(a) No pharmacy benefits manager shall engage in the practice of medicine, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section.

(b) Any physician employed by or contracted with a pharmacy benefits manager advising on or making determinations specific to a Georgia insured in connection with a prior authorization or step therapy appeal or determination review shall:

(1) Have actively seen patients within the past five years; and

(2) Have practiced in the same specialty area for which he or she is providing advisement within the past five years.

(c) For contracts and amendments entered into with a pharmacy benefits manager on and after July 1, 2021, the department is encouraged to require the use of a licensed Georgia physician for prior authorization or step therapy appeal or determination reviews.