SB 1969

This bill establishe s the state uterine fibroids commission, to be composed of the following 11 persons:  One person each from the Tennessee Nurses Association, the Tennessee Primary Care Association, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville School of Nursing, the University of Tennessee at Memphis School of Public Health, the (HCA) Healthcare, Inc., the Community Health Systems (CHS) Healthcare System, and the Tennessee Hospital Association, and two members who are persons who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis, all appointed by the governor.  One member of the house of representatives , appointed by t he speaker of the house of representatives .  One member of the senate, appointed by the speaker of the senate . This bill requires each member to serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Initial appointees serve staggered terms . Following the expiration of those initial terms, all appointments are for terms of five years and begin on July 1 and terminate on June 30. This bill provides that c ommission members appointed by the governor serve until the expiration of the term to which they were appointed and until their successors are appointed and qualified. On the other hand, l egislative members of the commission appointed by the speakers serve terms of two years and may be reappointed for one additional two-year term, with both terms running commensurate with their service as members of the general assembly. PROCEDURES This bill requires the commission to adopt bylaws to provide for the governance of the commission, including procedures and grounds for the removal of a commission member. 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 are the same as those used for initial appointments. This bill requires t he commission to elect a chair by a majority vote of its members, for a term to be determined by the commission. The commission must hold quarterly public meetings unless otherwise determined by majority vote of the commission or by order of the chair. A majority of commission members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business . This bill provides that commission members serve without compensation. Legislators 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 reimbursem ent for expenses in accordance with the guidelines of the entity they represent. This bill requires the department of health to provide administrative assistance and serve as staff for the commission. COMMISSION DUTIES – ANNUAL REPORT This bill requires the commission to take all of the following actions:  Evaluate functions and activities of existing groups focused on uterine fibroids and other related conditions to collaborate with and engage stakeholders .  Support and contextualize reporting on uterine fibroids and other related conditions .  Serve as an advisory body to the governor and the department of health on matters relating to uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis .  Research and review all state regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures relative to the prevention, treatment, and care of women living with uterine fibroids and other related conditions and, when appropriate, make recommendations to the governor, the department of health, and the legislature .  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 .  Make recommendations on policy to ensure that the state establishes public health monitoring, advances research, and provides solutions for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids and other related conditions. This bill requires the commission to submit an annual report to the legislative committee s having jurisdiction over matters related to personal health no later than December 31 of each year. The commission must include a summary of the data relevant to the functions described above in the report. ENTITY REVIEW This bill provides that the commission terminates on June 30, 202 8 , for purposes of the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.