Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 245. There is hereby established a commission to research topical steroid addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, a severe and debilitating condition that can result from intentional or unintentional exposure to topical steroids.

The commissioner shall have 1 member who is a representative of the department and 7 members appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a dermatologist, 1 of whom shall be a licensed pediatrician, 1 of whom shall be a licensed pharmacist, 1 of whom shall be a licensed immunologist and 3 of whom shall be individuals or parents who have been impacted by Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome.

The special commission may conduct public hearings, forums, or meetings to gather information regarding medical protocols for prevention, early detection and treatment of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome and generate awareness of the condition among health care providers, patients and consumers when prescribing medications.

Annually, on or before June 30, the commission shall submit a report to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate who shall forward the same to the joint committee on public health, along with recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry out those recommendations into effect. The special commission may file such interim reports and recommendations as it considers appropriate.