Sec. 7. (a) The nonemergency medical transportation commission is established for the purpose of overseeing the provision of nonemergency medical transportation services to ensure that Medicaid fee-for-service recipients are receiving satisfactory service and to ensure that brokers pay the claims of transportation providers in a timely manner.

(b) The commission consists of the following members:

(1) Two (2) members of the senate, who may not be members of the same political party, appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate with the advice of the minority leader of the senate.

(2) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, who may not be members of the same political party, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives with the advice of the minority leader of the house of representatives.

(3) One (1) representative of the office of the secretary.

(4) One (1) individual representing a broker.

(5) One (1) individual representing a transportation provider that has contracted with a broker.

(6) One (1) individual representing the Indiana Hospital Association.

(7) One (1) individual representing the Indiana Health Care Association.

(8) One (1) individual representing the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

(9) One (1) individual representing the Arc of Indiana.

(10) One (1) physician licensed under IC 25-22.5.

(11) One (1) individual representing dialysis providers.

(12) One (1) Medicaid fee-for-service recipient.

(13) One (1) individual representing the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

(14) One (1) individual representing the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Association.

(c) The members of the commission described in subsection (b)(1) and (b)(2) shall serve:

(1) as nonvoting advisory members; and

(2) for a four (4) year term.

(d) The members of the commission described in subsection (b)(3) through (b)(14) shall be appointed by the governor for terms of four (4) years. The term of a member of the commission expires July 1. However, a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed. In case of a vacancy, the governor shall appoint an individual to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. The governor shall designate one (1) member described in this subsection as chairperson of the commission.

(e) The initial appointments beginning July 1, 2019, must be:

(1) made by the governor not later than October 1, 2019; and

(2) notwithstanding subsection (d), staggered as follows:

(A) Two (2) years for the members appointed under subsection (b)(4), (b)(6), (b)(8), (b)(10), (b)(12), and (b)(14).

(B) Three (3) years for the members appointed under subsection (b)(5), (b)(7), (b)(9), (b)(11), and (b)(13).

This subsection expires July 1, 2024.

(f) The office shall provide staff support and technical assistance to the commission, including the collection of and dissemination of data and reports required by this chapter, in order for the commission to carry out its duties under this chapter.

As added by P.L.116-2019, SEC.4.