CHAPTER 280

An Act establishing the "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey" and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes.

      Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

C.26:2-182 "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey."

      1. a. There is established the "Task Force on Cancer Prevention,

Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey" within the Department of Health and Senior Services.

      b.   The task force shall be comprised of the following members:

      (1) the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, or his designee, who shall serve ex officio; and

      (2) no more than 20 public members to be appointed by the Governor, who shall include representatives from: the Public Health Council; the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research; the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health; the Medical Society of New Jersey; academic medical centers and universities engaged in cancer education, research and treatment; providers of cancer treatment and support services; pharmaceutical companies engaged in cancer research; community-based organizations and coalitions engaged in cancer outreach, education and screening; and cancer survivors.

      c.   The public members shall serve for a term of one year. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.

      d.   The task force shall organize as soon as may be practicable, but no later than the 30th day after the appointment of its members, and shall select a chairperson from among the public members. The chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. The public members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

      e.   The Department of Health and Senior Services shall supply such staff and resources, including a person to serve as executive director of the task force, as the task force requires to carry out its duties.

      f.   The task force is entitled to the assistance and services of the employees of any State department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to its for its purposes, and to incur traveling and other miscellaneous expenses necessary to perform its duties, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purpose.

C.26:2-183 Duties of task force.

      2. a. The task force shall:

      (1) evaluate current trends in cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality, screening, diagnosis, and behaviors that increase risk;

      (2) evaluate historic, current and emerging cancer control strategies;

      (3) establish cancer reduction goals, which shall seek to reduce mortality rates for breast, cervical, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer;

      (4) establish specific goals for:

      (a) reducing behavior that increases the risk of cancer, including behavior related to smoking and diet;

      (b) reversing the present trend of annual increases in the rate of invasive melanoma;

      (c) closing the gap in cancer mortality rates between the total population and minorities;

      (d) increasing the use of screening tests for cancer, especially among elderly and minority populations; and

      (e) increasing the percentage of cancers diagnosed at early stages;

      (5) develop an integrated set of priority strategies that are necessary to achieve the goals established pursuant to this act; and

      (6) delineate the respective roles and responsibilities for the State and other entities in implementing the priority strategies identified pursuant to this act.

      b. (1) The task force shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Legislature on its findings, recommendations and activities at least biennially.

      (2) In addition, the cervical cancer workgroup, which the task force shall establish in addition to such other workgroups as it deems appropriate, shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Legislature at least biennially on its findings and recommendations regarding strategies and actions to reduce the occurrence of, and burdens suffered from, cervical cancer, along with any legislative bills that it desires to recommend for adoption by the Legislature.

C.26:2-184 Task force established by E.O.114 continued as this task force.

      3.   The task force established pursuant to Executive Order No. 114 of 2000, together with its functions, powers, duties, and workgroups, is continued in the Department of Health and Senior Services as the "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey" established pursuant to this act.

      4.   This act shall take effect immediately.

      Approved January 6, 2006.