California Governor Signs Workers’ Comp Formulary Bill

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill to move California forward in curbing abuse of opioid medications in the workers’ compensation system.

Assembly Bill 1124, authored by Assemblyman Henry T. Perea, D-Fresno, requires the Division of Workers’ Compensation to establish a formulary for prescription medications in the workers’ compensation system.

Several groups applauded the signing, including the Association of California Insurance Companies.

“Gov. Brown should be applauded for signing AB 1124,” ACIC President Mark Sektnan said in a statement. “This bill will put California on track to create a scientifically valid, evidence-based formulary and will control the over prescribing of opioids.”

The development of a formulary for the workers’ comp system will ensure clinically appropriate medications are provided to injured workers and counteract the over utilization of dangerous and addictive drugs, he said.