MO HB418

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 director, one state representative, one state senator, 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 Missouri 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 legislature and governor by December 31, 2011.

Task force continues meeting annually through December 31, 2013 to monitor recommendations' impact and provide supplemental reports; all provisions expire December 31, 2013.