Bill Text: GA SR986 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; recognize growing incidence

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-2)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2010-04-27 - Senate Passed/Adopted [SR986 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-SR986-Introduced.html

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10 LC 94 1981

Senate Resolution 986

By: Senators Butler of the 55th, Thomas of the 54th, Seay of the 34th, Unterman of the 45th, Orrock of the 36th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the growing incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in this state and encouraging the Georgia Department of Community Health to pass regulations requiring the collection of data relating to incidents of this disease in this state; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 16 million people in the United States are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), equal to one in 19 Americans; and

WHEREAS, COPD is a progressive disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, alone or in combination; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of COPD has almost doubled over the last 25 years, and it stands as the only major disease with an increasing death rate; and

WHEREAS, COPD accounted for 1.5 million emergency room visits in 2000 and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 127,000 deaths in 2004; and

WHEREAS, COPD can be controlled and its progression slowed with proper treatment; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Community Health currently collects public health data relating to the incidence of other diseases but does not currently collect public health data relating to the prevalence of COPD in the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, this state's public health organization bears a responsibility in identifying the burden that COPD places on its citizens and on the health care system and in insuring that appropriate and effective treatments are available; and

WHEREAS, accurate data on incidents of COPD in Georgia should be used to monitor the frequency, incidence, cause, effect, and severity of COPD; and
WHEREAS, COPD data should be used to assist the department in research and the evaluation of disease management practices in order to assess the current standard of care for COPD patients; and

WHEREAS, annual data on COPD should be reported to the Governor by the Department of Community Health, along with recommendations for improving treatment options for citizens with COPD.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body encourage the Georgia Department of Community Health to pass regulations requiring the collection of data relating to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, along with the collection of data on other diseases and conditions in this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to members of the public and the press.