08-R375

2008 -- S 3157

Enacted 07/08/08

J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING THE RHODE ISLAND HIV AND AIDS CODE STUDY COMMISSION

Introduced By: Senators C Levesque, Perry, Miller, Pichardo, and Paiva-Weed

Date Introduced: June 21, 2008

     WHEREAS, The general assembly supports the goal of reducing the vulnerability of

Rhode Island residents to HIV and AIDS transmission; and

     WHEREAS, The average new adult diagnosis of HIV / AIDS can cost over $500,000 for

treatment, while barriers to critical testing still remain in place; and

     WHEREAS, The general assembly seeks to provide consistent terms and standards

within the state codes governing the testing and treatment of HIV / AIDS; and

     WHEREAS, The general assembly finds that the medical community, other advocates for

individuals with HIV / AIDS, and the state department of health are active participants in the

study, testing, and treatment of HIV / AIDS; and

     WHEREAS, A comprehensive review of the state codes and regulations governing the

testing and treatment of HIV / AIDS is necessary to ensure a more effective and responsive public

health system; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission to be and the same is hereby created

consisting of twelve (12) members: two (2) of whom shall be members of the Senate, not more

than one from the same political party, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; two (2) of

whom shall be members of the House of Representatives, not more than one from the same

political party, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; one of whom shall be a

representative of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, to be

appointed by the President of the Senate; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode

Island department of health, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; two (2) of whom shall

be providers of HIV / AIDS treatment and/or services, to be appointed by the President of the

Senate; two (2) of whom shall be physicians practicing in the State of Rhode Island, to be

appointed by the Speaker of the House; one of whom shall be a representative of other health

professionals to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and one of whom shall be a registered

nurse practitioner in the State of Rhode Island, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House.

     The purpose of said commission shall be to make a comprehensive study and review of

the state codes and regulations governing the testing and treatment of HIV / AIDS.

     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at

the call of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, and shall organize and select

co-chairpersons, one of whom shall be a member of the House and one of whom shall be a

member of the Senate; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That said commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the

Rhode Island general assembly no later than January 6, 2009 and said commission shall expire on

January 31, 2009.

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LC03256

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