79R1996 MSE-D
By: Van de Putte S.B. No. 655
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a prescription drug consumer
information and technical assistance program by the Department of
State Health Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle E, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 113 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 113. PRESCRIPTION DRUG INFORMATION PROGRAM
Sec. 113.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Practitioner" has the meaning assigned by Section
551.003, Occupations Code.
(2) "Senior citizen" means a person at least 65 years
of age.
Sec. 113.002. PRESCRIPTION DRUG CONSUMER INFORMATION AND
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish
a prescription drug consumer information and technical assistance
program.
(b) The program shall provide senior citizens of this state
with advice on:
(1) using prescription drugs prudently; and
(2) accessing government and private prescription
drug programs and discounts.
(c) The program shall include providing senior citizens
with an opportunity to consult a licensed pharmacist about how a
senior citizen may, with the approval of the senior citizen's
prescribing practitioner:
(1) avoid dangerous drug interactions; and
(2) substitute a more cost–effective drug for the drug
prescribed by the practitioner.
(d) The department shall provide for licensed pharmacists
to perform the consultations provided under Subsection (c). The
department may use a licensed pharmacist employed by a state
governmental entity or recruit licensed pharmacist volunteers in
cooperation with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
(e) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement this
section, including rules that describe any fees that may be charged
for services provided by a consulting pharmacist.
SECTION 2. (a) Not later than March 1, 2006, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
adopt rules as required by Section 113.002, Health and Safety Code,
as added by this Act.
(b) Not later than October 1, 2006, the Department of State
Health Services shall report to the governor, the lieutenant
governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the
standing committees of the senate and house of representatives with
primary jurisdiction over health care on the effectiveness of the
prescription drug consumer information and technical assistance
program established by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.