House Bill 1002 (Civil Immunity Related to COVID-19), authored by Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel), was concurred on by the House 58-21(20 members were excused from voting). The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature. The Chamber-supported legislation protects health care providers from professional discipline for certain acts or omissions in response to COVID-19. It also provides immunity from civil liability to certain persons, entities and facilities providing health care and other services for certain acts or omissions related to the provision of health care services and other services during a state disaster emergency. Finally, it also prohibits filing a class action lawsuit against political subdivisions and postsecondary educational institutions for a loss arising out of COVID in a contract or implied contract.
Senate Bill 143 (Pharmacy Benefit Managers), authored by Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington), died on second reading this week – as we had hoped. Representative Lehman has indicated that one provision in it that adds requirements of PBMs when denying an appeal of the maximum allowable cost will likely find a home in another bill. Our preference would be for that provision to be dropped altogether.
House Bill 1405 (Insurance Matters), authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne), is the annual Department of Insurance bill. A dissent motion was filed, triggering conference committee action next week. The issue the Chamber has with the bill is it includes a provision that requires certain rebate disclosures by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). But since this provision is a watered-down version from what was originally passed in SB 131 (which we opposed), it may be difficult to get this removed in conference committee.
Resource: Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or email: mripley@indianachamber.com
