Carrier Not Liable for Meds Procured From Out-of-State Pharmacy, but Liable for Penalties

A Louisiana appellate court ruled that an insurance carrier did not have to foot the bill for the prescription medications that a worker had obtained from an out-of-state pharmacy, but that the carrier was liable for penalties and fees due to its failure to timely pay for the medications that an in-state pharmacy had refused to dispense. Case: Smith v. Highlines Construction Co., No. 50,636-WCA, 07/06/2016, published. Facts: John Smith suffered an on-the-job injury in 2003 while working for the Highlines Construction Co. The Gray Insurance Co. provided comp coverage for Highlines and paid i...