Section 18-1001 - to 18-1002. Hepatitis C Virus. - Maryland Statutes

§ 18-1001. Assessment and information program [Subtitle subject to abrogation].
 

As funds are available, the Department shall: 

(1) Conduct a needs assessment to determine the incidence of the hepatitis C virus in the State; 

(2) Initiate a statewide public awarenees campaign targeting vulnerable populations and health care providers in the State to urge hepatitis C virus education and testing; 

(3) Coordinate with other units of State government, including the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Veterans' Administration, to activate a hepatitis C virus plan for the education, testing, and treatment of the populations within the jurisdication of the units; 

(4) Solicit funding from the private sector and units of federal, state, and local government for hepatitis C virus outreach; 

(5) Provide funding for hepatitis C virus pilot programs, which may include programs in methadone clinics or programs for the Department of Correctional Services population; 

(6) Review and recommend initiatives to promote advocacy, education, physician outreach, and awareness of the hepatitis C virus; 

(7) Assess the feasibility of creating a Hepatitis C Virus Administration in the Department and examine methods to maximize existing resources to raise awareness of the hepatitis C virus; and 

(8) Implement the 2005 Report of the Hepatitis C Advisory Council. 
 

[2006, ch. 249, § 2; ch. 457, § 2.]