Frequently Asked Questions

March 8, 2023

What is the Global Medi-Cal Drug Use Review (DUR) Board?

The Medi-Cal Drug Use Review (DUR) Board is authorized pursuant to Section 1927(g)(3)[42 U.S.C. 1396r-8] of the Social Security Act, also known as section 4401 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA 90). Additionally, consistent with 42 CFR § 438.3(s)(4) and (5), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires any Managed Care Organization (MCO) that includes covered outpatient drugs to operate a DUR program compliant with section 1927(g)(3)(D) and 42 CFR 456, subpart K.

Since July 1, 2017. Medi-Cal DUR Board expanded to include participation from both the Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service and Medi-Cal MCOs and is renamed as the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board. 

Are Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members considered employees of the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) or are they able to represent DHCS?

Although, Global Medi-Cal DUR board members are appointed at the discretion of the DHCS Director, members are not considered employees of DHCS, nor do they represent DHCS in any capacity.

Does DHCS provide a stipend/compensation for serving on the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board?

DHCS does NOT provide a stipend/compensation for serving on the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board. DHCS will reimburse members for travel related expenses to attend Board meetings.

How are Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members notified to attend meetings?

Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members will be notified the dates and locations of the Board meetings via email.

How often are Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members required to meet or travel?

Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members are required to meet at least four times a year, on a quarterly basis.

How long is a member’s term on the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board?

Members are appointed at the discretion of the DHCS Director and the term limits are at the discretion of the Director.

Does the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board hold meetings

The Global Medi-Cal DUR board holds meetings at least once per quarter and meetings are open to the public.

Does DHCS prefer specialist or general practitioners?

DHCS seeks both pharmacists and physicians, either specialists or general practitioners with expertise and experience that will best serve the needs of the Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Does DHCS prefer physicians or pharmacists that work in academic institutions?

DHCS has no preference as to whether physicians or pharmacists work in an academic institution, only that they are actively serving the Medi-Cal population.

How does DHCS utilize the recommendations that the Global Medi-Cal DUR board provide?

The Global Medi-Cal DUR Board serves DHCS in an advisory role. The Board advises and makes recommendations to DHCS to be considered in the overall DUR program.

How will the Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members notify DHCS of their recommendations?

The Global Medi-Cal DUR Board members presents recommendations to DHCS at the quarterly Board meetings.

Does DHCS have a list, or release names and or contact information of current Global Medi-Cal DUR Board Members?

The current Global Medi-Cal DUR Board Members names and their affiliated institutions are listed on the Medi-Cal Rx DUR webpage.