NY A07885

Expands workers' compensation bill payment requirements to include pharmacists and pharmaceutical services, requiring employers to pay or provide written notice of non-payment within 45 days of receiving a bill.

Establishes arbitration procedures for disputed pharmacy bills, with single arbitrator process for bills under $500 and arbitration committees of three pharmacists for bills exceeding $500 where vendor, provider, and payer are common.

Allows pharmacists to request board awards for unpaid bills and specifies that arbitration decisions by pharmacists are conclusive on the parties regarding value and liability of the disputed prescription.

Adds interest of up to 1.5% per month on pharmacy bills determined to be due and owing, calculated from the 45th day after the bill was rendered or 30 days after liability questions are resolved, whichever is later.

Requires the chair of the workers' compensation board to promulgate regulations defining defenses available to employers or carriers in arbitration regarding pharmaceutical bill payments, effective 120 days after the bill becomes law.