Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 13
CHAPTER 23
Relative to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
April 23, 2007.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 13, Galgiani.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
This measure would commend the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Health Care Services for implementing a pilot program to provide for the chronic disease management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in an effort to reduce the financial and clinical burden of this disease on the Medi-Cal program. This measure would also encourage these departments, upon the program’s conclusion, to each prepare and submit a report of the department’s respective findings and recommendations regarding the pilot program to the appropriate committees of the Senate and Assembly.
This measure would declare November 2007 as COPD Awareness Month, and November 14, 2007, as COPD Awareness Day.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
YES WHEREAS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), also known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is the only one of the top five causes of death whose prevalence and death rate is rising; and
WHEREAS, COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that impacts an estimated 24 million Americans each year, approximately five million of which are residents of California; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, the national annual cost for COPD was estimated to be $37 billion and in that same year, COPD caused approximately 121,000 deaths nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Many patients suffering with COPD are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage of COPD, which often includes a disabling degree of lung dysfunction; and
WHEREAS, A diagnostic test for COPD, known as spirometry, is available for office use, allowing early diagnosis of COPD; and
WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and management of COPD can effectively reduce the overall financial burden of this illness on publicly funded health care programs, including Medi-Cal; and
WHEREAS, Proper management of COPD can lead to improved quality of life and self-sufficiency on the part of patients who receive publicly funded benefits; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature commends the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Health Care Services for implementing a pilot program relating to chronic disease management of COPD, in an effort to reduce the financial and clinical burden of this illness upon the Medi-Cal program and the citizens of California; and be it further
Resolved, That the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Health Care Services are each encouraged to prepare and submit a report of its respective findings and recommendations regarding the COPD pilot program to the appropriate committees of the Assembly and the Senate so that the Legislature can evaluate the program’s effectiveness in reducing costs within the Medi-Cal program and in providing improved health and well-being for the affected patients; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates November 2007 as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month, and November 14, 2007, as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Day throughout the State of California, and that public officials and the citizens of California are encouraged to observe COPD Awareness Month with appropriate activities and programs to raise awareness about the symptoms of, and ways of preventing, COPD; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.