1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Safe Step Act . 2. Required exceptions process for medication step therapy protocols (a) In general The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after section 713 of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 1185b ) the following new section: 713A. Required exceptions process for medication step therapy protocols (a) In general In the case of a group health plan or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan that provides coverage of a prescription drug pursuant to a medication step therapy protocol, the plan or coverage shall— (1) implement a clear and transparent process for a participant or beneficiary (or the prescribing health care provider on behalf of the participant or beneficiary) to request an exception to such medication step therapy protocol, pursuant to subsection (b)