HJR 29

HJR29 189429-3 By Representatives Weaver, Hall, Bracy, Williams (P), Fridy, Rowe, Sessions, Ainsworth, Alexander, Baker, Ball, Bandy, Beckman, Beech, Black, Blackshear, Boothe, Boyd, Brown, Buskey, Butler, Carns, Chesteen, Chestnut, Clarke, Clouse, Coleman, Collins, Crawford, Daniels, Davis, Drake, Drummond, Ellis, England, Farley, Faulkner, Faust, Fincher, Ford, Forte, Garrett, Gaston, Givan, Greer, Grimsley, Hanes, Harbison, Harper, Henry, Hill, Hollis, Holmes (A), Holmes (M), Howard, Hurst, Ingram, Jackson, Johnson (K), Johnson (R), Jones, Knight, Lawrence, Ledbetter, Lee, Lindsey, Lovvorn, Martin, McCampbell, McClammy, McCutcheon, McMillan, Millican, Mooney, Moore (B), Moore (M), Morrow, Nordgren, Pettus, Polizos, Poole, Pringle, Rich, Rogers, Sanderford, Scott, Sells, Shedd, Shiver, South, Standridge, Todd, Treadaway, Tuggle, Wadsworth, Warren, Whorton (I), Whorton (R), Wilcox, Williams (JD), Williams (JW), Wingo and Wood RFD: First Read: 11-JAN-18 HJR29 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution, ESTABLISHING THE ALABAMA STUDY COMMISSION FOR GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS. WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the prevalence of gynecologic cancers in Alabama, the efficacy of existing efforts for early diagnosis and treatment, and the need for the identification of unmet needs for patients and families; and WHEREAS, identification and presentation of the issues and solutions relative to gynecologic cancers in Alabama should be considered and addressed by a team of experts and representatives including: patients, survivors, caregivers, medical specialists, research specialists, and advocates for gynecologic awareness and support; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That there is created the Alabama Study Commission for Gynecologic Cancers. (a) The Commission shall study and report on the following: (1) Establishing a mechanism to ascertain the prevalence of gynecologic cancers in the state, and to the extent possible, collecting statistics relative to the timing HJR29 of diagnosis and risk factors associated with gynecologic cancer. (2) Determining how to best effectuate early diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancer patients. (3) Determining any unmet needs of persons with gynecologic cancers and those of their families. (4) Providing recommendations for additional legislation, support programs, and resources to meet the unmet needs of persons with gynecologic cancers and their families. (b) Membership of the Alabama Study Commission for Gynecologic Cancers shall be comprised of the following: (1) A representative of the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition. (2) The Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance, or his or her designee. (3) Three members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, as follows: a. One of whom shall be a survivor of ovarian cancer. b. One of whom shall be a survivor of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, or uterine cancer. c. One of whom shall be a medical specialist in gynecologic cancer. (4) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as follows: HJR29 a. One of whom shall be a survivor of ovarian cancer. b. One of whom shall be a survivor of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, or uterine cancer. c. One of whom shall be a medical specialist in gynecologic cancer. (5) Seven members appointed by the Governor as follows: a. One of whom shall be a caregiver of a woman diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. b. One of whom shall be a medical specialist in gynecologic cancers. c. Two of whom shall be individuals representing gynecologic cancers awareness and support groups in the state. d. One of whom shall be a researcher specializing in gynecologic cancers. e. Two of whom shall be members of the public with demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the commission. (6) A representative of the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition. (7) A representative of the Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry who is an epidemiologist. (c) The appointing authorities shall coordinate their appointments to assure membership of the Alabama Study HJR29 Commission for Gynecologic Cancers is inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state. (d)(1) Appointments to the commission shall be made within 30 days after the effective date of this act. (2) The commission shall hold its first meeting no later than July 1, 2018, with the date, time, and location of the meeting designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. (3) At the first meeting, the commission shall elect a chair, vice chair, and other officers as determined by the commission, and shall set dates, times, and locations of subsequent meetings. (e) The House of Representatives and the Senate shall provide the necessary staff and support to the commission to perform its duties. (f) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation or reimbursement from the commission, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses to attend meetings of the commission according to the policies and procedures of the respective appointing authority. (g) The commission shall submit its findings and recommendations in writing to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Governor, the Senate Chair of the Health and Human Services HJR29 Committee, and the House Chair of the Health Committee no later than March 5, 2019, at which time the commission shall be dissolved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all state agencies are urged to cooperate fully with the commission in accomplishing the objectives of the commission, and that a copy of this resolution be presented to the appointing authorities set out above so that our sincere and continuing interest in this matter is known. HJR29 Speaker of the House of Representatives President and Presiding Officer of the Senate House of Representatives I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and was adopted by the House 11-JAN-18. Jeff Woodard Clerk Senate 06-FEB-18 Adopted