The Pennsylvania voted 34-16 to pass an amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act that adds a “nationally recognized, evidence-based prescription drug formulary” for resolving issues regarding drugs prescribed for the treatment of work-related injuries. The amendment also addresses the certification required of a utilization review organization used in workers’ compensation cases.

Under this state Senate-approved amendment, solving issues related to drugs prescribed for work-related injuries would use a “nationally recognized, evidence-based prescription drug formulary.” The selection of the drug formulary would consider if the formulary focuses on medical treatment specific to workers’ compensation along with whether the formulary “includes measures to aid in management of opioid medications.”