By: West, Van de Putte S.R. No. 777
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also
  known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth-leading
  cause of death in the United States and the only one of the top
  five causes whose prevalence and death rate are rising; and
         WHEREAS, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a
  progressive disease that potentially impacts more than 24
  million Americans; and
         WHEREAS, The annual cost to the nation for chronic
  obstructive pulmonary disease in 2004 was estimated to be
  approximately $37 billion; and
         WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and management of chronic
  obstructive pulmonary disease can effectively reduce the overall
  financial burden of the illness on public programs such as
  Medicaid; and
         WHEREAS, Proper management of chronic obstructive
  pulmonary disease can lead to improved quality of life and
  self-sufficiency on the part of patients cared for within public
  programs; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th
  Legislature, hereby encourage the Texas Health and Human
  Services Commission to consider partnering with private entities
  to provide education on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to
  Medicaid providers and recipients in an effort to reduce the
  financial and clinical burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary
  disease upon the Medicaid program and the citizens of Texas.
 
 
    _______________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
         I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 22, 2007.
   
   
    _______________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate