SENATE FILE 432

BY  DIX

A BILL FOR

An Act creating, within the department of public health, a Lyme disease task force.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  LYME DISEASE TASK FORCE.  The department of public health shall form an ad hoc task force of no more than eleven members to comprehensively review all current studies and other literature relating to the recognition and treatment of Lyme disease. Based on that information the task force shall develop recommendations for health care provider training for the prevention, detection, and treatment of Lyme disease.
   1.  Task force membership.  The department shall appoint members to the task force from a variety of health-related backgrounds and who represent government, academia, and industry. One member shall be a patient or physician representative of the Iowa Lyme disease association.
   2.  Task force organization and operation.
   a.  The task force shall select its own chairperson and establish its rules of procedure. A majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum.
   b.  Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual expenses if funds are available.
   c.  The task force shall meet as deemed necessary by the chairperson. In addition, the task force should, if practicable, hold at least one public hearing to accept input from interested members of the public.
   d.  The department of public health shall provide staff support for the task force.
   3.  Report.  The task force shall submit recommendations to the general assembly and the governor on or before January 15, 2012.
   4.  Termination.  The task force shall terminate upon submission of its report to the general assembly.
EXPLANATION
   This bill creates the Lyme disease task force, staffed by the department of public health. Its purpose is to develop recommendations for health care provider training for the prevention, detection, and treatment of Lyme disease. Members do not receive per diem, but may receive expense payments if funds are available. The bill defines task force membership, calls for a public hearing to garner public comment, and establishes basic rules for the task force. The task force is required to submit recommendations to the general assembly and the governor on or before January 15, 2012.
   The task force terminates upon submission of its report.