PRINTER'S NO. 3348
No. 278 Session of 1986
INTRODUCED BY VAN HORNE, TRELLO, PETRONE, CESSAR, COLAFELLA,
F. TAYLOR, COWELL, HALUSKA, BALDWIN, LUCYK AND NAHILL,
APRIL 16, 1986
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON RULES, APRIL 22, 1986
A RESOLUTION
1 Appointing a special committee to investigate the procedures
2 involved in the prescription drug program administered by the
3 Department of Public Welfare.
4 WHEREAS, The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
5 Pennsylvania intended that prescription drugs be made available
6 and accessible to eligible persons; and
7 WHEREAS, The Federal Government believes that competition is
8 essential for reducing health care costs; and
9 WHEREAS, The largest health maintenance organization (HMO) in
10 Pittsburgh, Health America Corporation, has contracted with the
11 Thrift Drug chain to fill all of its prescriptions; and
12 WHEREAS, Many persons, including the Allegheny County
13 Pharmacy Association, believe that this action will restrict
14 pharmacy access to many individuals, especially in economically
15 depressed areas, because there are not enough Thrift Drug stores
16 to service those areas; therefore be it
17 RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House of Representatives
18 appoint a special bipartisan committee to investigate the
1 procedures involved in the prescription drug program
2 administered by the Department of Public Welfare; and be it
3 further
4 RESOLVED, That the committee may hold hearings, take
5 testimony and make its investigations at such places as it deems
6 necessary in this Commonwealth. Each member of the committee
7 shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations to
8 witnesses appearing before the committee; and be it further
9 RESOLVED, That the committee make a report of its findings
10 and recommendations to the House of Representatives as soon as
11 possible.
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