H.B. 105 Summary

• Establishes a Lupus Education and Awareness Program under the Commission on Minority Health with emphasis on educating minority populations, at-risk communities, health professionals, and the general public about lupus.

• Creates grant programs to support nonprofit lupus organizations in increasing public awareness and enhancing health professional education about lupus symptoms, consequences, and at-risk populations.

• Establishes an intergovernmental council and advisory panel to oversee program implementation and coordinate lupus education efforts across state departments and agencies.

• Appropriates $500,000 in each fiscal year (2010 and 2011) from the General Revenue Fund, with up to $50,000 annually allocated for administrative costs.

• Requires the Commission to conduct needs assessments, develop a directory of lupus services and specialists, implement statewide awareness campaigns, and disseminate health information through public events and distribution channels.