BILL NUMBER: SB 223	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Margett

                        FEBRUARY 13, 2003

   An act to amend Section 4600.1 of the Labor Code, relating to
workers' compensation.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 223, as introduced, Margett.  Workers' compensation:  generic
drugs.
   Existing law requires a pharmacy that provides medicines and
medical supplies that are required to cure or relieve effects of an
injury covered by workers' compensation to provide the generic drug
equivalent, if available, unless the prescribing physician provides
otherwise in writing.
   This bill would extend this requirement to hospitals, clinics, and
physicians.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  no.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 4600.1 of the Labor Code is amended to read:
   4600.1.  Any pharmacy  , hospital, clinic, or physician 
providing medicines and medical supplies required by Section 4600
shall provide the generic drug equivalent, if a generic drug
equivalent is available, unless the prescribing physician
specifically provides otherwise in writing.