\n(a) The Department shall establish and administer a program for the detection and prevention of arthritis and the care and treatment of persons with arthritis. The purpose of the program shall be:\n(1) To improve professional education for physicians and allied health professionals including nurses, physical and occupational therapists and social workers;\n(2) To conduct programs of public education and information;\n(3) To provide detection and treatment programs and services for the at-risk population of this State;\n(4) To utilize the services available at the State medical schools, existing arthritis rehabilitation centers and existing local arthritis clinics and agencies;\n(5) To develop an arthritis outreach clinical system;\n(6) To develop and train personnel at clinical facilities for diagnostic work-up, laboratory analysis and consultations with primary physicians regarding patient management; and\n(7) To develop the epidemiologic studies to determine frequency and distribution of the disease.\n(b) The Commission is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement the program. (1979, c. 996, s. 2; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
North Carolina Legal Code