192.915. Over-the-counter weight loss pills, education and awareness program established--strategies--rulemaking authority.

Over-the-counter weight loss pills, education and awareness programestablished--strategies--rulemaking authority.

192.915. 1. To increase awareness of the risks associated with use ofover-the-counter weight loss pills by persons under the age of eighteen, thedepartment of health and senior services shall implement an education andawareness program. Such program shall provide accurate information regardingweight loss and the dangers of using over-the-counter weight loss pills by theteenage population without the consultation of a licensed physician. Suchprogram shall focus on education and awareness programs for teenagers,parents, siblings and other family members of teenagers, teachers, guidancecounselors, superintendents and principals.

2. The department of health and senior services may use the followingstrategies for raising public awareness of the risks associated with use ofover-the-counter weight loss pills by persons under the age of eighteen:

(1) An outreach campaign utilizing print, radio, and television publicservice announcements, advertisements, posters, and other materials;

(2) Community forums; and

(3) Health information and risk-factor assessment at public events.

3. The department of elementary and secondary education, in conjunctionwith the department of health and senior services, shall distributeinformation pursuant to this program.

4. The department may promulgate rules and regulations to implement theprovisions of this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuantto the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has beenpromulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.

(L. 1999 S.B. 8 & 173 § 7)