MS HB212

Creates the Health Disparities Council within the State Department of Health to make recommendations for reducing and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care access and outcomes, including disparities related to cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, asthma, and lupus.

Council shall consist of 40 members including 3 House members, 3 Senate members, 7 ex officio state officials, 8 community members, and 20 representatives from organizations including medical associations, hospitals, health insurance providers, and academic institutions.

Council members appointed by October 1, 2013; nongovernmental organization representatives serve staggered three-year terms with vacancies filled within 60 days.

Council must meet at least bimonthly, adopt bylaws, establish committees, and hold open public meetings; 10 members constitute a quorum requiring majority vote for action.

Council shall submit annual reports by July 1 to the Governor and legislative committees with data on health disparities, workforce diversity, program recommendations, and proposals for statutory or regulatory changes; community members receive per diem and expense reimbursement while other members serve without compensation.