By: Guillen H.B. No. 2791
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the state plan for hepatitis C prevention, testing, and
treatment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 94.001, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (b-1) to
read as follows:
(a) The department shall develop a state plan for prevention
of, testing for, and treatment of hepatitis C. The plan must
include strategies for prevention of, testing for, and treatment of
hepatitis C in specific demographic groups that are
disproportionately affected by hepatitis C, including:
(1) persons infected with HIV;
(2) [,] veterans;
(3) [,] racial or ethnic minorities that suffer a
higher incidence of hepatitis C;
(4) [, and] persons who engage in high risk behavior,
such as intravenous drug use; and
(5) persons born between 1945 and 1965.
(b-1) In developing the state plan, the department shall:
(1) determine methods for increasing access to testing
and treatment for underinsured or uninsured patients;
(2) consider methods for promoting health care
providers to offer hepatitis C testing and treatment, including in
rural areas and areas designated as medically underserved areas
under state or federal law; and
(3) report on the use of telemedicine medical services
and telehealth services in providing hepatitis C treatment to rural
and medically underserved areas.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.