H. B. 4800  (By Delegates Michael, Leach, Doyle, Kelley,
Facemyer and Border)  (Originating in the Committee on Finance)
[March 1, 2000]  A BILL to amend article sixteen, chapter five
of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-
one, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated
section seven-a, relating to establishing a new prescription
drug program within the public employees insurance agency;
requiring the executive director to appoint an advisory
committee; setting forth guidelines for the new program;
authorizing contract amendments; and requiring reporting.  Be it
enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: That article
sixteen, chapter five of the code of West Virginia, one thousand
nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, be amended by adding
thereto a new section, designated section seven-a, to read as
follows: §5-16-7a. Prescription drug program. (a) Findings--The
Legislature finds that the rapidly rising cost of prescription
drugs places an undue financial burden on the