On November 1, 2022, the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), Department of Financial Services sponsored a workshop to hear from dispensing physicians, pharmacists, carriers and payers regarding differing opinions and concerns on the practice of physician dispensers in the state. At the meeting, the division distributed drafts of proposed rules to regulate the process. Several points were raised, including those made by our own myMatrixx Clinical team led by Alan Rook, Executive Clinical Consultant. Effectively, Alan highlighted a need for change related to inflated pricing for topical creams dispensed in a doctor’s office. Additionally, he noted the necessary role of pharmacists in ensuring safety guardrails on all prescriptions, since many physicians are not always aware of or licensed to provide that service.
Among the many concerns raised, a powerful message given to regulators was the fact that the state budget is overwhelmed by unreasonably high reimbursement rates and the role of the pharmacist in workers’ compensation is being diminished.
myMatrixx submitted a comment letter to advocate for no change to the current rules or limitations on physician dispensing, by limiting physician dispensing to only the first 14 days after the date of injury.
A new proposed rule was published in December 2022 and a hearing was held on January 13, 2023 in order to hear further comments. Many of these comments were the same as those presented on November 1. myMatrixx will once again comment on behalf of our clients for the Division to focus only on what the statute allows; namely to clarify the administration of physician dispensing and establish reasonable procedures for the prior authorization process in Florida’s workers’ compensation program.
All comments are due to the Division by January 20, 2023. Let us know if you have questions or want to submit your own comments for the Division to consider.
Statehouse Watch will continue to engage and monitor for developments and will provide updates when available.