HB 904

Abstract

Creates the Hepatitis C Screening and Awareness Act. Requires the Department of Public Health to establish an Advisory Council on Hepatitis C to review, recommend changes to, and solicit funds to implement a Hepatitis C prevention plan. Requires the Department to (i) establish and promote Hepatitis C educational programs as an integral part of its health promotion and disease prevention efforts in order to raise public awareness, educate consumers, and educate and train health care professionals and human services providers and (ii) identify resources for Hepatitis C education, screening, and treatment and coordinate the efforts of existing organizations with new programs and with each other so as to maximize education and access to services. Sets forth strategies that the Department may use to raise public awareness of the causes, including risk factors, and the nature of Hepatitis C, the value of prevention and early detection, and options for diagnosing and treating the disease. Requires the Department to use the strategies, protocols, and guidelines adopted by the National Institute of Public Health on Hepatitis C for educating physicians and health professionals and training providers on the most recent scientific and medical information on Hepatitis C detection, diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic decision-making. Provides that the following persons shall be screened for Hepatitis C using the most cost-efficient methods available and using generally accepted protocols for screening: (1) prisoners entering State correctional institutions or facilities; and (2) employees of the Department of Corrections who come into contact with the blood or body fluids of a prisoner. Effective immediately.