Drug Formulary Committee
The Drug Formulary Committee uses an open, transparent process to review and recommend the drugs covered by Medicaid and MinnesotaCare through the uniform preferred drug list and determine which of those drugs requires prior authorization, or an approval before payment, to ensure medications are medically necessary for specific patients, and appropriate for their situation. The Drug Formulary Committee carries out its duties as described in Minnesota Statutes, 256B.0625, subd. 13.
Drug Formulary Committee meetings are open to the public. Public comment period for each meeting begins on the day we post the agenda and continues until 15 days after each meeting. See public comments section for more information.
The Drug Formulary Committee is comprised of at least five licensed physicians actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Minnesota, one of whom is an actively practicing psychiatrist, one of whom specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, one of whom specializes in pediatrics, and one of whom actively treats persons with disabilities; at least three licensed pharmacists actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy in Minnesota, one of whom practices outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, one of whom practices in the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and one of whom is a practicing hospital pharmacist; at least two consumer representatives, all of whom must have a personal or professional connection to medical assistance; and one representative designated by the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council established under section 256.4835; the remainder to be made up of health care professionals who are licensed in their field and have recognized knowledge in the clinically appropriate prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of covered outpatient drugs.
The Drug Formulary Committee members submit an Acknowledgment of Review of Ethical Practices and Conflict of Interest Policies (DHS-3785 (PDF). The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides the committee with data and information about the impact of its decision on the quality of patient care.
Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services
Compensation: $100 per member per meeting, plus mileage
(Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, subd. 13)