Rather than pass legislation mandating the creation of a PDL, Mascaro intends to run a resolution affirming the health department's authority to do so and encouraging officials to move forward on the matter. The as-yet undrafted resolution would also have an accountability element, Mascaro said, such as requiring an analysis of the program after a prescribed time period to measure its effectiveness.

By law, the health department has the right to establish a PDL without the backing of the Legislature. However, Sundwall said last month it would not be worth it to run the program against lawmakers' wishes.

Mascaro agreed Friday that doing so could be politically unwise and have possible budget ramifications on the department. Which is why, he said, the issue needs additional debate and, hopefully, a wider show of support from legislators.

Critics of the PDL plan, including the pharmaceutical association lobby, have told lawmakers the plan likely wouldn't save the state any money and could possibly cost the state money by not allowing poor, sick and elderly people to get the drugs they need in a timely manner. Wary lawmakers have also said they fear the creation of a PDL in Utah would create artificial market controls on prescription drugs.

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E-mail: awelling@desnews.com