208.792. Advisory commission established, members, duties.

Advisory commission established, members, duties.

208.792. 1. There is hereby established the "Missouri Rx PlanAdvisory Commission" within the department of social services to provideadvice on the benefit design and operational policy of the Missouri Rx planestablished in sections 208.782 to 208.798. The commission shall consistof the following fifteen members:

(1) The lieutenant governor, in his or her capacity as advocate forsenior citizens;

(2) Two members of the senate, with one member from the majorityparty appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and one member ofthe minority party appointed by the president pro tem of the senate withthe concurrence of the minority floor leader of the senate;

(3) Two members of the house of representatives, with one member fromthe majority party appointed by the speaker of the house of representativesand one member of the minority party appointed by the speaker of the houseof representatives with the concurrence of the minority floor leader of thehouse of representatives;

(4) The director of the division of medical services in thedepartment of social services;

(5) The director of the division of senior and disability services inthe department of health and senior services;

(6) The chairperson of the governor's commission on special health,psychological and social needs of minority older individuals;

(7) The following four members appointed by the governor, with theadvice and consent of the senate:

(a) A licensed pharmacist;

(b) A licensed physician;

(c) A representative from a senior advocacy group; and

(d) A representative from an area agency on aging;

(8) A representative from the pharmaceutical manufacturers industryas a nonvoting member appointed by the president pro tem of the senate andthe speaker of the house of representatives;

(9) One public member appointed by the president pro tem of thesenate; and

(10) One public member appointed by the speaker of the house ofrepresentatives.

In making the initial appointment to the committee, the governor, presidentpro tem, and speaker shall stagger the terms of the appointees so that fourmembers serve initial terms of two years, four members serve initial termsof three years, four members serve initial terms of four years, and onemember serves an initial term of one year. All members appointedthereafter shall serve three-year terms. All members shall be eligible forreappointment. The commission shall elect a chair and may employ anexecutive director and such professional, clerical, and research personnelas may be necessary to assist in the performance of the commission'sduties.

2. Recognizing the unique medical needs of the seniorAfrican-American population, the president pro tem of the senate, speakerof the house of representatives, and governor will collaborate to ensurethat there is adequate minority representation among legislative membersand other members of the commission.

3. The commission:

(1) May provide advice on guidelines, policies, and proceduresnecessary to establish the Missouri Rx plan;

(2) Shall educate Missouri residents on quality prescription drugprograms and cost-containment strategies in medication therapy;

(3) Shall assist Missouri residents in enrolling or accessingprescription drug assistance programs for which they are eligible; and

(4) Shall hold quarterly meetings and other meetings as deemednecessary.

4. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation fortheir service on the commission, but shall be reimbursed for ordinary andnecessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as a memberof the commission.

(L. 2005 S.B. 539, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1117)

Sunset date 8-28-11, unless reauthorized (see § 208.798)