PART II-A. UTERINE FIBROIDS

§1104. Uterine Fibroids Commission

            A. There is hereby established within the Louisiana Department of Health, office on women's health and community health, the Uterine Fibroids Commission.

            B. The commission shall be comprised of the following members:

            (1) One member from the Louisiana State Nurses Association.

            (2) One member from the Louisiana Primary Care Association.

            (3) One member from the Christus Health System.

            (4) One member from the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College School of Nursing.

            (5) One member from the Tulane University School of Public Health.

            (6) One member from the Our Lady of the Lake Health System.

            (7) One member from the Louisiana Hospital Association.

            (8) Two members who are individuals living with uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis.

            (9) One member from the Louisiana House of Representatives.

            (10) One member from the Louisiana Senate.

            (11) One member who is the executive director of the governor's office on women's policy.

            (12) One member from the Ochsner Health System.

            (13) One member from Woman's Hospital of Baton Rouge.

            C.(1) The members listed in Paragraphs (B)(1) through (7) and (12) and (13) of this Section shall be appointed by the governor from a list of qualified candidates nominated by the respective organizations.

            (2) The members listed in Paragraph (B)(8) of this Section shall be appointed by the governor from a list of self-identified individuals interested in serving on the commission.

            (3) The members listed in Paragraphs (B)(9) and (10) of this Section shall be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate, respectively.

            D. Each member shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Each member appointed by the governor shall be subject to Senate confirmation.

            E.(1) The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the governance of the commission. Such rules and regulations shall include but not be limited to procedures and grounds for the removal of any commission member.

            (2) Procedures for filling a vacancy created by the removal, resignation, or death of any commission member prior to the end of the commission member's term shall follow those used for initial appointments.

            F. Each commission member shall serve without compensation. Legislators shall receive the same per diem and travel reimbursement for attending a meeting of the commission as is normally provided for members of the legislature. Nonlegislative commission members may receive reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the guidelines of the entity they represent.

            G. The chairman shall be elected by the commission for a term to be determined by the commission.

            H. The domicile of the commission shall be Baton Rouge.

            I. The commission shall hold quarterly public meetings unless decided by a vote of the commission or by order of the chairman.

            J. The number of commission members necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business shall be one half of the entire membership of the commission. A majority vote of the commission members constituting a quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by the commission.

            K. The Louisiana Department of Health shall provide administrative assistance and serve as staff for the commission.

            L. The functions of the commission shall be to:

            (1) Evaluate functions and activities of existing groups focused on uterine fibroids and other related conditions to collaborate with and engage stakeholders.

            (2) Support and contextualize reporting on uterine fibroids and other related conditions.

            (3) Serve as an advisory body to the governor and the Louisiana Department of Health on matters relating to uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.

            (4) Research and review all state regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures relative to prevention, treatment, and care of women living with uterine fibroids and other related conditions and, when appropriate, make recommendations to the governor, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, and the legislature.

            (5) Provide a forum for an annual public hearing on matters relating to uterine fibroids and other related conditions and provide for other public comment and peer review on federal and state-funded programs related to uterine fibroids and other related conditions.

            (6) Make recommendations on policy to ensure that the state establishes public health monitoring, advances research, and provides solutions for women battling uterine fibroids and other related conditions.

            M. The commission shall submit an annual written report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare at least sixty days prior to each regular session. The report shall include a summary of the data relevant to the functions set forth in Subsection L of this Section.

            Acts 2025, No. 205, §2.

NOTE: Former R.S. 40:1104 redesignated to R.S. 40:1085.4 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.