Bill Text: GA SR986 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
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-Enrolled.html
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
ADOPTED
SENATE
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.
