(a)

(1) The Adult Sickle Cell Clinic of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is created.

(2) The clinic shall be a comprehensive clinic at which adults in Arkansas with sickle cell anemia may receive specialty care, including without limitation:

(A) Advanced, specialized health care;

(B) Preventive health care; and

(C) Local health care provider support.

(b) The clinic shall provide services, including without limitation:

(1)

(A) An annual visit for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for adult patients with sickle cell anemia from all over the state.

(B) A patient with more severe complications from sickle cell anemia may receive more frequent treatment as needed;

(2)

(A) On the basis of each comprehensive visit under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, a care plan for that patient is developed to serve as a blueprint for the patient's medical care throughout the year.

(B) For acute medical events, treatment under this section shall be based on the care plan created under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section as the guide for management of sickle cell anemia and complications of sickle cell anemia;

(3) Designing a training program regarding sickle cell anemia and complications of sickle cell anemia for:

(A) Physicians, nurses, and social workers throughout the state;

(B) Medical students and residents;

(C) healthcare providers; and

(D) healthcare provider students;

(4) Through the Center for Distance Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Science, training and case consultation with healthcare providers across the state; and

(5) A program to:

(A) Track adult patients with sickle cell anemia; and

(B) Measure the effectiveness of the clinic.

(c)

(1) The clinic shall make staff personnel available to primary care physicians and medical staff of area health education centers for consultation regarding sickle cell anemia and complications of sickle cell anemia as needed.

(2) A nurse practitioner employed in this clinic shall be available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week to receive and respond to telephone calls from physicians or patients regarding sickle cell anemia and complications of sickle cell anemia.

(3) A social worker shall assist patients with sickle cell anemia and their families in finding ways to meet the needs of the patient and his or her family, including without limitation:

(A) Health-related expenses not covered by insurance plans;

(B) Transportation costs;

(C) Employment options; and

(D) Social and emotional support.

(4) A grassroots community coordinator shall connect the clinic to other health care providers around the state and help connect patients with the clinic.