HI HR168

Department of Health is requested to create a Lupus Awareness Task Force to promote public and health professional education about lupus among government officials, physicians, nurses, and other health care providers.

Task Force shall develop a comprehensive plan focusing on minority populations and at-risk communities to raise public awareness and educate health professionals and consumers about lupus causes, early diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Plan shall include distributing health information from national organizations, developing educational materials for health professionals, supporting continuing medical education programs, and maintaining a directory of lupus-related services and specialist providers.

Task Force composed of seven members designated by the Director of Health with lupus-related experience, including representatives from state agencies, lupus researchers, medical professionals, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with lupus.

Director of Health must submit the Task Force's comprehensive plan to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convening.