1. The Department shall, by regulation, set forth the duties of the Committee which must include, without limitation:

(a) Identifying the prescription drugs which should be included on the list of preferred prescription drugs developed by the Department for the Medicaid program pursuant to NRS 422.4025 and the prescription drugs which should be excluded from any restrictions that are imposed on drugs that are on the list of preferred prescription drugs;

(b) Identifying classes of therapeutic prescription drugs for its review and performing a clinical analysis of each drug included in each class that is identified for review; and

(c) Reviewing at least annually all classes of therapeutic prescription drugs on the list of preferred prescription drugs developed by the Department for the Medicaid program pursuant to NRS 422.4025.

2. The Department shall, by regulation, require the Committee to:

(a) Base its decisions on evidence of clinical efficacy and safety without consideration of the cost of the prescription drugs being considered by the Committee;

(b) Review new pharmaceutical products in as expeditious a manner as possible; and

(c) Consider new clinical evidence supporting the inclusion of an existing pharmaceutical product on the list of preferred prescription drugs developed by the Department for the Medicaid program and new clinical evidence supporting the exclusion of an existing pharmaceutical product from any restrictions that are imposed on drugs that are on the list of preferred prescription drugs in as expeditious a manner as possible.

3. The Department shall, by regulation, authorize the Committee to:

(a) In carrying out its duties, exercise clinical judgment and analyze peer review articles, published studies, and other medical and scientific information; and

(b) Establish subcommittees to analyze specific issues that arise as the Committee carries out its duties.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 1319)