53-6-710. Advisory council -- duties. (1) There is an advisory council to review requests for proposals issued and contracts proposed to be awarded under this part.

(2) The advisory council consists of seven members appointed as follows:

(a) two members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, at least one of whom must be a health care provider;

(b) two members appointed by the president of the senate, at least one of whom must be a health care provider; and

(c) three members appointed by the governor, at least one of whom must be a health care provider.

(3) Members shall serve staggered, 3-year terms.

(4) When the department proposes to seek a medicaid waiver for managed care, the council shall conduct the following activities before the department issues a request for proposal and after it has selected a vendor but before a contract is awarded:

(a) hold a public hearing in the geographic area that would be affected by the program or contract in order to:

(i) educate medicaid recipients, health care providers, and the public residing in the area about the provisions of the proposed program or contract and the consumer's options; and

(ii) accept public comment about the proposed program or contract;

(b) submit a report of its findings related to the public comment process to the appropriate interim or legislative committee, the legislative auditor's office, and the department.

(5) The council shall meet according to a schedule adopted by a majority vote of the council.

(6) The council is attached to the department for administrative purposes only, and members are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses as provided in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503.