Section 120970.

In the event the department utilizes a contractor or subcontractor to administer any aspect of the program provided for under this chapter, the following additional client assistance provisions shall apply:

(a)  The contractor shall, either directly or through subcontracted pharmacy outlets, obtain and dispense the necessary drugs, in their approved forms according to the program formulary, and shall comply with all applicable provisions of the California Pharmacy Law (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code) and regulations adopted thereunder.

(b)  Upon receipt of notification by the department, the contractor shall be able to accommodate additions or changes in the formulary within 10 business days.

(c)  Clients shall receive drugs from a participating pharmacy either directly, through the client's designated representative, or mailed or delivered to the client's place of residence by the contractor or subcontractor, whichever the client prefers. Proof of delivery of the prescription to the client's designated address, by signature acknowledging receipt thereof, shall be required for all mail order prescriptions.

(d)  Clients shall have their prescriptions filled within 24 hours of submission of prescription requests, and mail order prescriptions shall be shipped by the contractor within 48 hours of receipt of client prescription requests.

(e)  The contractor shall provide 24-hour free telephone and fax machine access for physicians and surgeons, or medical care providers as authorized under state law, to call in or transmit prescriptions for mail order pharmacy.

(f)  Clients shall have toll-free telephone access during business hours to speak with licensed pharmacists for medication counseling and for mail order prescription requests. The contractor shall provide consultation in the prevention of potentially harmful drug interactions in connection with prescriptions filled for clients.

(g)  The contractor shall have the ability to subcontract with any willing provider, including independent and sole proprietorship pharmacies, provided the subcontractor accepts the rates offered by the contractor, supplies the contractor with timely information, and complies with necessary contract terms and conditions and other needs of the program as determined by the contractor or the department.

(h)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the contractor subcontract with all willing providers accepting the terms and conditions provided for in subdivisions (a) to (g), inclusive, in order to facilitate continuity of care for clients under this chapter.

(i)  All types of information, whether written or oral, concerning a client, made or kept in connection with the administration of this program shall be confidential, and shall not be used or disclosed except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the program.

(j)  Information regarding program policies and procedures, including enrollment procedures, eligibility guidelines, and lists of drugs covered, shall be made available to clients in appropriate literacy levels in English, Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Tagalog, and in other languages, as determined by the department.

(k)  The contractor shall develop and maintain a timely and accessible grievance procedure for clients to resolve problems regarding all components of the delivery of drugs under this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 294, Sec. 17. Effective August 18, 1997.)