§ 20-15-1703 - Colorectal Cancer Control and Research Program -- Demonstration project. [Repealed -- Contingent effective date.] - Arkansas Statutes

20-15-1703. Colorectal Cancer Control and Research Program -- Demonstration project. [Repealed -- Contingent effective date.]

(a) There is established within the Arkansas Cancer Research Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in collaboration with the Department of Health a Colorectal Cancer Control and Research Program.

(b) (1) The first phase of this program shall be the Colorectal Cancer Control Demonstration Project.

(2) The goal of the demonstration project is to:

(A) Assess the resources in this state that will enable Arkansas residents to obtain colorectal screening examinations and laboratory tests, to include a fecal occult blood test, double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy; and

(B) Plan and implement an educational and screening intervention program.

(c) The demonstration project shall be established at the Arkansas Cancer Research Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and shall consist of the following:

(1) An assessment shall be made to:

(A) Identify the number of facilities in the state that provide double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy;

(B) Identify physicians, including family practioners, gastroenterologists, and surgical endoscopists who perform colonoscopy in the state and the regions of the state in which they practice;

(C) Evaluate differences in cost across facilities as compared to Medicare payment for procedures; and

(D) Identify and evaluate available resources for follow-up diagnostics and treatment as needed;

(2) (A) Education and screening intervention to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing education and access to screening in order to increase the number of Arkansas residents who obtain screening.

(B) (i) The education and screening intervention segment of the demonstration project will enroll Arkansas residents over fifty (50) years of age from multiple sites who are identified as having the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in each of the five (5) regions of the state through the department's Hometown Health Improvement Initiative.

(ii) The number of individuals to be enrolled shall be determined by the extent of funding available.

(iii) The project segment will study three (3) approaches to education and screening as follows:

(a) Provision of an educational intervention designed to teach the individual about the need to seek screening;

(b) Provision of access to screening with no educational intervention; and

(c) Provision of educational intervention and access together.

(iv) (a) Access to screening may include payment vouchers for those patients determined to be underinsured or uninsured.

(b) The vouchers shall be redeemable by project participants for screening services obtained through participating physicians in each of the five (5) regions; and

(3) (A) Evaluation at the end of the demonstration period by project leaders to identify the program's effectiveness in increasing the number of individuals who obtained screening for colorectal cancer.

(B) The program evaluation information, coupled with the results of the assessment of screening resources in this state, will help to establish strategies for meeting the long-term goal under subsection (d) of this section.

(d) (1) The program will build on the results of the demonstration project to meet the long-term goal of the program.

(2) The long-term goal of the program is to reduce the physical and economic burden of colorectal cancer in this state by:

(A) Supporting research efforts into the cause, cure, treatment, early detection, and prevention of colorectal cancer and the survivorship of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer;

(B) Supporting research and educational activities that will inform the public of the value of colorectal cancer screening and will result in improved methods to promote screening and early detection;

(C) Supporting policy research to review and analyze long-term successes and future opportunities for reducing the burden of colorectal cancer through legislation;

(D) Providing for the full continuum of care, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of colorectal cancer; and

(E) Requiring providers to offer a wide range of colorectal cancer screening options.

(e) (1) The program shall provide for the full continuum of care, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, cure of colorectal cancer, and survivorship.

(2) The program shall be administered to:

(A) Provide colorectal cancer education and awareness to promote prevention and early detection;

(B) Provide colorectal cancer surveillance activities across the state;

(C) Provide screening for colorectal cancer with special focus on persons fifty (50) years of age and older and persons at high risk for colorectal cancer;

(D) Provide after-screening, medical referrals, and financial assistance for services necessary to follow up abnormal screening exams;

(E) Provide necessary advocacy and financial assistance to ensure that the persons obtain necessary treatment if a positive diagnosis is made; and

(F) Obtain information from health care insurers and providers concerning the extent of colorectal cancer screening, treatment, and insurance coverage.