(a) In order to provide oversight of prescription drug utilization under the TennCare program, there is hereby created a TennCare prescription drug utilization review committee. The committee shall consist of: one (1) member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house; one (1) member of the senate appointed by the speaker of the senate; and two (2) pharmacists, two (2) physicians, two (2) representatives of managed care organizations, two (2) representatives of pharmaceutical companies and two (2) consumers, all of whom shall be appointed by the comptroller of the treasury. The TennCare bureau shall provide to the committee such information as the committee deems appropriate concerning the prescriptions made to TennCare enrollees who receive more than seven (7) prescriptions. The committee shall review such information and make recommendations to the health and welfare committee of the senate, the health committee of the house of representatives, the committee of the house of representatives having oversight over TennCare, and the TennCare bureau concerning potential drug interactions, abuse of prescription drugs or other appropriate matters.

(b)

(1) Non-legislative members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but they shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in accordance with the comprehensive state travel regulations promulgated by the commissioner of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

(2) Legislative members of the committee shall not receive from the state an expense allowance or mileage allowance paid solely in consideration for serving on or attending meetings of the committee; provided, that this subdivision (b)(2) shall at no time preclude a legislative member from receiving an expense allowance or mileage allowance otherwise payable to such member in connection with attending the general assembly.