Tennessee § 68-1-1805 - Legislative intent — Statewide initiative to increase gynecological cancer awareness.

§ 68-1-1805. Legislative intent — Statewide initiative to increase gynecological cancer awareness.

It is the intent of the general assembly to promote greater awareness of women to the risks of gynecological cancers by increasing their knowledge of the signs of such types of cancers and the benefits of early detection. The general assembly recognizes the traditional and significant role played by the department of health in educating the public about health issues and their relevance to maintaining a good quality of life for all citizens. The department of health is directed to develop and implement a statewide initiative to increase awareness of women regarding gynecological cancers. Through the department's office of women's health, the department shall work with other state and federal programs, such as the Tennessee breast and cervical cancer early detection program and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, to encourage all women to have regular screening examinations and to follow good health practices which may prevent gynecological cancers. During national cervical health awareness month, the department shall further the public's knowledge and understanding of the signs of gynecological cancers and the importance of early detection through regular examinations by utilizing print, electronic, audio, or other media, as deemed appropriate by the department. The department shall encourage appropriate physicians and other health care providers to actively educate their patients regarding gynecological cancers through dissemination of information about these diseases and their detection and prevention, as well as through participation in the initiative by providing free cervical cancer screening on “Free Pap Smear Day.” Where feasible, the department shall work with similar national campaigns which are directed toward women's health issues, as well as partner with health care professional organizations and governmental entities to enhance the department's efforts related to gynecological cancers. Acts 2002, ch. 872, § 1.