Amendment #374 to H4100

Commission on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

Representatives Sánchez of Boston and Hecht of Watertown move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary there is hereby established a special commission for the purpose of conducting an investigation and study of strategies to promote public awareness and increase knowledge of the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the importance of early diagnosis, effective prevention strategies, and disease management.  Said special commission shall determine what existing resources are currently being utilized, if there exists a solid scientific base of knowledge concerning COPD through surveillance, epidemiology, and research, and whether there is a need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based COPD services.  Said special commission shall consist of the Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Public Health or their designee; the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health or his designee; the Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs or his designee; a patient representative; a representative of the American Lung Association; a pulmonologist; a respiratory therapist; and a representative of the health insurance industry.  Said special commission shall report, in writing the results of said study together with its recommendations, if any, not later than December 31, 2013.”