Study of Pharmaceutical Costs (language only)

Item 58 #2h

Language
Page 32, line 8, before "Contingent", insert "A."
Page 32, line 14, after "government.", insert:
"B.  The Secretary of Administration, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Finance, shall study options for containing the utilization and costs of pharmaceuticals in government-funded health care programs in Virginia.  This study shall examine the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s December 2001 report on the Virginia Medicaid program, the findings of the Secretary of Finance’s 2000 report on pharmaceutical costs, and other issues as may seem appropriate.  In conducting the study, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources shall consult with appropriate private and public sector entities, including but not limited to patient advocacy organizations, the Medical Society of Virginia, the Old Dominion Medical Society, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, the Virginia Pharmacists Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America.  The report shall be presented to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by October 15, 2002."

Explanation
(This amendment is self-explanatory.)