SB2670 - Hepatitis C Screening Act

• Requires all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 to be offered hepatitis C testing when receiving inpatient or emergency department services at hospitals or primary care services in hospital outpatient departments or from primary care health care practitioners.

• Exempts practitioners from offering the test if they reasonably believe the individual is being treated for a life-threatening emergency, has previously been offered or received a hepatitis C test (unless otherwise clinically indicated), or lacks capacity to consent.

• Requires health care providers to offer follow-up health care or refer individuals to appropriate providers if a hepatitis C test is reactive, with follow-up care including a hepatitis C diagnostic test.

• Mandates that hepatitis C testing offerings be culturally and linguistically appropriate according to rules adopted by the Director of Public Health.

• Takes effect January 1, 2015.