The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is forming a subcommittee of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee to make recommendations regarding the formulary related to medications used by behavioral health consumers. The subcommittee will also review prior authorization and utilization review processes. The subcommittee will make three recommendations for each decision that they deliberate. The first recommendation is the ideal, the second is an acceptable alternative, and the third is acceptable with reservations. These will be presented to the OMHSAS medical director and to the DPW P&T Committee for consideration.
The subcommittee will be comprised of the OMHSAS chief pharmacist, associate medical director, consumers, families, advocates, and providers of behavioral health services. A panel of medical experts will submit evidence-based recommendations on formulary selections and changes, prior authorization criteria, and respond to questions posed by subcommittee members. A quorum of at least 70 percent of the membership in attendance is needed and a majority vote is required to accept a recommendation. Subcommittee recommendations are advisory in nature, with the final decision made by the DPW secretary in consultation with the deputy secretaries for OMHSAS and the Office of Medical Assistance Programs.
Those interested in participating can address questions to Valerie Minnich at 717-772-7307 or by email to vminnich@state.pa.us. In order to volunteer, the following information must be submitted to Ms. Minnich via email by March 31:
- Name.
- Constituent group or organization represented and position held, if applicable. Specify if consumer or provider. If medical expert, specify area of expertise.
- Region of the state and county of residence.
- Telephone number.
- Postal address.
- E-mail address.
Those selected will be notified prior to the first meeting in late April or early May. The subcommittee will meet at least quarterly and additional meetings will be scheduled if needed. Meetings will be held in Harrisburg with the possibility of teleconferencing. Subcommittee members will also be expected to devote several hours between meetings for review and comment on materials and research information, meeting preparation, and follow-up from the previous meeting. PCPA members are strongly encouraged to request participation on this subcommittee.
