Business Insurance – Online Article – February 3, 2026

A newly introduced bill in Georgia could significantly reshape how injured workers receive prescription medications under the state’s workers’ compensation system.

House Bill 1119 (HB 1119) proposes major changes to prescribing, dispensing, and reimbursement rules. If passed, the law would take effect on January 1, 2027, and repeal conflicting provisions in existing statutes.

For injured workers, healthcare providers, and employers, this legislation could have long-term implications for access, affordability, and quality of care.

What Is HB 1119?

HB 1119 would revise Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws to:

• Allow employers to direct prescription care through contracted pharmacy management networks, or

• Permit injured workers to use pharmacies and dispensing providers of their choice

The bill also introduces strict standards for how medications are prescribed, approved, and reimbursed.

New Rules for Prescribing and Dispensing

Under the proposed legislation, providers would face additional documentation and authorization requirements.

Medical Necessity & Prior Authorization

Prescribers would be required to:

• Document medical necessity for medications

• Obtain prior authorization for:

  • Compounded drugs

  • Off-label prescriptions

This aims to reduce unnecessary prescribing and control escalating drug costs.

Prescription Supply Limits

HB 1119 would also cap medication quantities:

• Most prescriptions: 30-day supply

• Compounded medications: Approved up to 90 days, dispensed in 30-day increments

• First 7 days after injury:

  • Schedule II & III drugs: 5-day supply

  • All other medications: 14-day supply

These limits are designed to promote early monitoring and safer medication use.

Regulation of Pharmacy Management Networks

A major feature of the bill is the formal regulation of pharmacy management networks.

To operate in Georgia, networks would need to:

• Register with the state

• Pay licensing fees

• Meet operational standards

• Comply with rules on:

  • Provider access

  • Reimbursement

  • Dispute resolution

  • Mail-order services

Networks meeting these requirements would be exempt from some regulations that currently apply to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and third-party administrators.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers who use pharmacy management networks would be required to:

• Inform injured workers about network rules

• Disclose participating pharmacies and providers

• Clearly communicate medication access policies

This provision is meant to improve transparency and reduce confusion for injured workers navigating their benefits.

Reimbursement and Fee Schedule Changes

Under HB 1119:

• Medication reimbursement would be tied to Georgia’s workers’ compensation fee schedule

• State officials would gain authority to issue new rules to implement the law

This could standardize payments but may also reduce flexibility for pharmacies and providers serving complex cases.

Potential Impact on Injured Workers

If enacted, HB 1119 could have both positive and negative effects.

Potential Benefits

• More standardized prescribing practices
• Increased oversight of pharmacy networks
• Greater cost predictability

Potential Risks

• Limited pharmacy choice under employer networks
• Increased administrative delays
• More prior authorization barriers
• Risk of treatment interruptions

For injured workers managing chronic pain or long-term conditions, these changes may affect continuity of care.

What This Means for Providers and Pharmacies

Healthcare providers and pharmacies will likely face:

• Higher administrative workloads

• More documentation requirements

• Increased scrutiny of prescribing patterns

• Potential reimbursement pressure

Independent and specialty pharmacies serving workers’ compensation patients may be especially impacted.

RescueMeds’ Perspective

At RescueMeds, we believe that injured workers deserve:

• Timely access to medically necessary prescriptions

• Transparent reimbursement practices

• Freedom from unnecessary administrative barriers

While cost control is important, reforms must not come at the expense of patient outcomes. Policies like HB 1119 should be evaluated carefully to ensure they balance fiscal responsibility with patient-centered care.

Looking Ahead: Effective Date and Next Steps

If approved, HB 1119 would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Between now and then, stakeholders—including injured workers, employers, healthcare providers, and pharmacies—will have opportunities to engage in the rulemaking process.

Staying informed and involved will be critical.