AN ACT Relating to drug and gene therapy payment for medicaid managed care organizations; and adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 74.09 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The drug utilization review board, established by the authority in accordance with federal medicaid regulations, shall include among its voting members a representative from each managed care organization that is contracted to administer a managed care plan under this chapter. The representative of each managed care organization must be either a chief medical officer, medical director, or pharmacy director.

(2) In addition to other responsibilities required under federal law, the drug utilization review board shall consider the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of drugs and gene therapies in its recommendations to the director of the authority regarding drugs and gene therapies to be included in coverage for medical assistance programs under this chapter.

(3) Nothing in this section limits the authority's discretion to select other members as necessary to meet the purposes and composition of the drug utilization review board as required by federal law.

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