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1997 SESSION

973639127
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 630
Offered January 20, 1997
Continuing the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Demise of Independent Pharmacies in the Commonwealth.
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Patrons-- Heilig, Callahan, Guest and Melvin
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the pharmacists operating local pharmacies have met the changing health care needs of citizens by continuing to provide advice, experience, and dedicated concern at a time when an emphasis on personal services seems to be disappearing; and

WHEREAS, throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in rural areas with limited access to physicians, the local pharmacists serve as a primary source of health counseling to many people who might otherwise go unserved; and

WHEREAS, the number of independent pharmacies has decreased dramatically in recent years and continues to decline, from approximately 1050 to 465 over ten years, as reported in the 1995 Report of the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Financial Impact of Third-Party Reimbursement on the Commonwealth's Pharmacies; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Demise of Independent Pharmacies in the Commonwealth was authorized by the 1996 General Assembly pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 158; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Subcommittee determined that the complex array of issues relating to the provision of pharmacy benefits in the changing health care marketplace warrants further examination and input from the affected parties; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Demise of Independent Pharmacies in the Commonwealth be continued. The legislative membership of the Joint Subcommittee shall remain the same and vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original resolution. In addition, the Speaker of the House of Delegates shall appoint three additional members: one representative of independent pharmacies, one representative of a health insurer, HMO or other health care provider, and one physician; and the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections shall appoint two additional members: one representative of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, and one representative of independent pharmacies. A representative of the State Board of Pharmacy shall serve ex officio with no voting privileges.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $4,650.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1998 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.