HCS HB 106 -- STATEWIDE LUPUS PROGRAM

SPONSOR:  Barry (Johnson, 61)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute establishes a statewide Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus Program in the Department of Health.

Subject to appropriations, the program is required to:

(1)  Track and monitor the prevalence of lupus;

(2)  Identify medical professionals and providers who specialize
in the treatment of lupus and related diseases; and

(3)  Promote lupus research and public awareness through
collaboration with academic researchers, local boards, and the
Missouri Chapter of the Lupus Foundation.

The department can utilize or expand existing programs such as
the state Arthritis Program, Office of Minority Health, and the
Office of Women's Health to meet the requirements of the
substitute.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$35,000 in FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that lupus is an auto-immune disease
which predominately affects teen-aged girls and young women.
Lupus is often associated with arthritis and can affect other
organs such as the brain and kidneys, thus resulting in kidney
failure and renal (kidney) dialysis treatments.  The bill
promotes research, public awareness, and identification of
medical professionals knowledgeable about the disease, which are
vital for early detection and treatment of patients who are
affected by lupus.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Johnson (61); Sara
E. Walker, M.D.; Donald R. Kay, M.D.; Kim Miller; and Department
of Health.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:42 am