A. The purposes of this act are:

1. To design and implement a multigenerational, statewide program of public awareness and knowledge about:

a.the causes of osteoporosis,

b.personal risk factors,

c.the value of prevention and early detection, and

d.the options available for treatment;

2. To facilitate and enhance knowledge and understanding of osteoporosis by disseminating educational materials, information about research results, services, and strategies for prevention and treatment to patients, health professionals, and the public;

3. To utilize educational and training resources and services that have been developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of osteoporosis, and to use available technical assistance;

4. To evaluate existing osteoporosis services in the community and assess the need for improving the quality and accessibility of community-based services;

5. To provide easy access to clear, complete, and accurate osteoporosis information and referral services;

6. To educate and train service providers, health professionals, and physicians;

7. To heighten awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of osteoporosis among state and local health and human service officials, health educators, and policymakers;

8. To coordinate state programs and services to address the issue of osteoporosis;

9. To promote the development of support groups for osteoporosis patients and their families and caregivers;

10. To adequately fund these programs; and

11. To provide lasting improvements in the delivery of osteoporosis health care that affect the quality of life of osteoporosis patients and that contain health care costs.

B. 1. The State Board of Health, giving consideration to the recommendations of the Advancement of Wellness Advisory Council created in Section 44 of this act, shall promulgate rules necessary to enact the provisions of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Education Act.

2. The State Department of Health, as funds are available, shall:

a.provide sufficient staff to implement the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Education Program,

b.provide appropriate training for staff of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Education Program,

c.identify the appropriate entities to carry out the program,

d.base the program on the most up-to-date scientific information and findings,

e.work to improve the capacity of community-based services available to osteoporosis patients,

f.work with governmental offices, community and business leaders, community organizations, health care and human service providers, and national osteoporosis organizations to coordinate efforts and maximize state resources in the areas of prevention, education, and treatment of osteoporosis, and

g.identify and, when appropriate, replicate or use successful osteoporosis programs and procure related materials and services from organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of osteoporosis.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 198, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999. Amended by Laws 2013, c. 229, § 53, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.