2019 Nevada Revised Statutes
Chapter 439 - Administration of Public Health
NRS 439.521 - Duties of Division.

1. 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:

(a) 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, chronic diseases, including, without limitation, obesity and diabetes, and other diseases, as determined by the Division, using the most recent information obtained through surveillance, epidemiology and research. As used in this paragraph, “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.

(b) Prepare an annual report on obesity pursuant to paragraph (a) which must:

(1) Include, without limitation:

(I) Current obesity rates in this State;

(II) Information regarding obesity with regard to specific demographics;

(III) Actions taken by the Division regarding obesity; and

(IV) The State’s goals and achievements regarding obesity rates.

(2) On or before March 15 of each year, be submitted to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to:

(I) The Legislative Committee on Health Care during even-numbered years; and

(II) The Legislature during odd-numbered years.

(c) 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.

(d) 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:

(1) 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

(2) 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.

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

(f) Identify and review methods for reducing health care costs associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, chronic diseases, including, without limitation, obesity and diabetes, and other diseases, as determined by the Division.

(g) Maintain a website to provide information and resources on nutrition, physical fitness, health, wellness and the prevention of chronic diseases, including, without limitation, obesity and diabetes.

(h) Solicit information from and, to the extent feasible, coordinate its efforts with:

(1) Other governmental agencies;

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

(3) Community and business leaders;

(4) Community organizations;

(5) Providers of health care;

(6) Private schools; and

(7) Other persons who provide services relating to tobacco use and exposure, physical fitness and wellness and the prevention of chronic diseases, including, without limitation, obesity and diabetes, and other diseases.

(i) Establish, maintain and enhance statewide chronic disease surveillance systems.

(j) 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.

(k) 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.

(l) Encourage relevant community organizations to effectively recruit key population groups to receive clinical preventative services, including, without limitation:

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

(2) Oral screenings; and

(3) Tobacco cessation counseling.

(m) 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.

(n) Review and revise the Program as needed.

2. As used in this section:

(a) “Chronic disease” means a health condition or disease which presents for a period of 3 months or more or is persistent, indefinite or incurable.

(b) “Obesity” means a chronic disease characterized by an abnormal and unhealthy accumulation of body fat which is statistically correlated with premature mortality, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other health conditions, and may be indicated by:

(1) A body mass index of 30 or higher in adults;

(2) A body mass index that is greater than two standard deviations above the World Health Organization’s growth standard for children who are at least 5 but less than 19 years of age, or greater than three standard deviations above the standard for children who are less than 5 years of age;

(3) A body fat percentage greater than 25 percent for men or 32 percent for women; or

(4) A waist size of 40 inches or more for men or 35 inches or more for women.

(Added to NRS by 2005, 233; A 2013, 442; 2017, 1336)