08 LC 33
2442
Senate
Bill 505
By:
Senators Balfour of the 9th, Thomas of the 54th, Carter of the 13th and Hill of
the 32nd
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Chapter 2 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to the Department of Human Resources, so as to establish the position of state
diabetes coordinator; to provide for appointment of the coordinator; to provide
for the duties of the coordinator; to provide for reports to the Governor and
General Assembly on matters relating to diabetes; to provide for administrative
support for the coordinator; to provide for related matters; to repeal
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Chapter
2 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Department of Human Resources, is amended by adding a new Code section to read
as follows:
"31-2-10.
(a)
There is established within the Department of Human Resources the position of
state diabetes coordinator. The state diabetes coordinator shall be appointed
by the commissioner in consultation with the Governor or his or her designee and
shall be under the direct supervision of the commissioner or his or her
designee.
(b)
The state diabetes coordinator shall:
(1)
Serve as the principal advisor to the commissioner on ways to save lives,
improve the quality of life, and save money for taxpayers and patients by
reducing the rates of diabetes and its complications;
(2)
Develop a measurement for the incidence of diabetes;
(3)
Develop and coordinate implementation of a state-wide strategy to reduce the
incidence, progression, and impact of diabetes and its complications in
Georgia;
(4)
Provide leadership and coordination between government agencies and across the
public and private sectors to ensure that diabetes related programs and policies
of the department are coordinated internally and with those of relevant federal,
state, and local agencies with a goal of avoiding duplication of effort,
maximizing impact, and marshaling all government resources; and
(5)
Coordinate public and private resources to develop and lead a public awareness
campaign regarding the prevention and control of diabetes and its
complications.
(c)(1)
No later than June 30, 2009, the commissioner, in consultation with the state
diabetes coordinator, shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly on a
state strategy to reduce the incidence, progression, and impact of diabetes and
its complications in Georgia. Thereafter, the commissioner, in consultation
with the state diabetes coordinator, shall submit biennial updates to the
Governor and the General Assembly on the state strategy.
(2)
No later than June 30, 2009, the commissioner, in consultation with the
department´s Division of Public Health, shall report to the Governor and
the General Assembly on ways in which food programs and nutritional support can
be better targeted at concerns specific to those at risk for diabetes or those
already diagnosed with diabetes whose complications could be reduced by more
effective diet.
(d)
The commissioner shall provide the state diabetes coordinator with appropriate
staff, administrative support, and such other resources as may be necessary for
the coordinator to carry out the duties required by this Code
section."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.