§ 23-67-1. Declaration of intent. WHEREAS, The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations recognizes that many women who are uninsured and underinsured, who are victims of breast and cervical cancer, as well as their families, are forced to bear substantial physical, emotional, social, and financial hardships associated with these cancerous illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The financial costs for treatment and continued health care for women stricken with these types of cancer are often prohibitive, because these women are uninsured or underinsured; and

WHEREAS, Many nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island attempt to ameliorate this distressing situation for the victims of breast and cervical cancer by providing services to help defray the costs associated with the care and treatment of these women not otherwise provided for; and

WHEREAS, As admirable as the efforts of these nonprofit organizations are, it is widely acknowledged that they lack the funding to meet all of the needs of the women in this state stricken with breast and cervical cancer.

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the state to provide a means by which breast and cervical cancer victims, whose needs for research, further diagnostic testing and treatment are not otherwise provided for because they are women, who are uninsured or underinsured, may be financed through a special fund as set forth in § 23-67-2. It is also intended that funds generated by this special fund be supplemental to any funds which would otherwise be available for the above purposes, and that the funds be used only for research, further diagnostic testing, and treatment.

History of Section. (P.L. 1995, ch. 209, § 1.)