NY S05783

Extends workers' compensation payment protections to pharmacists by requiring employers to pay pharmaceutical bills within 45 days of receipt or provide written explanation for non-payment.

Establishes arbitration procedures for disputed pharmacy bills, with single arbitrator process for bills under $500 and three-pharmacist committee for bills exceeding $500 when common vendor, provider, and payer exist.

Allows pharmacists to request board awards for unpaid bills and entitles them to interest of up to 1.5% per month calculated from the 45th day after bill submission.

Applies the same payment timelines and dispute resolution procedures to pharmacists as currently exist for physicians, hospitals, and physical/occupational therapists under workers' compensation law.

Takes effect 120 days after enactment, with authority for the Workers' Compensation Board chair to immediately promulgate necessary regulations.