Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 39--S.F.No. 278

An act

relating to health care; creating licensure and regulations for pharmacy benefit managers; appropriating money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 151.21, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 151.214, subdivision 2; 151.60; 151.61; 151.62; 151.63; 151.64; 151.65; 151.66; 151.67; 151.68; 151.69; 151.70; 151.71.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [62W.01] CITATION. new text end

new text begin This chapter may be cited as the "Minnesota Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act." new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [62W.02] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the meanings given. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Aggregate retained rebate. new text end

new text begin "Aggregate retained rebate" means the percentage of all rebates received by a pharmacy benefit manager from a drug manufacturer for drug utilization that is not passed on to the pharmacy benefit manager's client. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Claims processing service. new text end

new text begin "Claims processing service" means the administrative services performed in connection with the processing and adjudicating of claims relating to pharmacy services that includes: new text end

new text begin (1) receiving payments for pharmacy services; new text end

new text begin (2) making payments to pharmacists or pharmacies for pharmacy services; or new text end

new text begin (3) both clause (1) and clause (2). new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Enrollee. new text end

new text begin "Enrollee" means a natural person covered by a health plan and includes an insured, policyholder, subscriber, contract holder, member, covered person, or certificate holder. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Health carrier. new text end

new text begin "Health carrier" has the meaning given in section 62A.011, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Health plan. new text end

new text begin "Health plan" means a policy, contract, certificate, or agreement defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Mail order pharmacy. new text end

new text begin "Mail order pharmacy" means a pharmacy whose primary business is to receive prescriptions by mail, fax, or through electronic submissions, dispense prescription drugs to enrollees through the use of the United States mail or other common carrier services, and provide consultation with patients electronically rather than face-to-face. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Maximum allowable cost price. new text end

new text begin "Maximum allowable cost price" means the maximum amount that a pharmacy benefit manager will reimburse a pharmacy for a group of therapeutically and pharmaceutically equivalent multiple source drugs. The maximum allowable cost price does not include a dispensing or professional fee. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Multiple source drugs. new text end

new text begin "Multiple source drugs" means a therapeutically equivalent drug that is available from at least two manufacturers. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Network pharmacy. new text end

new text begin "Network pharmacy" means a retail or other licensed pharmacy provider that directly contracts with a pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Other prescription drug or device services. new text end

new text begin "Other prescription drug or device services" means services other than claims processing services, provided directly or indirectly, whether in connection with or separate from claims processing services, including: new text end

new text begin (1) negotiating rebates, discounts, or other financial incentives and arrangements with drug manufacturers; new text end

new text begin (2) disbursing or distributing rebates; new text end

new text begin (3) managing or participating in incentive programs or arrangements for pharmacy services; new text end

new text begin (4) negotiating or entering into contractual arrangements with pharmacists or pharmacies, or both; new text end

new text begin (5) developing prescription drug formularies; new text end

new text begin (6) designing prescription benefit programs; or new text end

new text begin (7) advertising or promoting services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Pharmacist. new text end

new text begin "Pharmacist" means an individual with a valid license issued by the Board of Pharmacy under chapter 151. new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Pharmacy. new text end

new text begin "Pharmacy" or "pharmacy provider" means a place of business licensed by the Board of Pharmacy under chapter 151 in which prescription drugs are prepared, compounded, or dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist. new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin (a) "Pharmacy benefit manager" means a person, business, or other entity that contracts with a plan sponsor to perform pharmacy benefits management, including but not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) contracting directly or indirectly with pharmacies to provide prescription drugs to enrollees or other covered individuals; new text end

new text begin (2) administering a prescription drug benefit; new text end

new text begin (3) processing or paying pharmacy claims; new text end

new text begin (4) creating or updating prescription drug formularies; new text end

new text begin (5) making or assisting in making prior authorization determinations on prescription drugs; new text end

new text begin (6) administering rebates on prescription drugs; or new text end

new text begin (7) establishing a pharmacy network. new text end

new text begin (b) Pharmacy benefit manager does not include the Department of Human Services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin "Plan sponsor" means a group purchaser as defined under section 62J.03; an employer in the case of an employee health benefit plan established or maintained by a single employer; or an employee organization in the case of a health plan established or maintained by an employee organization, an association, joint board trustees, a committee, or other similar group that establishes or maintains the health plan. This term includes a person or entity acting for a pharmacy benefit manager in a contractual or employment relationship in the performance of pharmacy benefit management. Plan sponsor does not include the Department of Human Services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Specialty drug. new text end

new text begin "Specialty drug" means a prescription drug that: new text end

new text begin (1) cannot be routinely dispensed at a majority of retail pharmacies; new text end

new text begin (2) is used to treat chronic and complex, or rare medical conditions; new text end

new text begin (3) has special storage, handling, or distribution requirements that typically cannot be met by a retail pharmacy; and new text end

new text begin (4) meets at least three of the following criteria: new text end

new text begin (i) requires complex and extended patient education and counseling; new text end

new text begin (ii) requires intensive monitoring; new text end

new text begin (iii) requires clinical oversight; and new text end

new text begin (iv) requires product support services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Retail pharmacy. new text end

new text begin "Retail pharmacy" means a chain pharmacy, a supermarket pharmacy, an independent pharmacy, or a network of independent pharmacies, licensed under chapter 151, that dispenses prescription drugs to the public. new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Rebates. new text end

new text begin "Rebates" means all price concessions paid by a drug manufacturer to a pharmacy benefit manager or plan sponsor, including discounts and other price concessions that are based on the actual or estimated utilization of a prescription drug. Rebates also include price concessions based on the effectiveness of a prescription drug as in a value-based or performance-based contract. new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Specialty pharmacy. new text end

new text begin "Specialty pharmacy" means a pharmacy that specializes in dispensing specialty drugs for patients with serious health conditions requiring complex therapies and high cost biotech and injectable medications. A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier may require a specialty pharmacy to be accredited as a specialty pharmacy from one of the following accrediting organizations: new text end

new text begin (1) Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC); new text end

new text begin (2) Accreditation Commissioner for Health Care, Inc.; or new text end

new text begin (3) Joint Accreditation Commission. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [62W.03] LICENSE TO DO BUSINESS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning January 1, 2020, no person shall perform, act, or do business in this state as a pharmacy benefit manager unless the person has a valid license issued under this chapter by the commissioner of commerce. new text end

new text begin (b) A license issued in accordance with this chapter is nontransferable. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin (a) A pharmacy benefit manager seeking a license shall apply to the commissioner of commerce on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The application form must include at a minimum the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the pharmacy benefit manager; new text end

new text begin (2) the name and address of the pharmacy benefit manager agent for service of process in this state; and new text end

new text begin (3) the name, address, official position, and professional qualifications of each person responsible for the conduct of affairs of the pharmacy benefit manager, including all members of the board of directors, board of trustees, executive committee, or other governing board or committee; the principal officers in the case of a corporation; or the partners or members in the case of a partnership or association. new text end

new text begin (b) Each application for licensure must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $8,500. The fees collected under this subdivision shall be deposited in the general fund. new text end

new text begin (c) Within 30 days of receiving an application, the commissioner may require additional information or submissions from an applicant and may obtain any document or information reasonably necessary to verify the information contained in the application. Within 90 days after receipt of a completed application, the network adequacy report required under section 62W.05, and the applicable license fee, the commissioner shall review the application and issue a license if the applicant is deemed qualified under this section. If the commissioner determines the applicant is not qualified, the commissioner shall notify the applicant and shall specify the reason or reasons for the denial. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Renewal. new text end

new text begin (a) A license issued under this chapter is valid for one year. To renew a license, an applicant must submit a completed renewal application on a form prescribed by the commissioner, the network adequacy report required under section 62W.05, and a renewal fee of $8,500. The fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the general fund. The commissioner may request a renewal applicant to submit additional information to clarify any new information presented in the renewal application. new text end

new text begin (b) A renewal application submitted after the renewal deadline date must be accompanied by a nonrefundable late fee of $500. The fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the general fund. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may deny the renewal of a license for any of the following reasons: new text end

new text begin (1) the pharmacy benefit manager has been determined by the commissioner to be in violation or noncompliance with federal or state law; or new text end

new text begin (2) the pharmacy benefit manager has failed to timely submit a renewal application and the information required under paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin In lieu of a denial of a renewal application, the commissioner may permit the pharmacy benefit manager to submit to the commissioner a corrective action plan to cure or correct deficiencies. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Oversight. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may suspend, revoke, or place on probation a pharmacy benefit manager license issued under this chapter for any of the following circumstances: new text end

new text begin (1) the pharmacy benefit manager has engaged in fraudulent activity that constitutes a violation of state or federal law; new text end

new text begin (2) the commissioner has received consumer complaints that justify an action under this subdivision to protect the safety and interests of consumers; new text end

new text begin (3) the pharmacy benefit manager fails to pay an application license or renewal fee; and new text end

new text begin (4) the pharmacy benefit manager fails to comply with a requirement set forth in this chapter. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may issue a license subject to restrictions or limitations, including the types of services that may be supplied or the activities in which the pharmacy benefit manager may be engaged. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Penalty. new text end

new text begin If a pharmacy benefit manager acts without a license, the pharmacy benefit manager may be subject to a fine of $5,000 per day for the period the pharmacy benefit manager is found to be in violation. Any penalties collected under this subdivision shall be deposited in the general fund. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall enforce this chapter under the provisions of chapter 45. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [62W.04] PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER GENERAL BUSINESS PRACTICES. new text end

new text begin (a) A pharmacy benefit manager must exercise good faith and fair dealing in the performance of its contractual duties. A provision in a contract between a pharmacy benefit manager and a health carrier or a network pharmacy that attempts to waive or limit this obligation is void. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy benefit manager must notify a health carrier in writing of any activity, policy, or practice of the pharmacy benefit manager that directly or indirectly presents a conflict of interest with the duties imposed in this section. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [62W.05] PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER NETWORK ADEQUACY. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A pharmacy benefit manager must provide an adequate and accessible pharmacy network for the provision of prescription drugs that meet the relevant requirements in section 62K.10. Mail order pharmacies must not be included in the calculations of determining the adequacy of the pharmacy benefit manager's pharmacy network under section 62K.10. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy benefit manager must submit to the commissioner a pharmacy network adequacy report describing the pharmacy network and pharmacy accessibility in this state, with the pharmacy benefit manager's license application and renewal, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Network adequacy waiver. new text end

new text begin A pharmacy benefit manager may apply for a waiver from the commissioner of health if the pharmacy benefit manager is unable to meet the network adequacy requirements under subdivision 1. A waiver application must be submitted to the commissioner of health on a form prescribed by the commissioner of health and must: new text end

new text begin (1) demonstrate with specific data why the pharmacy benefit manager is not able to meet the requirements; and new text end

new text begin (2) include information as to the steps that were and will be taken to address network adequacy. new text end

new text begin If a waiver is granted by the commissioner of health, the waiver shall automatically expire after three years. If a renewal of the waiver is sought, the commissioner of health shall consider steps that the pharmacy benefit manager has taken over the past three-year period to address network adequacy. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Accreditation standards. new text end

new text begin A pharmacy benefit manager must not require pharmacy accreditation standards or recertification requirements to participate in a network that are inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to federal and state requirements for licensure as a pharmacy in this state unless authorized under this chapter. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [62W.06] PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER TRANSPARENCY. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Transparency to plan sponsors. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning in the second quarter after the effective date of a contract between a pharmacy benefit manager and a plan sponsor, the pharmacy benefit manager must disclose, upon the request of the plan sponsor, the following information with respect to prescription drug benefits specific to the plan sponsor: new text end

new text begin (1) the aggregate wholesale acquisition costs from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor for each therapeutic category of prescription drugs; new text end

new text begin (2) the aggregate wholesale acquisition costs from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor for each therapeutic category of prescription drugs available to the plan sponsor's enrollees; new text end

new text begin (3) the aggregate amount of rebates received by the pharmacy benefit manager by therapeutic category of prescription drugs. The aggregate amount of rebates must include any utilization discounts the pharmacy benefit manager receives from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor; new text end

new text begin (4) any other fees received from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor; new text end

new text begin (5) whether the pharmacy benefit manager has a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with a drug manufacturer to exclusively dispense or provide a drug to a plan sponsor's enrollees, and the application of all consideration or economic benefits collected or received pursuant to the arrangement; new text end

new text begin (6) prescription drug utilization information for the plan sponsor's enrollees; new text end

new text begin (7) de-identified claims level information in electronic format that allows the plan sponsor to sort and analyze the following information for each claim: new text end

new text begin (i) whether the claim required prior authorization; new text end

new text begin (ii) the amount paid to the pharmacy for each prescription, net of the aggregate amount of fees or other assessments imposed on the pharmacy, including point-of-sale and retroactive charges; new text end

new text begin (iii) any spread between the net amount paid to the pharmacy in item (ii) and the amount charged to the plan sponsor; new text end

new text begin (iv) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, under common control or ownership with the pharmacy benefit manager; new text end

new text begin (v) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, a preferred pharmacy under the plan; new text end

new text begin (vi) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, a mail order pharmacy; and new text end

new text begin (vii) whether enrollees are required by the plan to use the pharmacy; new text end

new text begin (8) the aggregate amount of payments made by the pharmacy benefit manager to pharmacies owned or controlled by the pharmacy benefit manager on behalf of the sponsor's plan; new text end

new text begin (9) the aggregate amount of payments made by the pharmacy benefit manager to pharmacies not owned or controlled by the pharmacy benefit manager on behalf of the sponsor's plan; and new text end

new text begin (10) the aggregate amount of the fees imposed on, or collected from, network pharmacies or other assessments against network pharmacies, including point-of-sale fees and retroactive charges, and the application of those amounts collected pursuant to the contract with the plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy benefit manager may require a plan sponsor to agree to a nondisclosure agreement that specifies that the information reported under this section is proprietary information. The pharmacy benefit manager is not required to disclose the information to the plan sponsor until the plan sponsor has executed the nondisclosure agreement, if required by the pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Transparency report to the commissioner. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning June 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, each pharmacy benefit manager must submit to the commissioner a transparency report containing data from the prior calendar year as it pertains to plan sponsors doing business in Minnesota. The report must contain the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the aggregate wholesale acquisition costs from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor for each therapeutic category of prescription drugs for all of the pharmacy benefit manager's plan sponsor clients, and these costs net of all rebates and other fees and payments, direct or indirect, from all sources; new text end

new text begin (2) the aggregate amount of all rebates that the pharmacy benefit manager received from all drug manufacturers for all of the pharmacy benefit manager's plan sponsor clients. The aggregate amount of rebates must include any utilization discounts the pharmacy benefit manager receives from a drug manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor; new text end

new text begin (3) the aggregate of all fees from all sources, direct or indirect, that the pharmacy benefit manager received for all of the pharmacy benefit manager's plan sponsor clients; new text end

new text begin (4) the aggregate retained rebates and other fees, as listed in clause (3), that the pharmacy benefit manager received from all sources, direct or indirect, that were not passed through to plan sponsors; new text end

new text begin (5) the aggregate retained rebate and fees percentage; new text end

new text begin (6) the highest, lowest, and mean aggregate retained rebate and fees percentage for all of the pharmacy benefit manager's plan sponsor clients; and new text end

new text begin (7) de-identified claims level information in electronic format that allows the commissioner to sort and analyze the following information for each claim: new text end

new text begin (i) the drug and quantity for each prescription; new text end

new text begin (ii) whether the claim required prior authorization; new text end

new text begin (iii) patient cost-sharing paid on each prescription. This data is classified pursuant to paragraph (d); new text end

new text begin (iv) the amount paid to the pharmacy for each prescription, net of the aggregate amount of fees or other assessments imposed on the pharmacy, including point-of-sale and retroactive charges. This data is classified pursuant to paragraph (d); new text end

new text begin (v) any spread between the net amount paid to the pharmacy in item (iv) and the amount charged to the plan sponsor. This data is classified pursuant to paragraph (d); new text end

new text begin (vi) identity of the pharmacy for each prescription; new text end

new text begin (vii) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, under common control or ownership with the pharmacy benefit manager; new text end

new text begin (viii) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, a preferred pharmacy under the plan; new text end

new text begin (ix) whether the pharmacy is, or is not, a mail order pharmacy; and new text end

new text begin (x) whether enrollees are required by the plan to use the pharmacy. new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days upon receipt of the transparency report, the commissioner shall publish the report from each pharmacy benefit manager on the Department of Commerce's website, with the exception of data considered trade secret information under section 13.37. The transparency report must be published in such a way as to not disclose the identity of a specific plan sponsor, the prices charged for a specific prescription drug or classes of drugs, or the amount of any rebates provided for a specific prescription drug or classes of drugs. new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this subdivision, the aggregate retained rebate and fee percentage must be calculated for each plan sponsor for rebates and fees in the previous calendar year as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) the sum total dollar amount of rebates and fees from all drug manufacturers for all utilization of enrollees of a plan sponsor that was not passed through to the plan sponsor; and new text end

new text begin (2) divided by the sum total dollar amount of all rebates and fees received from all sources, direct or indirect, for all enrollees of a plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin (d) Data, documents, materials, or other information in the possession or control of the commissioner of commerce that are obtained by, created by, or disclosed to the commissioner pursuant to paragraph (a), clause (7), items (iii), (iv), and (v), are classified as confidential, protected nonpublic, or both. Those data, documents, materials, or other information are not subject to subpoena, and are not subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action. However, the commissioner may use the data, documents, materials, or other information in the furtherance of a regulatory or legal action brought as a part of the commissioner's official duties. The commissioner shall not otherwise make the data, documents, materials, or other information public without the prior written consent of the pharmacy benefit manager. Neither the commissioner nor any person who received data, documents, materials, or other information while acting under the authority of the commissioner are permitted or required to testify in any private civil action concerning data, documents, materials, or information subject to this paragraph that are classified as confidential, protected nonpublic, or both. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Penalty. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may impose civil penalties of not more than $1,000 per day per violation of this section. new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [62W.07] PHARMACY OWNERSHIP INTEREST; PHARMACY SERVICES. new text end

new text begin (a) A pharmacy benefit manager that has an ownership interest either directly or indirectly, or through an affiliate or subsidiary, in a pharmacy must disclose to a plan sponsor that contracts with the pharmacy benefit manager any difference between the amount paid to that pharmacy and the amount charged to the plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier is prohibited from penalizing, requiring, or providing financial incentives, including variations in premiums, deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurance, to an enrollee as an incentive to use a retail pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, or other network pharmacy provider in which a pharmacy benefit manager has an ownership interest or in which the pharmacy provider has an ownership interest in the pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin (c) Paragraph (b) does not apply if the pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier offers an enrollee the same financial incentives for using a network retail pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, or other network pharmacy in which the pharmacy benefit manager has no ownership interest and the network pharmacy has agreed to accept the same pricing terms, conditions, and requirements related to the cost of the prescription drug and the cost of dispensing the prescription drug that are in the agreement with a network pharmacy in which the pharmacy benefit manager has an ownership interest. new text end

new text begin (d) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier is prohibited from imposing limits, including quantity limits or refill frequency limits, on an enrollee's access to medication that differ based solely on whether the health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager has an ownership interest in a pharmacy or the pharmacy has an ownership interest in the pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin (e) Nothing in paragraph (d) shall be construed to prohibit a pharmacy benefit manager from imposing different limits, including quantity limits or refill frequency limits on an enrollee's access to medication based on whether the enrollee uses a mail order pharmacy or retail pharmacy so long as the enrollee has the option to use a mail order pharmacy or retail pharmacy with the same limits imposed in which the pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier does not have an ownership interest. new text end

new text begin (f) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must not prohibit an entity authorized to participate in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program under section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, United States Code, title 42, chapter 6A, or a pharmacy under contract with such an entity to provide pharmacy services from participating in the pharmacy benefit manager's or health carrier's provider network. A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must not reimburse an entity or a pharmacy under contract with such an entity participating in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program differently than other similarly situated pharmacies. A pharmacy benefit manager that contracts with a managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan under contract with the commissioner of human services under chapter 256B or 256L must comply with this paragraph only if the entity or contracted pharmacy can identify all claims eligible for 340B drugs at the time of initial claims submission at the point of sale. This paragraph does not preclude a pharmacy benefit manager that contracts with a managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan under contract with the commissioner of human services under chapter 256B or 256L from reimbursing an entity or pharmacy identified in this paragraph at a lower rate for any prescription drug purchased by the entity or pharmacy through the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [62W.075] THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG. new text end

new text begin A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must not require, or demonstrate a preference for, a pharmacy to dispense a therapeutically equivalent or therapeutically alternative drug that costs the enrollee more out-of-pocket than the prescribed drug, unless the substitution is made for medical reasons that benefit the patient. new text end new text begin Before a substitution is made under this section, the pharmacy must obtain approval from the prescribing practitioner and must inform the enrollee of the reason for the substitution. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [62W.076] SPECIALTY PHARMACY. new text end

new text begin A pharmacy benefit manager that contracts with a specialty pharmacy must disclose to an enrollee, upon request, the enrollee's out-of-pocket costs at the specialty pharmacy for the prescription drug referenced by the enrollee and the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost at a network retail pharmacy that is identified by the enrollee that is within the enrollee's health plan network. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [62W.077] PREFERRED NETWORK. new text end

new text begin A pharmacy benefit manager that uses a preferred network of pharmacies must disclose to an enrollee upon request the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost at the preferred pharmacy for the prescription drug referenced by the enrollee and the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost at a nonpreferred pharmacy identified by the enrollee that is within the enrollee's health plan network. new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [62W.08] MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST PRICING. new text end

new text begin (a) With respect to each contract and contract renewal between a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy, the pharmacy benefits manager must: new text end

new text begin (1) provide to the pharmacy, at the beginning of each contract and contract renewal, the sources utilized to determine the maximum allowable cost pricing of the pharmacy benefit manager; new text end

new text begin (2) update any maximum allowable cost price list at least every seven business days, noting any price changes from the previous list, and provide a means by which network pharmacies may promptly review current prices in an electronic, print, or telephonic format within one business day at no cost to the pharmacy; new text end

new text begin (3) maintain a procedure to eliminate products from the list of drugs subject to maximum allowable cost pricing in a timely manner in order to remain consistent with changes in the marketplace; new text end

new text begin (4) ensure that the maximum allowable cost prices are not set below sources utilized by the pharmacy benefits manager; and new text end

new text begin (5) upon request of a network pharmacy, disclose the sources utilized for setting maximum allowable cost price rates on each maximum allowable cost price list included under the contract and identify each maximum allowable cost price list that applies to the network pharmacy. A pharmacy benefit manager must make the list of the maximum allowable costs available to a contracted pharmacy in a format that is readily accessible and usable to the network pharmacy. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy benefit manager must not place a prescription drug on a maximum allowable cost list unless the drug is available for purchase by pharmacies in this state from a national or regional drug wholesaler and is not obsolete. new text end

new text begin (c) Each contract between a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy must include a process to appeal, investigate, and resolve disputes regarding maximum allowable cost pricing that includes: new text end

new text begin (1) a 15-business-day limit on the right to appeal following the initial claim; new text end

new text begin (2) a requirement that the appeal be investigated and resolved within seven business days after the appeal is received; and new text end

new text begin (3) a requirement that a pharmacy benefit manager provide a reason for any appeal denial and identify the national drug code of a drug that may be purchased by the pharmacy at a price at or below the maximum allowable cost price as determined by the pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin (d) If an appeal is upheld, the pharmacy benefit manager must make an adjustment to the maximum allowable cost price no later than one business day after the date of determination. The pharmacy benefit manager must make the price adjustment applicable to all similarly situated network pharmacy providers as defined by the plan sponsor. new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [62W.09] PHARMACY AUDITS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Procedure and process for conducting and reporting an audit. new text end

new text begin (a) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal requirements or regulations, any entity conducting a pharmacy audit must follow the following procedures: new text end

new text begin (1) a pharmacy must be given notice 14 days before an initial on-site audit is conducted; new text end

new text begin (2) an audit that involves clinical or professional judgment must be conducted by or in consultation with a licensed pharmacist; and new text end

new text begin (3) each pharmacy shall be audited under the same standards and parameters as other similarly situated pharmacies. new text end

new text begin (b) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal requirements or regulations, for any entity conducting a pharmacy audit the following items apply: new text end

new text begin (1) the period covered by the audit may not exceed 24 months from the date that the claim was submitted to or adjudicated by the entity, unless a longer period is required under state or federal law; new text end

new text begin (2) if an entity uses random sampling as a method for selecting a set of claims for examination, the sample size must be appropriate for a statistically reliable sample. Notwithstanding section 151.69, the auditing entity shall provide the pharmacy a masked list that provides a prescription number or date range that the auditing entity is seeking to audit; new text end

new text begin (3) an on-site audit may not take place during the first five business days of the month unless consented to by the pharmacy; new text end

new text begin (4) auditors may not enter the pharmacy area unless escorted where patient-specific information is available and to the extent possible must be out of sight and hearing range of the pharmacy customers; new text end

new text begin (5) any recoupment will not be deducted against future remittances until after the appeals process and both parties have received the results of the final audit; new text end

new text begin (6) a pharmacy benefit manager may not require information to be written on a prescription unless the information is required to be written on the prescription by state or federal law. Recoupment may be assessed for items not written on the prescription if: new text end

new text begin (i) additional information is required in the provider manual; or new text end

new text begin (ii) the information is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or new text end

new text begin (iii) the information is required by the drug manufacturer's product safety program; and new text end

new text begin (iv) the information in item (i), (ii), or (iii) is not readily available for the auditor at the time of the audit; and new text end

new text begin (7) the auditing company or agent may not receive payment based on a percentage of the amount recovered. This section does not prevent the entity conducting the audit from charging or assessing the responsible party, directly or indirectly, based on amounts recouped if both of the following conditions are met: new text end

new text begin (i) the plan sponsor and the entity conducting the audit have a contract that explicitly states the percentage charge or assessment to the plan sponsor; and new text end

new text begin (ii) a commission to an agent or employee of the entity conducting the audit is not based, directly or indirectly, on amounts recouped. new text end

new text begin (c) An amendment to pharmacy audit terms in a contract between a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy must be disclosed to the pharmacy at least 60 days prior to the effective date of the proposed change. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Requirement for recoupment or chargeback. new text end

new text begin For recoupment or chargeback, the following criteria apply: new text end

new text begin (1) audit parameters must consider consumer-oriented parameters based on manufacturer listings; new text end

new text begin (2) a pharmacy's usual and customary price for compounded medications is considered the reimbursable cost unless the pricing methodology is outlined in the pharmacy provider contract; new text end

new text begin (3) a finding of overpayment or underpayment must be based on the actual overpayment or underpayment and not a projection based on the number of patients served having a similar diagnosis or on the number of similar orders or refills for similar drugs; new text end

new text begin (4) the entity conducting the audit shall not use extrapolation in calculating the recoupment or penalties for audits unless required by state or federal law or regulations; new text end

new text begin (5) calculations of overpayments must not include dispensing fees unless a prescription was not actually dispensed, the prescriber denied authorization, the prescription dispensed was a medication error by the pharmacy, or the identified overpayment is solely based on an extra dispensing fee; new text end

new text begin (6) an entity may not consider any clerical or record-keeping error, such as a typographical error, scrivener's error, or computer error regarding a required document or record as fraud, however such errors may be subject to recoupment; new text end

new text begin (7) in the case of errors that have no actual financial harm to the patient or plan, the pharmacy benefit manager must not assess any chargebacks. Errors that are a result of the pharmacy failing to comply with a formal corrective action plan may be subject to recovery; and new text end

new text begin (8) interest may not accrue during the audit period for either party, beginning with the notice of the audit and ending with the final audit report. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Documentation. new text end

new text begin (a) To validate the pharmacy record and delivery, the pharmacy may use authentic and verifiable statements or records including medication administration records of a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, physician, or other authorized practitioner or additional audit documentation parameters located in the provider manual. new text end

new text begin (b) Any legal prescription that meets the requirements in this chapter may be used to validate claims in connection with prescriptions, refills, or changes in prescriptions, including medication administration records, faxes, e-prescriptions, or documented telephone calls from the prescriber or the prescriber's agents. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Appeals process. new text end

new text begin The entity conducting the audit must establish a written appeals process which must include appeals of preliminary reports and final reports. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Audit information and reports. new text end

new text begin (a) A preliminary audit report must be delivered to the pharmacy within 60 days after the conclusion of the audit. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy must be allowed at least 45 days following receipt of the preliminary audit to provide documentation to address any discrepancy found in the audit. new text end

new text begin (c) A final audit report must be delivered to the pharmacy within 120 days after receipt of the preliminary audit report or final appeal, whichever is later. new text end

new text begin (d) An entity shall remit any money due to a pharmacy or pharmacist as a result of an underpayment of a claim within 45 days after the appeals process has been exhausted and the final audit report has been issued. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Disclosure to plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin Where contractually required, an auditing entity must provide a copy to the plan sponsor of its claims that were included in the audit, and any recouped money shall be returned to the plan sponsor. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Applicability of other laws and regulations. new text end

new text begin This section does not apply to any investigative audit that involves suspected fraud, willful misrepresentation, abuse, or any audit completed by Minnesota health care programs. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "entity" means a pharmacy benefit manager or any person or organization that represents a pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin [62W.10] SYNCHRONIZATION. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, "synchronization" means the coordination of prescription drug refills for a patient taking two or more medications for one or more chronic conditions, to allow the patient's medications to be refilled on the same schedule for a given period of time. new text end

new text begin (b) A contract between a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy must allow for synchronization of prescription drug refills for a patient on at least one occasion per year, if the following criteria are met: new text end

new text begin (1) the prescription drugs are covered under the patient's health plan or have been approved by a formulary exceptions process; new text end

new text begin (2) the prescription drugs are maintenance medications as defined by the health plan and have one or more refills available at the time of synchronization; new text end

new text begin (3) the prescription drugs are not Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances; new text end

new text begin (4) the patient meets all utilization management criteria relevant to the prescription drug at the time of synchronization; new text end

new text begin (5) the prescription drugs are of a formulation that can be safely split into short-fill periods to achieve synchronization; and new text end

new text begin (6) the prescription drugs do not have special handling or sourcing needs that require a single, designated pharmacy to fill or refill the prescription. new text end

new text begin (c) When necessary to permit synchronization, the pharmacy benefit manager must apply a prorated, daily patient cost-sharing rate to any prescription drug dispensed by a pharmacy under this section. The dispensing fee must not be prorated, and all dispensing fees shall be based on the number of prescriptions filled or refilled. new text end

new text begin (d) Synchronization may be requested by the patient or by the patient's parent or legal guardian if the patient is under the age of 18 or is incapacitated as defined in section 524.5-102, or by the patient's health care agent as defined in chapter 145C. new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin [62W.11] GAG CLAUSE PROHIBITION. new text end

new text begin (a) No contract between a pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier and a pharmacy or pharmacist shall prohibit, restrict, or penalize a pharmacy or pharmacist from disclosing to an enrollee any health care information that the pharmacy or pharmacist deems appropriate regarding the nature of treatment; the risks or alternatives; the availability of alternative therapies, consultations, or tests; the decision of utilization reviewers or similar persons to authorize or deny services; the process that is used to authorize or deny health care services or benefits; or information on financial incentives and structures used by the health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager. new text end

new text begin (b) A pharmacy or pharmacist must provide to an enrollee information regarding the enrollee's total cost for each prescription drug dispensed where part or all of the cost of the prescription is being paid or reimbursed by the employer-sponsored plan or by a health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager, in accordance with section 151.214, subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin (c) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must not prohibit a pharmacist or pharmacy from discussing information regarding the total cost for pharmacy services for a prescription drug, including the patient's co-payment amount and the pharmacy's own usual and customary price of the prescription. new text end

new text begin (d) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier must not prohibit a pharmacist or pharmacy from discussing the availability of any therapeutically equivalent alternative prescription drugs or alternative methods for purchasing the prescription drug, including but not limited to paying out-of-pocket the pharmacy's usual and customary price when that amount is less expensive to the enrollee than the amount the enrollee is required to pay for the prescription drug under the enrollee's health plan. new text end

Sec. 15.

new text begin [62W.12] POINT OF SALE. new text end

new text begin No pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier shall require an enrollee to make a payment at the point of sale for a covered prescription drug in an amount greater than the lesser of: new text end

new text begin (1) the applicable co-payment for the prescription drug; new text end

new text begin (2) the allowable claim amount for the prescription drug; or new text end

new text begin (3) the amount an enrollee would pay for the prescription drug if the enrollee purchased the prescription drug without using a health plan or any other source of prescription drug benefits or discounts. new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin [62W.13] RETROACTIVE ADJUSTMENTS. new text end

new text begin No pharmacy benefit manager shall retroactively adjust a claim for reimbursement submitted by a pharmacy for a prescription drug, unless the adjustment is a result of a: new text end

new text begin (1) pharmacy audit conducted in accordance with section 62W.09; or new text end

new text begin (2) technical billing error. new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin [62W.14] PROMPT FILLING FOR SPECIALTY DRUGS. new text end

new text begin (a) A health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager that requires or provides financial incentives for enrollees to use a mail order pharmacy to fill a prescription for a specialty drug must ensure through contract and other means that the mail order pharmacy dispenses the prescription drug to the enrollee in a timely manner, such that the enrollee receives the filled prescription within seven business days of the date of transmittal to the mail order pharmacy. The health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager may grant to a mail order pharmacy an exemption from this requirement if the mail order pharmacy can document that the specialty drug was out of stock due to a delay in shipment by the specialty drug manufacturer or wholesaler. If an exemption is granted, the health carrier or pharmacy benefit manager must notify the enrollee within 24 hours of granting the exemption and, if medically necessary, must provide the enrollee with an emergency supply of the specialty drug. new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, "health carrier" includes managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans participating in a public health care program under chapter 256B or 256L, and integrated health partnerships established under section 256B.0755. new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 151.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Drug formulary.

deleted text begin This sectiondeleted text end new text begin Subdivision 3new text end does not apply when a pharmacist is dispensing a prescribed drug to persons covered under a managed health care plan that maintains a mandatory or closed drug formulary.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 151.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7a. new text end

new text begin Coverage by substitution. new text end

new text begin (a) When a pharmacist receives a prescription order by paper or hard copy, by electronic transmission, or by oral instruction from the prescriber, in which the prescriber has not expressly indicated that the prescription is to be dispensed as communicated and the drug prescribed is not covered under the purchaser's health plan or prescription drug plan, the pharmacist may dispense a therapeutically equivalent and interchangeable prescribed drug or biological product that is covered under the purchaser's plan, if the pharmacist has a written protocol with the prescriber that outlines the class of drugs of the same generation and designed for the same indication that can be substituted and the required communication between the pharmacist and the prescriber. new text end

new text begin (b) The pharmacist must inform the purchaser if the pharmacist is dispensing a drug or biological product other than the specific drug or biological product prescribed and the reason for the substitution. new text end

new text begin (c) The pharmacist must communicate to the prescriber the name and manufacturer of the substituted drug that was dispensed and the reason for the substitution, in accordance with the written protocol. new text end

Sec. 20.

new text begin RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of commerce may adopt permanent rules for license application and renewal requirements, forms, procedures, network adequacy, and reporting procedures and compliance, for pharmacy benefit manager licensing under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W. The commissioner must not adopt rules to implement Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W, under any other grant of rulemaking authority. If the commissioner of commerce does not adopt rules by January 1, 2022, rulemaking authority under this section is repealed. Rulemaking authority under this section is not continuing authority to amend or repeal rules. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 14.125, any additional action on rules after adoption must be under specific statutory authority to take the additional action. new text end

Sec. 21.

new text begin INTERPRETATION. new text end

new text begin If an appropriation in this act is enacted more than once in the 2019 regular legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once. new text end

Sec. 22.

new text begin APPROPRIATION. new text end

new text begin $340,000 in fiscal year 2020 and $383,000 in fiscal year 2021 are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of commerce for licensing activities under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W. The base for this appropriation is $425,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $425,000 in fiscal year 2023. $246,000 each year shall be used solely for staff costs for two enforcement investigators solely for enforcement activities under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W. new text end

Sec. 23.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 151.214, subdivision 2; 151.60; 151.61; 151.62; 151.63; 151.64; 151.65; 151.66; 151.67; 151.68; 151.69; 151.70; and 151.71, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor May 17, 2019

Signed by the governor May 17, 2019, 5:54 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes