will include relevant data or appropriate documentation to render a decision on a request for authorization.
Mail Order Pharmacy
Further, this measure prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager that owns or controls a mail-order pharmacy from allowing a mail-order pharmacy to repackage drugs and sell the repackaged items at higher prices than the original average wholesale price unless beneficiaries who may buy the repackaged drugs are informed in writing that the drugs have been repackaged and are being sold at the higher price. Further, this measure dictates that a pharmacy benefit manager shall not reimburse a local pharmacist or local pharmacy less than the amount it reimburses chain pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, or affiliates of the pharmacy service in this state. Additionally, this measure removes the imposition of a fine, to stipulate that the Commissioner of Insurance and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy will be able to recommend to the Attorney General that either no action be taken against a PBM, or recommend the probation, suspension, or revocation of a license or permit if a PBM is found to be in violation of this Act upon completion of a compliance audit or complaint investigation.
Most Recent Update:
This measure has been signed by Governor John Bel Edwards (D). Section 5 of this measure is effective August 1, 2019. All other sections are effective July 1, 2020.
Louisiana Regulatory Updates 06/03/2019
HB 571 – Provides with respect to plastic and metallic implants or non-autogenous graft
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement)
Summary:
This measure allows healthcare providers who purchase plastic and metallic implant’s or nonautogenous graft’s to be reimbursed for reasonable cost of the implants.
This measure adds that the facility, hospital or ambulatory surgery center, must order and pay for the implant or nonautogenous graft and upon receipt of the original manufacturer’s invoice, must be reimbursed by the payor. Additionally, measure provides that the reimbursed amount must be at the manufacturer’s original invoice amount, exclusive of rebates and discounts, plus 20 percent. This measure requires that a facility will be reimbursed by the payor in accordance with the specifications of the surgeon including the type, number, and manufacturer of the implant.
Most Recent Update: This measure was amended failed to pass the House by a vote of 39-56. This measure is unlikely to receive further consideration.
Louisiana Services
- Workers’ compensation claims administration
- Medical bill review in compliance with state requirements
- Local PPO development and management
- Case management services
Louisiana Resources
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