ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 283

WHEREAS, Cervical cancer disproportionately affects minorities since the rate of
new cases of cervical cancer is higher among females from racial and ethnic groups
than among white females; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that
12,200 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2003 and that of the women
diagnosed, 4,100 will die of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Routine screening for cervical cancer can prevent the disease,
although between 2 and 3 million of the approximately 50 million pap tests performed
in the United States annually produce inconclusive results, leading to no treatment or
inappropriate treatment; and

WHEREAS, Examining methods of preventing and providing for the earlier
detection of cervical cancer will help to ensure that the most current technologies and
best practices are used in Maryland to prevent cervical cancer as well as to provide
optimal care and lifesaving measures for women with the disease; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That:

(a) There is a Took Force on the Prevention and Elimination of Cervical
Cancer Committee of the Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.

(b) The Task Force consists of the following members:

(1) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of
the Senate;

(2) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of
the House;

(3) two officers of the Women Legislators of Maryland, one to be
appointed by the President of the Senate and one to be appointed by the Speaker of
the House;

(4) the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services of the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Deputy Secretary's designee;

(5) the Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing of the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Deputy Secretary's designee;

(6) the Director of the Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control in the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;

(7) the Chairperson of the State Council on Cancer Control; and

(8) the following members, appointed by the Governor:

(i) one physician who is a member of the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology;

(ii) one physician who is a member of the American Academy of
Family Physicians;

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