(a) To the extent permitted by federal law, the department shall purchase vaccines and biological products in bulk from the Centers for Disease Control or any other sources at the lowest cost possible, for use by providers of services under this chapter and the Child Health and Disability Prevention program under Article 6 (commencing with Section 124025) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code, in the immunization of eligible children.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that, to the maximum extent possible, any savings of General Fund moneys realized from the program established pursuant to this section shall be reinvested in programs that are most likely to increase access to, and the quality of, immunization services for children.
(c) In order to achieve maximum cost savings, the Legislature hereby determines that an expedited contract process for contracts under this section is necessary. Therefore, contracts under this section may be on a nonbid basis and shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Contract Code.
(d) No part of this section shall be construed to require the department to undertake distribution of vaccines and biological products.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1023, Sec. 478. Effective September 29, 1996.)