Chief Patron: Greason
Lyme Disease Review (language only)

Item 85 #1h

Language
Page 75, after line 5, insert:
"The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, shall convene representatives of all relevant state and local agencies, including but not limited to the Departments of Health, Health Professions, Agriculture and Consumer Services, Game and Inland Fisheries, and Forestry, as well as medical professionals and representatives of organizations of affected citizens to evaluate the following:
A. Identification of areas within the Commonwealth to be used as first sites for implementation of "point of disease" prevention strategies, including USDA-approved vaccines.  These areas shall be selected based on those with the highest prevalence of Lyme disease;
B.  Determine estimated costs of implementing a "point of disease" prevention program in the identified areas of the Commonwealth; and
C. Identify sources of revenue to pay for such a program, including potential federal grants, local funding, private foundations and state sources.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall report his findings to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by October 1, 2015."

Explanation
(This amendment directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to convene a task force to identify high areas of Lyme disease concentration, determine costs of implementing a prevention program and how those costs could be covered.)