Section 31-42-3. Strategies to promote and maintain education program

   The department shall establish strategies to promote and maintain an osteoporosis prevention and treatment education program in order to raise public awareness, educate consumers, and train health professionals, teachers, and human service providers, including:

   (1)  Public awareness. The department shall develop strategies for raising public awareness of the causes and nature of osteoporosis, personal risk factors, value of prevention and early detection, and options for diagnosis and treatment;

   (2)  Consumer education. The department shall develop strategies for educating consumers about risk factors, diet and exercise, diagnostic procedures and their indications for use, risks and benefits of drug therapies currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the availability of services;

   (3)  Professional education. The department may develop strategies for educating physicians and health professionals and training service providers on osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including guidelines for detecting and treating in special populations, and medication options;

   (4)  Needs assessment. The department may conduct a needs assessment to identify research being conducted; technical assistance and educational materials and programs nationwide; the level of awareness about osteoporosis; the needs of patients, families, and caregivers; the needs of health care providers, including managed care organizations; the services available to patients; existence of treatment programs; existence of rehabilitation services; and number and location of bone density testing equipment. To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated, the department shall develop and maintain a resource guide to include osteoporosis related services; and

   (5)  Technical assistance. The department may replicate and use successful osteoporosis programs and contracts with and purchase materials or services from organizations with expertise and knowledge of osteoporosis.

Code 1981, § 31-42-3, enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 841, § 2.