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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also |
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known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth-leading |
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cause of death in the United States and the only one of the top |
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five causes whose prevalence and death rate are rising; and |
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WHEREAS, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a |
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progressive disease that potentially impacts more than 24 |
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million Americans; and |
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WHEREAS, The annual cost to the nation for chronic |
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obstructive pulmonary disease in 2004 was estimated to be |
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approximately $37 billion; and |
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WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and management of chronic |
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obstructive pulmonary disease can effectively reduce the overall |
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financial burden of the illness on public programs such as |
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Medicaid; and |
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WHEREAS, Proper management of chronic obstructive |
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pulmonary disease can lead to improved quality of life and |
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self-sufficiency on the part of patients cared for within public |
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programs; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th |
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Legislature, hereby encourage the Texas Health and Human |
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Services Commission to consider partnering with private entities |
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to provide education on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to |
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Medicaid providers and recipients in an effort to reduce the |
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financial and clinical burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary |
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disease upon the Medicaid program and the citizens of Texas. |