35-25-203. Cancer control plan and program.

(a) The department shall develop a comprehensive cancer control plan. The department shall begin with the plan and recommendations in the Wyoming cancer control plan published in October 2005 by the Wyoming comprehensive cancer control consortium. The goals shall be to reduce the numbers of people affected by cancer with improved prevention and education and, for those individuals who are diagnosed with cancer, the goal shall be to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and palliative interventions that are evidence based, scientifically proven best of care. The comprehensive cancer control plan may include:

(i) Cancer prevention and education for both the public, health care professionals and institutions;

(ii) Evidence based early detection, screening, diagnosis and treatment;

(iii) Research and data collection;

(iv) Palliative care including pain management and other steps to improve the quality of life of probably terminal cancer patients;

(v) Rehabilitation of cancer victims; and

(vi) Programs to assist cancer survivors in returning to normal life.

(b) In financing and implementing the program established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section the department shall consider the use of the Medicaid program. This section does not constitute authorization to expand the services and eligibilities of the Medicaid program which requires specific legislative authorization. The department may recommend such authorization where appropriate.

(c) The department may contract with one (1) or more third parties to develop and implement the plans authorized by this section. Any contract awarded under this section shall be awarded on the basis of competitive bids and shall include specific requirements relating to outcome based evaluation.

(d) Subject to the restriction of subsection (b) of this section, the department may accept state, federal, local and nongovernmental funds for developing and implementing the plans established pursuant to this section.

(e) The department may solicit proposals for grants under this section by publication of a request for proposals. Grant recipients under this section may include local governments, private nonprofit organizations, schools and other organizations as appropriate. Any grants to organizations not political subdivisions of the state of Wyoming or under the absolute control of the state shall be subject to any restriction necessary to comply with Article 16, Section 6 of the Wyoming Constitution. Any request for proposals used during the competitive grant process shall include specific requirements relating to outcome based evaluation of the grant recipient's performance.

(f) The department shall collaborate and coordinate with public and private entities including state and local governments and the CDC to assure maximum effective use of resources, people and money. The department shall take advice, as appropriate, from the statewide comprehensive cancer control steering committee.

(g) Considering funds available and the purposes for which those funds are made available, the department shall give emphasis to the following cancer control and prevention programs:

(i) The county cancer resource coordinator program. This program shall be a pilot program in two (2) sites, one (1) urban and one (1) rural. Each program shall cover at least one (1) county and may cover several counties. The program may be expanded to additional sites if sufficient funds become available;

(ii) Public education relating to cancer prevention and awareness for all cancers;

(iii) Early detection of cancer including those cancers identified in the state cancer control plan and specifically including the Wyoming colorectal cancer early detection and prevention program;

(iv) Programs and public education which promote the reduction of risk factors to reduce cancer and other chronic diseases within the state; and

(v) Programs and public education which enhance treatment and quality of care of those impacted by cancer within the state.

(h) The department may propose cancer control as a specific line item in its biennial budget.

(j) The department shall, in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate rules and regulations as appropriate to implement this act.

(k) The department shall report on its activities, program outcomes, conclusions and goals for the next two (2) years under this act to the joint labor, health and social services interim committee. The report shall be due on October 1 of every odd numbered year.