(a) Drug treatment that is in conformity with the MTUS Treatment Guidelines is presumed correct on the issue of extent and scope of medical treatment pursuant to section 9792.21, subdivision (c), and Labor Code section 4604.5. Although the MTUS Drug List identifies Exempt drugs that do not require prospective review when dispensed in accordance with the MTUS Treatment Guidelines, other medically necessary drugs are available to the injured worker when authorized through prospective review.
(b) Any medically necessary FDA-approved drug, or nonprescription drug that is marketed pursuant to an FDA OTC Monograph, may be authorized through prospective review and dispensed to an injured worker if it is shown in accordance with the MTUS regulations that the drug is required to cure or relieve the injured worker from the effects of the injury. Determination of the medical necessity of treatment based on recommendations found outside of the MTUS Treatment Guidelines is governed by section 9792.21 subdivision (d) (condition not addressed by MTUS or seeking to rebut the MTUS), section 9792.21.1 (medical evidence search sequence), section 9792.25 (quality and strength of evidence definitions) and section 9792.25.1 (MTUS methodology for evaluating medical evidence).