HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11
(By Delegate Staggers)
Requesting the Health and Human Resources Committee to study the
state of emergency medicine in West Virginia to address
emergency department (ED) disaster preparedness throughout
West Virginia.
Whereas, There is a critical need for improvement in disaster
preparedness as evidenced by West Virginia receiving a "D+" in the
2009 National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine; and
Whereas, EDs throughout West Virginia must be sufficiently
prepared to deal with the influx of patients that present to
emergency department during a disaster situation; and
Whereas, There is currently no statewide surveillance system
for common ED presentations or written plans to deal with special
needs patients in the event of a disaster; and
Whereas, Emergency physicians throughout West Virginia can
provide astounding personal accounts regarding the challenges they
face in everyday practice regarding the inadequacy of EDs to deal
with disaster situations; and
Whereas, It is in the best interest of all West Virginia
citizens to ensure that the safety net of their health care system remains intact which is currently in question; therefore, be it
Resolved by the West Virginia Legislature:
That the Health and Human Resources Committee is hereby
directed to study the state of emergency medicine in West Virginia
to address emergency department disaster preparedness throughout
West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Health and Human Resources
Committee report to the regular session of the 2010 Legislature, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Health and Human
Resources Committee.