§ 13-504. Purpose of subtitle

   The purposes of this subtitle are to:

   (1) Create and foster a statewide program that promotes public awareness and increases knowledge about the causes of arthritis, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, effective prevention strategies, and pain prevention and management;

   (2) Enhance understanding of arthritis by disseminating to patients, health professionals, and the public:

      (i) Educational materials;

      (ii) Information on research results;

      (iii) Information on services provided; and

      (iv) Strategies for prevention and control;

   (3) Establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention of arthritis and related disability through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research;

   (4) Utilize educational and training resources and services developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis and use available technical assistance;

   (5) Evaluate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based arthritis services;

   (6) Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers;

   (7) Implement and coordinate State and local programs and services to reduce the public health burden of arthritis; and

   (8) Improve the quality of life and contain health care costs for individuals with arthritis and their families.

HISTORY: 2002, ch. 215.