2015 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 56. Poor Persons
§56-1010.23. Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council – Members - Duties.

A. There is hereby created the Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council, which shall be composed of twenty (20) members as follows:

1. From the following state agencies:

a.the Director of the Department of Human Services, or designee,

b.the Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, or designee,

c.the Commissioner of the State Department of Health, or designee,

d.the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or designee,

e.the Commissioner of the Insurance Department, or designee,

f.the Director of the Office of Disability Concerns, or designee, and

g.the Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, or designee;

2. Two members who shall each represent one of the following state councils, appointed by the governing body of the respective councils:

a.Oklahoma Council on Aging, and

b.Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council;

3. Two members who shall each represent one of the following colleges within the University of Oklahoma, appointed by the deans of the respective colleges:

a.College of Pharmacy, and

b.College of Public Health;

4. Six members, appointed by the governing body of the respective organizations, who shall each represent one of the following statewide organizations or associations composed of:

a.primary care physicians,

b.agencies on aging,

c.pharmacists,

d.allopathic physicians,

e.osteopathic physicians, and

f.volunteer health clinics; and

5. Three members, appointed by the governing body of the respective organizations, who shall each represent one of the following national organizations, associations or alliance or state chapter of a national organization, association or alliance representing:

a.pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers,

b.mentally ill persons, and

c.retired persons.

B. 1. The Director of the Department of Human Services shall convene the first meeting of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council on or before December 1, 2002. The Council shall meet at least quarterly, and may meet more often.

2. The Director of the Department of Human Services, or designee, and the representative of the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association shall serve as cochairs of the Council.

3. The members of the Council shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act.

4. The Department of Human Services shall provide staff support and assistance to the Council. All agencies of the state shall provide the Council with information and assistance upon the request of the Council.

C. The Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council shall assist the Department of Human Services and make recommendations regarding the implementation of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Program including, but not limited to:

1. The feasibility of implementing a computer software program that would link eligible persons with appropriate manufacturer-sponsored prescription drug assistance programs;

2. A review and assessment of pharmaceutical discount or insurance programs;

3. Monitoring and evaluation of the program including, but not limited to:

a.the number of individuals served,

b.length and types of service provided,

c.any other measurable data to assess the effectiveness of the program, and

d.recommendations for improving the program;

4. Additional strategies to improve access to prescription drugs for citizens who have no or inadequate health insurance or other resources for the purchase of prescription drugs; and

5. Coordination with other public and private entities in efforts to assist eligible citizens to obtain needed prescription drugs.

D. On or before December 1 of each year, the Council shall make a report to the Governor, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, and the chairpersons of the appropriate legislative committees as to the progress towards implementation of the program, its effectiveness, and any recommendations for further implementation. A copy of the report shall be posted on the website of the Aging Services Division of the Department of Human Services.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 337, § 3, emerg. eff. May 30, 2002. Amended by Laws 2007, c. 98, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2007.