House of Representatives

HB 2464

Arizona prescription drug advisory council

Sponsors: Representatives Gullett, Huppenthal, Cannell, et al

X	Committee on Health
	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

HB 2464 creates the Arizona Prescription Drug Advisory Council within the Department of Health Services (DHS) to develop a non-profit coalition to provide purchasing and management assistance to persons who need prescription drugs.

History

The mission of the Arizona Prescription Drug Advisory Council (Council) is to consolidate all of the prescription drug purchasing and management assistance resources within Arizona into a non-profit network. These resources include Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (PAP) through pharmaceutical companies, prescription management services provided by pharmacy colleges and pharmacists, direct mail order/rebates, patient assistance programs and health care providers. By combining all of the resources available into one network, prescription drug assistance programs can be easier to locate and utilize.

The goal of the Council is not to create a new program, but serve as an adjunct service to what is already available in the marketplace. The concept for the program is loosely based off “Medbank” programs found in several other states such as Maryland and Georgia. These “Medbanks” help people utilize existing prescription drug assistance programs and are typically funded by grant monies, donations and state monies.

HB 2464 establishes a Council to identify grants and other funding for the program. The Council is also responsible for designing a program using the concepts contained within the bill.

Provisions

· Establishes the Council with following members:

1. Two representatives from the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

2. Two representatives from the pharmacy industry.

3. Two representatives who represent the interest of patients.

4. One representative from a school of pharmacy.

· States that the Council shall develop a non-profit coalition of health care providers, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy colleges and patient advocates to create a prescription drug assistance program.

· Stipulates that the prescription drug assistance program consist of a network of prescription drug management and purchasing assistance services that include:

1. Direct access to pharmaceutical assistance programs through pharmaceutical companies.

2. A data bank of available prescription drug discount programs and services.

3. Consumer education on prescription management for efficiency and cost savings.

4. Preliminary screening for state and federal assistance programs.

5. Outreach services including a web site, toll free phone number, educational seminars and printed materials.

6. Emergency prescriptions for crisis situations.

· Requires the Council to identify funding sources and submit applications for grant monies to establish the program.

· Requires the Council to submit an annual report on the progress of the Council to the Governor, Legislature, State Archives and the Secretary of State on or before July 1, of each year.

· Stipulates that DHS will not be responsible to implement the program and shall only provide administrative support and assistance to the Council in submitting applications for grants.

· Eliminates the Council on August 31, 2004.

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45th Legislature

Second Regular Session 2 January 18, 2002

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