MO HB2369

Establishes a 19-member Sickle Cell Disease Task Force within the Department of Health and Senior Services, chaired by the lieutenant governor or designee.

Task force membership includes the health department director, one house member, one senate member, physicians with sickle cell expertise, researchers, patients/family members, minority health experts, sickle cell organization representatives, and urban community leaders.

Task force shall assess sickle cell disease impact on urban communities, examine existing services and resources, and develop recommendations for educational programs in schools about sickle cell traits and effects.

Task force must hold at least one meeting in three urban regions to gather public input and submit findings and recommendations to the governor and general assembly by December 31, 2010.

Task force continues through December 31, 2012, meeting at least annually to study sickle cell disease impacts and provide supplemental annual reports; all provisions expire December 31, 2012.