Proposes to amend language relative to step therapy and patient safety. Introduce new commission on step therapy protocols within the division. The commission shall study and assess the implementation of step therapy process reforms established in section 51A of chapter 118E and section 12A. The commission shall: (i) analyze the impact of step therapy protocols on total medical expenses, health care quality outcomes, premium cost and out-of-pocket costs to the consumer and the health care cost benchmark; and (ii) assess the efficacy of the step therapy exception process in ensuring that consumers diagnosed with medical conditions that rely on stability or have achieved a positive clinical response on a medication are able to maintain that course of treatment including, but not limited to, a form of multiple sclerosis. The commission shall also examine any available empirical data on the impact of step therapy protocols on health disparities related to outcomes, access and medication adherence.