1. (a) In this section, “Steering Committee” means the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.
2. (b) There is a Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.

3. (c) The Steering Committee shall include representatives from:

   1. (1) Local and national groups that advocate for individuals with sickle cell disease;
   2. (2) Interest and support groups for individuals with sickle cell disease;
   3. (3) Community and consumer groups;
   4. (4) Academic and private clinical settings with knowledge and experience caring for adults with sickle cell disease;
   5. (5) Area hospitals caring for individuals with sickle cell disease; and
   6. (6) Pediatric clinics that care for children with sickle cell disease.

4. (d) The Steering Committee shall:

   1. (1) Establish institution and community partnerships;
   2. (2) Establish a statewide network of stakeholders who care for individuals with sickle cell disease;
   3. (3) Educate individuals with sickle cell disease, the public, and health care providers about the State options for care of sickle cell disease; and

   4. (4) Identify funding sources for implementing or supporting the actions, studies, policies, regulations, or laws recommended by the Steering Committee, including funding from:

      1. (i) State, federal, and local government sources; and
      2. (ii) Private sources.

Added by Acts 2007, c. 435, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2007. Amended by Acts 2019, c. 452, § 1, eff. June 1, 2019; Acts 2022, c. 279, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022; Acts 2022, c. 280, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.