National - The U.S. Labor Department announced it will award $12.7 million to 102 nonprofits nationwide to pay for educational and training initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety. The full list of grant recipients can be found here.
U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D) and Diana Harshbarger (R) have introduced the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (H R 9096). This bill seeks to reform the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to enhance transparency and fairness in drug pricing, benefiting patients, community pharmacies, and taxpayers.
CompPharma published its 19th Annual Prescription Drug Management in Workers’ Compensation survey. This survey explores recent trends in spending and clinical management within the pharmacy sector of the workers’ compensation industry.
The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) opened registration for its two-day 2025 Annual Issues and Research Conference. The event will occur in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 6-7. WCRI is offering an early bird special, with registration available for $100 through February 6th. If you are interested in registering, click here.
The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) has released a study titled “Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.” This study examines how attorney involvement influences the compensation workers receive for wage loss due to work-related injuries. The analysis includes data from workers injured between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2019, across 31 states, with experiences tracked through March 2022.
Alaska – This week, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed HB 226 into law. This legislation aims to enhance state regulations on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), promoting greater transparency and benefiting consumers and local pharmacies. The bill specifically addresses the fiduciary responsibilities of PBMs and includes provisions related to dispensing fees.
Delaware – THB 383-1 was signed into law this week. HB 383-1 prohibits discrimination against 340B drugs and covered entities by manufacturers and Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs). The bill encourages fair reimbursement rates for 340B drugs and mandates equal terms and conditions for covered entities, protecting them from discriminatory practices.
Pennsylvania – State Representative Lindsay Powell (D) introduced HB 2559, which seeks to standardize eligibility criteria for awarding death benefits to widows and widowers. Additionally, the bill exempts spouses of first responders from the provision that terminates death benefits upon remarriage.
Texas – The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation announced a reduction in interest rates for the final fiscal quarter. The new interest or discount rate for the fourth quarter will be 7.46%, down from the previous rate of 8.57%.
The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) unveiled it's audit plan for the fiscal year ending in 2025. The focus of these audits will be on ensuring timely and accurate benefit payments, prompt medical reimbursements, and the precise and timely reporting of electronic data to the agency.
Washington – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced a proposal to increase the average hourly rate for workers’ compensation insurance by 3.8% next year. If approved, this change would raise the average cost of insurance for each full-time employee by approximately one dollar per week.
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