Amendment #81 to H4200

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness

Mr. Tucker of Salem moves to amend the bill by adding the following new outside section:

SECTION XXX. 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, or 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. The special commission shall consist of the chairs of the joint committee on public health, or their designees; the commissioner of public health, or a designee; the secretary of elder affairs, or a designee; a representative of the American Lung Association; and 4 members to be appointed by the governor, from the following populations: a patient representative; a pulmonologist; a respiratory therapist; and a representative of the health insurance industry. The special commission shall report, in writing the results of said study together with its recommendations, if any, not later than December 31, 2017.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #81 to H4200

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness