§346-312  Rx plus program.  (a)  Thereis established within the department, the Rx plus program.  The program willcombine the purchasing power of all qualified residents to enable the State toreduce prescription drug costs and improve the quality of health care forqualified Hawaii residents in the program, thereby increasing the overallhealth of Hawaii residents, promoting healthy communities, and protecting thepublic health and welfare.  The program shall be integrated into, and part ofany statewide program for the uninsured.

(b)  The program shall use manufacturer rebatesand pharmacy discounts to reduce prescription drug prices.

(c)  The department may administer the programor contract with a third party or third parties to administer any singlecomponent, or combination of components of the program, including outreach,eligibility, claims, administration, rebate negotiations and recovery, andredistribution to achieve the maximum possible discount for Hawaii residents. Any contract to administer any program component shall prohibit the contractorfrom receiving any compensation or other benefits from any manufacturerparticipating in the program.

(d)  The department shall conduct ongoingquality assurance activities similar to those used in the medicaid program. [L2002, c 76, pt of §1; am L 2004, c 47, §3]