In this subtitle, “Program” means the Asthma Control Program.

There is an Asthma Control Program in the Department.

The Secretary shall appoint a director for the Program. The director may establish advisory councils, task forces, committees, and work groups to the extent necessary to implement the Program.

The director shall: Establish a statewide asthma coalition composed of individuals and organizations with an interest in asthma; Develop and finalize a comprehensive statewide asthma plan; After finalization of the development of the statewide asthma plan, implement a statewide asthma intervention program; Develop and organize collaborative relationships with asthma control and stakeholders within other State and local agencies and in the private sector; Develop and implement an asthma surveillance system; Upon completion of the asthma surveillance system in paragraph (5) of this subsection, identify mechanisms for the utilization of surveillance data in identifying interventions to control asthma; Identify and promote educational programs for providers, parents, guardians, caregivers, and asthma patients that include information on identifying symptoms of asthma, effective treatment for asthma, and methods of preventing asthma; and Identify sources of grant funding for the Asthma Control Program. The Program may: Provide funding for local asthma intervention initiatives; and Provide training for school personnel, or other appropriate personnel, on asthma education in conjunction with the Department of Education and local health departments.

The Program shall be funded as provided in the State budget. The funding provided in the State budget for the Program is intended to complement funding received: By the Department from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the Program for enhancing the State’s capacity to address asthma from a public health perspective; and From any other lawful source.

The Secretary shall, in consultation with the director, adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the Program.