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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the state plan for hepatitis C prevention, testing, and |
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treatment. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 94.001, Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (b-1) to |
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read as follows: |
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(a) The department shall develop a state plan for prevention |
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of, testing for, and treatment of hepatitis C. The plan must |
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include strategies for prevention of, testing for, and treatment of |
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hepatitis C in specific demographic groups that are |
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disproportionately affected by hepatitis C, including: |
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(1) persons infected with HIV; |
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(2) [,] veterans; |
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(3) [,] racial or ethnic minorities that suffer a |
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higher incidence of hepatitis C; |
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(4) [, and] persons who engage in high risk behavior, |
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such as intravenous drug use; and |
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(5) persons born between 1945 and 1965. |
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(b-1) In developing the state plan, the department shall: |
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(1) determine methods for increasing access to testing |
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and treatment for underinsured or uninsured patients; |
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(2) consider methods for promoting health care |
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providers to offer hepatitis C testing and treatment, including in |
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rural areas and areas designated as medically underserved areas |
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under state or federal law; and |
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(3) report on the use of telemedicine medical services |
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and telehealth services in providing hepatitis C treatment to rural |
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and medically underserved areas. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |