Section 13-504 - Purpose of subtitle. - Maryland Statutes

§ 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. 
 

[2002, ch. 215.]