The California Division of Workers’ Compensation has updated its formulary for injured workers to include drugs to treat traumatic brain injury, regulators announced Thursday.
Effective Feb. 15, the adopted changes to the drug list, based on the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Practice Guidelines, include guidelines for treating traumatic brain injuries, according to a statement.
There will also be a designation of additional drugs as “special fill” eligible, due to treatment recommendations.
According to state law, the California closed drug formulary is subject to updates, including additions and omissions.
The utilization review approval rate for opioids for injured workers in California has declined 3.5% since the state’s prescription drug formulary took effect on Jan. 1, according to a preliminary analysis by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute.