(a) The Commissioner of Social Services may, within available appropriations, provide reimbursement to pharmacies or pharmacists for services provided to residents in long-term care facilities, including (1) residential care homes, nursing homes or rest homes, as defined in § 19a-490, (2) residential facilities for persons with intellectual disability, as defined in § 17a-231, or (3) facilities served by assisted living services agencies, as defined in § 19a-490, in addition to those reimbursements provided in chapter 319v, provided such services improve the quality of care to residents of such facilities and produce cost savings to the state, as determined by the commissioner. Such services may include, but not be limited to, emergency and delivery services provided such services are offered on all medications, including intravenous therapy, twenty-four hours per day and seven days per week.

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services may reimburse for prescription drug costs in unit dose packaging, including blister packs and other special packaging, for clients residing in nursing facilities, chronic disease hospitals and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.