Provides that a non-network pharmacy that provides causally related medications to a claimant shall be entitled to payment at the network rate negotiated between the carrier and the pharmacy network if the carrier's network provides mail order service or is located within a reasonable distance from the claimant; reduces costs of treatment by requiring out of network providers accept payment at the carrier's negotiated network rate, while at the same time allowing injured workers to obtain treatment in a timely manner by providing for payment to the provider when they do not obtain the treatment within the network; provides that any special diagnostic tests, x-ray examinations, magnetic resonance imaging or other radiological examinations or tests costing more than one thousand dollars performed by a provider who is not a member of the carrier's, self insured's or state insurance fund's diagnostic networks, shall be entitled to payment at the negotiated network rate.

This bill allows non-network pharmacies to receive payment at the same rate as network pharmacies for medications related to a claimant's injury, as long as the network offers mail order or is nearby. It also ensures that out-of-network providers accept the negotiated rates, which helps injured workers get timely treatment. Additionally, it mandates that certain expensive diagnostic tests from non-network providers are also paid at the negotiated rates.

Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes fairness by ensuring that injured workers can access necessary medications and treatments without facing excessive costs. They believe it will streamline the process for obtaining care and reduce financial burdens on patients who may not have access to network providers.

Critics contend that the bill may undermine the financial stability of insurance networks by forcing them to pay higher rates to out-of-network providers. They argue that this could lead to increased insurance premiums for all policyholders and may discourage the development of comprehensive provider networks.