§22-13A-5. Needs assessment; list of services and providers.

(a) The department shall conduct a needs assessment to identify any or all of the following:

(1) Research being conducted within the state.

(2) Available technical assistance and educational materials and programs nationwide.

(3) The level of public and professional awareness about osteoporosis.

(4) The needs of osteoporosis patients, their families, and caregivers.

(5) Needs of health care providers, including physicians, nurses, managed care organizations, and other health care providers.

(6) The services available to the osteoporosis patient.

(7) Existence of osteoporosis treatment programs.

(8) Existence of osteoporosis support groups.

(9) Existence of rehabilitation services.

(10) The number and location of bone density testing equipment.

(b) Based on the needs assessment, the department shall develop and maintain a list of osteoporosis-related services and osteoporosis health care providers with specialization in services to prevent, diagnose, and treat osteoporosis. The list shall be disseminated with a description of diagnostic testing procedures, appropriate indications for their use, drug therapies currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and a cautionary statement about the current status of osteoporosis research, prevention, and treatment. Such a statement shall also indicate that the department does not license, certify, or in any way approve osteoporosis programs or centers in the state.

(Acts 1995, No. 95-259, p. 435, §5.)