The purposes of this subtitle are to: (1) Create and foster a statewide program that promotes public awareness and increases knowledge about the causes of arthritis, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, effective prevention strategies, and pain prevention and management; (2) Enhance understanding of arthritis by disseminating to patients, health professionals, and the public: (i) Educational materials; (ii) Information on research results; (iii) Information on services provided; and (iv) Strategies for prevention and control; (3) Establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention of arthritis and related disability through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research; (4) Utilize educational and training resources and services developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis and use available technical assistance; (5) Evaluate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based arthritis services; (6) Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers; (7) Implement thritis services; (6) Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers; (7) Implement and coordinate State and local programs and services to reduce the public health burden of arthritis; and (8) Improve the quality of life and contain health care costs for individuals with arthritis and their families.
Maryland Legal Code