1. Beginning October 1, 1984, there shall be established within this state, and within the department of health and senior services, a network of regional arthritis centers designed to demonstrate and stimulate the prompt and effective application of available knowledge for the treatment of patients with arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases, and to develop new knowledge essential for the control of these disorders.
2. The arthritis centers established pursuant to sections 192.700 to 192.727 shall operate programs in the area of education of patients, their families, and the public.
3. At least one regional arthritis center shall be established in each of the following seven regions, the boundaries of which shall be determined by the board:
(1) Greater St. Louis area;
(2) Southeast;
(3) Northeast;
(4) Central;
(5) Southwest;
(6) Northwest; and
(7) Greater Kansas City area.