2023 Regular Session ENROLLED SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 32 BY SENATOR PRICE A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION To create and provide for the Task Force on Alopecia Awareness within the Louisiana Department of Health. WHEREAS, alopecia is the medical term for the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows; and WHEREAS, alopecia impacts the lives of more than eighty million people in the United States and can affect individuals of any age, sex, race, or ethnicity; and WHEREAS, alopecia can appear gradually or suddenly depending on the underlying cause and can involve the scalp or whole body; and WHEREAS, there is no single treatment option that works for everyone, leading to a desperate need for the development of a wide range of novel therapies; and WHEREAS, alopecia is commonly related to heredity, hormonal imbalance, medications, health conditions, chemotherapy, radiation, autoimmune disease, poor nutrition, crash diets, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, toxins and pollutants, poor scalp hygiene, improper grooming, excessive tension on the hair follicles, mechanical damage, over processing of chemicals, nervous habits, physical trauma, and emotional stress; and WHEREAS, the experience of hair loss can be psychologically damaging and may cause intense emotional suffering, often leading to personal, social, and work-related problems; and WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislature finds that it is important for the health and wellbeing of the residents of Louisiana to promote awareness of alopecia and other hair and scalp disorders, and to support those individuals affected by these conditions. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby establish and provide for the Task Force on Alopecia Awareness, within the Louisiana Department of Health, to study and make recommendations on increasing awareness of alopecia and other hair and scalp disorders and their effect on the wellbeing of individuals living with these conditions. Page 1 of 3 SCR NO. 32 ENROLLED BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should include consideration of information to be included on the Louisiana Department of Health's website to increase public access to information regarding alopecia and other hair and scalp disorders. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consist of the following members: (1) A trichologist, appointed by the state senator representing Senate District No. 2, who shall serve as the chairperson of the task force. (2) The state health officer, or his designee. (3) A representative of the office of public health, appointed by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. (3) Two physicians with experience in diagnosing and treating hair loss, appointed by the executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. (4) One licensed cosmetologist, appointed by the executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. (5) One licensed barber, appointed by the president of the Board of Barber Examiners. (6) Two members of the public with personal experience with alopecia, appointed by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each designating authority shall submit the names of designees to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health no later than August 1, 2023. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the task force shall convene for its first meeting no later than October 1, 2023, at the call of the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, and at the first meeting, the members shall elect any other officers as the task force may deem appropriate. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting this study the task force may seek input and advice from any interested stakeholders including individuals who have personally experienced hair loss or who have loved ones experiencing hair loss; trichologists, dermatologists, dermatopathologists, nurses, and other clinicians specializing in the fields of trichology, dermatology, and dermatopathology; and other licensed professionals Page 2 of 3 SCR NO. 32 ENROLLED specializing in hair and scalp disorders or hair loss. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the task force shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve without compensation, except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be individually entitled as members of their constituent organizations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall provide a written report of findings and recommendations, including any specific proposals for legislation, to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the Senate and House committees on health and welfare, and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library as required by R.S. 24:771 and 772, no later than February 1, 2024. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on the date of the submission of its report or February 1, 2024, whichever occurs first. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology, and the Board of Barber Examiners. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Page 3 of 3