The total number of injured workers receiving not-recommended drugs decreased by 67% in Texas’ workers compensation system, according to a report on the effect of the state’s 8-year-old drug formulary that aimed to rein in drugs such as opioids.
The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation, whose formulary took effect in phases starting in 2011, on Monday released the outcome of its tracking of pharmacy trends since 2010.
While the total number of claims receiving pharmaceuticals decreased by 2% and the total number of prescriptions decreased by 11%, the total number of claims receiving high levels of nonpreferred opioids decreased to 489 in 2015 from 14,959 in 2009, according to the report.
Other report highlights include:
The Texas Department of Insurance’s Division of Workers Compensation is seeking comment on informal rules it released on Thursday to implement a new law intended to protect injured employees who receive treatment at federal military facilities.