§ 42-135-2. Membership of council. (a) The council shall be composed of twelve (12) members as follows:

(1) The directors of the following state departments, or their designees:

(i) Administration;

(ii) Health;

(iii) Behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals;

(iv) Human services;

(v) Elderly affairs;

(vi) Corrections;

(vii) Children, youth, and families;

(2) Two (2) members of the senate, one to be appointed by the president of the senate, and one to be appointed by the senate minority leader;

(3) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, one to be appointed by the speaker, and one to be appointed by the house minority leader; and

(4) One representative of the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy, to be appointed by the dean of the school.

(b) Members of the council shall hold office for three (3) years. Should any member cease to be an officer or employee of the unit or agency he or she is appointed to represent, his or her membership on the council shall terminate immediately. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.

(c) The members of the council shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson by a majority vote of those present and voting.

(d) The council shall meet at least quarterly.

(e) The council shall include representatives of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, and other essential organizations as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties.

History of Section. (P.L. 2002, ch. 365, § 2.)