The department may appoint and contract with a pharmaceutical benefits manager or other entity for purposes of the prescription drugs purchased under this chapter. The pharmaceutical benefits manager or other entity may do all of the following:

(a) Negotiate price discounts, rebates, or other options that achieve the greatest savings on prescription drugs with prescription drug manufacturers and wholesalers.

Terms Used In California Government Code 14979

(b) Purchase prescription drugs for participating state, district, county, or municipal governmental entities.

(c) Act as a consultant to the department.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 483, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)