(7)__Information for professionals licensed to prescribe drugs regarding price and efficacy and strategies for decreasing the costs to the patient, payor and health care system.

B.__The council shall study licensing, certification and educational requirements for a person employed by a manufacturer or labeler to provide information and education with regard to prescription drugs, including information described in section 2698-A, subsection 4, paragraph B.

C.__The council shall monitor federal benefits and requirements under the Medicaid program under the United States Social Security Act, Title XIX; the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, Public Law 108-173; and federally sponsored health services for veterans.__The council shall consider strategies for maximizing federal benefits, taking advantage of possible savings for the State and coordinating services and benefits for persons who qualify for those programs.

D.__The council shall research obtaining prescription drugs from outside the country on a wholesale or retail basis, including cost and safety considerations and the procedures for all necessary waivers and permission from the Federal Government to permit the State or persons within the State to import prescription drugs.

E.__The council shall study establishing a state prescription drug patient assistance program that would rely on the voluntary participation of manufacturers and labelers to centralize and streamline their patient assistance programs.

3.__Membership.__The council consists of 20 members.__The term of appointment is 3 years.__A member may serve more than one term.__A member may serve until the member's successor has been appointed. The membership consists of:

A.__The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve as chair;

B.__The Commissioner of Corrections, or the commissioner's designee;

C.__The Director of the Bureau of Medical Services, or the director's designee;