Sec. 531.090. JOINT PURCHASING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND OTHER MEDICATIONS. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), the commission and each health and human services agency authorized by the executive commissioner may enter into an agreement with one or more other states for the joint bulk purchasing of prescription drugs and other medications to be used in Medicaid, the state child health plan, or another program under the authority of the commission.

(b) An agreement under this section may not be entered into until:

(1) the commission determines that entering into the agreement would be feasible and cost-effective; and

(2) if appropriated money would be spent under the proposed agreement, the governor and the Legislative Budget Board grant prior approval to expend appropriated money under the proposed agreement.

(c) If an agreement is entered into, the commission shall adopt procedures applicable to an agreement and joint purchase required by this section. The procedures must ensure that this state receives:

(1) all prescription drugs and other medications purchased with money provided by this state; and

(2) an equitable share of any price benefits resulting from the joint bulk purchase.

(d) In determining the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of entering into an agreement under this section, the commission shall identify:

(1) the most cost-effective existing joint bulk purchasing agreement; and

(2) any potential groups of states with which this state could enter into a new cost-effective joint bulk purchasing agreement.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 899 (S.B. 1863), Sec. 6.01, eff. August 29, 2005.

Renumbered from Government Code, Section 531.080 by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 921 (H.B. 3167), Sec. 17.001(34), eff. September 1, 2007.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 2.122, eff. April 2, 2015.