SB 1534 Summary

• Creates the "Hepatitis C Adult Screening Act" requiring health care practitioners (physicians, physician assistants, and nurses) to offer hepatitis C screening or diagnostic tests to individuals born between January 1, 1945 and December 31, 1965 who receive inpatient/outpatient hospital treatment or primary care services.

• Exempts screenings when patients are treated for life-threatening emergencies, have previously been tested, or are physically/mentally incapable of providing informed consent.

• Requires patients with positive test results to be offered subsequent medical treatment or referral to another health care practitioner.

• Mandates the State Commissioner of Health to report by January 1, 2015 on the act's impact, including the number of persons screened and those who accessed care following positive results.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2014, with the State Board of Health required to promulgate implementing rules.