MS HB149

Create 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, heart disease, diabetes, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, and asthma.

Council membership consists of 40 members appointed by October 1, 2017, including 3 House members (one as cochairman), 3 Senate members (one as cochairman), 8 ex officio state officials, 8 community members from affected populations, and 20 representatives from specified health care organizations and associations.

Council shall meet at least bimonthly and adopt bylaws for operation; 10 members constitute a quorum; all meetings are open to the public with opportunities for public comment.

Council must submit an annual report by July 1 to the Governor and legislative committees containing data on health disparities, workforce diversity recommendations, program improvement proposals, and statutory/regulatory change suggestions.

Community members appointed under subsection (2)(i) receive per diem at the rate authorized by Section 25-3-69 and reimbursement for mileage and expenses; other members receive no compensation; act takes effect July 1, 2017.