Evers signs drug step therapy bill

MADISON - Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed into law Tuesday a bill that will make it easier for patients to get needed prescription drugs.

Senate Bill 26 regulates the use and development of “step therapy” protocols, which often require patients to try cheaper medications before more expensive options. Under the legislation, patients can seek exemption from first using the cheaper drugs in some cases, such as when the drugs are expected to be ineffective or cause adverse reactions. A statement from Evers’ office said the legislation “increases transparency” for how these step therapy protocols are developed.

“This legislation places some of the control back into the hands of health care providers and patients to decide the best drug treatment regime for a medical condition,” he said.

The bill was introduced by Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills. Darling said Tuesday the new law provides flexibility for doctors to make sure their patients are receiving the right care at the right time.

“This is a huge victory for patients,” Darling said. “It will be much easier for doctors to prescribe the medication or treatment their patients need without unnecessary red tape.”

Evers also on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 38, which would exempt people who distribute drugs or devices to a patient for peritoneal kidney dialysis from obtaining a pharmacist license.

“I’ve said all along that healthcare should not be a privilege afforded only to the healthy and the wealthy, and we have to continue doing everything we can to make sure that folks in all 72 counties can access the life-saving care they need and deserve without barrier or burden,” Evers said in a statement. “I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills into law today that are important steps in that direction.”