Section 192.028

Title XII PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

Chapter 192

Effective - 28 Aug 2026, see footnote   

  192.028.  Lyme disease task force, purpose — members, terms — duties. — 1.  There shall be established within the department the "Lyme Disease Task Force" to advise the department on disease prevention and surveillance, as well as education relating to the disease for health care providers and the public.  The task force shall consist of the following members:

  (1)  The director of the department, or his or her designee, who shall serve as the chairman; and

  (2)  As appointed by the director of the department:

  (a)  Two physicians licensed to practice in this state who are members of a statewide organization representing physicians, one of whom represents a medical school faculty and one of whom has experience treating Lyme disease or posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome;

  (b)  Two advanced practice registered nurses licensed to practice in this state who are selected from the recommendations of one or more professional nursing associations and who have experience treating Lyme disease or posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome;

  (c)  One local public health administrator; and

  (d)  One veterinarian who is licensed to practice in this state; and

  (3)  Two residents of this state appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, who have or have had a diagnosis of Lyme disease.

  2.  The terms of office for each member aside from the director, or his or her designee, shall be three years.  Members may continue to serve after the expiration of a term until a new member is appointed.  Each member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.  The task force shall meet as frequently as the chairman deems necessary, but not less than two times each year.  Members of the task force shall receive no compensation for their service, but shall, subject to appropriation, be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

  3.  The task force shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

  (1)  Monitor the implementation of the Missouri Lyme disease eradication act, established under sections 103.190 and 192.026 to 192.029, and provide feedback and input to the department for necessary additions or modifications;

  (2)  Review relevant literature and guidelines pertaining to accurate diagnoses of Lyme disease and posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome with the purpose of creating cohesive and consistent guidelines for the diagnosis of Lyme disease and posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome across all counties in this state and with the intent of providing accurate and relevant data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

  (3)  Provide recommendations on professional continuing education materials and opportunities that emphasize Lyme disease prevention, protection, and treatment; and

  (4)  Assist the department in establishing policies, procedures, techniques, and criteria for the collection, maintenance, exchange, and sharing of medical information pertaining to Lyme disease and posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and identifying persons or entities with expertise in Lyme disease to collaborate with the department in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Lyme disease and posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome.

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(L. 2026 H.B. 2372)