NRS439.521. Duties of Division.

  To carry out the provisions of NRS 439.514 to 439.525, inclusive, the Division shall, within the limits of available money, and with the advice and recommendations of the Advisory Council:

      1.  Periodically prepare burden reports concerning health problems and diseases, including, without limitation, a lack of physical fitness, poor nutrition, tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, obesity, chronic diseases and other diseases, as determined by the Division, using the most recent information obtained through surveillance, epidemiology and research. As used in this subsection, “burden report” means a calculation of the impact of a particular health problem or chronic disease on this State, as measured by financial cost, mortality, morbidity or other indicators specified by the Division.

      2.  Identify, review and encourage, in coordination with the Department of Education, the Nevada System of Higher Education and other appropriate state agencies, existing evidence-based programs related to nutrition, physical fitness and tobacco prevention and cessation, including, without limitation, programs of state and local governments, educational institutions, businesses and the general public.

      3.  Develop, promote and coordinate recommendations for model and evidence-based programs that contribute to reductions in the incidence of chronic disease in this State. The programs should encourage:

      (a) Proper nutrition, physical fitness and health among the residents of this State, including, without limitation, parents and children, senior citizens, high-risk populations and persons with special needs; and

      (b) Work-site wellness policies that include, without limitation, tobacco-free and breast feeding-friendly environments, healthy food and beverage choices and physical activity opportunities in schools, businesses and public buildings.

      4.  Assist on projects within this State as requested by, and in coordination with, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

      5.  Identify and review methods for reducing health care costs associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, obesity, chronic diseases and other diseases, as determined by the Division.

      6.  Maintain a website to provide information and resources on nutrition, physical fitness, health, wellness and the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases.

      7.  Solicit information from and, to the extent feasible, coordinate its efforts with:

      (a) Other governmental agencies;

      (b) National health organizations and their local and state chapters;

      (c) Community and business leaders;

      (d) Community organizations;

      (e) Providers of health care;

      (f) Private schools; and

      (g) Other persons who provide services relating to tobacco use and exposure, physical fitness and wellness and the prevention of obesity, chronic diseases and other diseases.

      8.  Establish, maintain and enhance statewide chronic disease surveillance systems.

      9.  Translate surveillance, evaluation and research information into press releases, briefs, community education and advocacy materials and other publications that highlight chronic diseases and the key risk factors of those diseases.

      10.  Identify, assist and encourage the growth of, through funding, training, resources and other support, the community’s capacity to assist persons who have a chronic disease.

      11.  Encourage relevant community organizations to effectively recruit key population groups to receive clinical preventative services, including, without limitation:

      (a) Screening and early detection of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity;

      (b) Oral screenings; and

      (c) Tobacco cessation counseling.

      12.  Promote positive policy, system and environmental changes within communities and the health care system based on, without limitation, the Chronic Care Model developed by the MacColl Center for Health Care Innovation and the Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Program of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

      13.  Review and revise the Program as needed.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 233; A 2013, 442)