SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "State Affairs and Government" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 134
STATE PHARMACEUTICAL PURCHASING AND DISPENSING COORDINATING COUNCIL

42-134-1. Creation of council. -- There is hereby created and established a state pharmaceutical purchasing and dispensing coordinating council to be referred to herein as "the council." The legislative authority for the council shall cease as of June 30, 2005, unless the council is continued under the provisions of this chapter and/or other act of the general assembly.

42-134-2. Membership of council. -- (a) The council shall be composed of twelve (12) members as follows:

(1) The directors of the following state departments, or their designees:

(i) Administration;

(ii) Health;

(iii) Mental health, retardation and hospitals;

(iv) Human services;

(v) Elderly affairs;

(vi) Corrections;

(vii) Children, youth and families;

(2) Two (2) members of the senate, one (1) to be appointed by the senate majority leader, and one (1) to be appointed by the senate minority leader;

(3) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, one (1) to be appointed by the speaker, and one (1) to be appointed by the house minority leader; and

(4) One (1) representative of the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy, to be appointed by the dean of the school.

(b) Members of the council shall hold office for three (3) years. Should any member cease to be an officer or employee of the unit or agency he/she is appointed to represent, his/her membership on the council shall terminate immediately. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.

(c) The members of the council shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson by a majority vote of those present and voting.

(d) The council shall meet at least quarterly.

(e) The council shall include representatives of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, and other essential organizations as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties.

42-134-3. Purpose and duties. -- The purpose of the council shall be to provide a forum to discuss:

(1) Prudent pharmaceutical purchasing mechanisms for state facilities and programs;

(2) Efficient pharmaceutical dispensing capabilities in state and community agencies for medications paid for with state funds; and

(3) A comprehensive and coordinated review of state pharmaceutical purchasing and facility dispensing procedures.

42-134-4. Reports. -- The council shall submit a written report annually to the governor, the house of representatives and the senate.

SECTION 2. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "State Affairs and Government" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 135
STATE PHARMACEUTICAL PURCHASING AND DISPENSING COORDINATING COUNCIL

42-135-1. Creation of council. -- There is hereby created and established a state pharmaceutical purchasing and dispensing coordinating council to be referred to herein as "the council." The legislative authority for the council shall cease as of June 30, 2005, unless the council is continued under the provisions of this chapter and/or other act of the general assembly.

42-135-2. Membership of council. -- (a) The council shall be composed of twelve (12) members as follows:

(1) The directors of the following state departments, or their designees:

(i) Administration;

(ii) Health;

(iii) Mental health, retardation and hospitals;

(iv) Human services;

(v) Elderly affairs;

(vi) Corrections;

(vii) Children, youth and families;

(2) Two (2) members of the senate, one (1) to be appointed by the president of the senate, and one (1) to be appointed by the senate minority leader;

(3) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, one (1) to be appointed by the speaker, and one (1) to be appointed by the house minority leader; and

(4) One (1) representative of the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy, to be appointed by the dean of the school.

(b) Members of the council shall hold office for three (3) years. Should any member cease to be an officer or employee of the unit or agency he/she is appointed to represent, his/her membership on the council shall terminate immediately. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.

(c) The members of the council shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson by a majority vote of those present and voting.

(d) The council shall meet at least quarterly.

(e) The council shall include representatives of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, and other essential organizations as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties.

42-135-3. Purpose and duties. -- The purpose of the council shall be to provide a forum to discuss:

(1) Prudent pharmaceutical purchasing mechanisms for state facilities and programs;

(2) Efficient pharmaceutical dispensing capabilities in state and community agencies for medications paid for with state funds; and

(3) A comprehensive and coordinated review of state pharmaceutical purchasing and facility dispensing procedures.

42-135-4. Reports. -- The council shall submit a written report annually to the governor, the house of representatives and the senate.

SECTION 3. This section and section 1 of this act shall take effect upon passage and section 1 shall be repealed January 7, 2003. Section 2 shall take effect January 7, 2003.