Sec. 94.002.  HEPATITIS C EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall develop a program to heighten awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis C. The department shall:
(1)  conduct a seroprevalence study to estimate the current and future impact of hepatitis C on the state;
(2)  conduct health education, public awareness, and community outreach activities to promote public awareness and knowledge about the risk factors, the value of early detection, available screening services, and the options available for the treatment of hepatitis C;
(3)  provide training to public health clinic staff regarding the treatment, detection, and methods of transmission of hepatitis C;
(4)  identify to health care providers and employers the benefits of disease awareness and prevention;  and
(5)  develop a prevention program to reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis C.
(b)  In developing the prevention program required by Subsection (a)(5), the department may forecast the economic and clinical impacts of hepatitis C and the impact of hepatitis C on quality of life.  The department may develop the forecasts in conjunction with an academic medical center or a nonprofit institution with experience using disease management prospective modeling and simulation techniques.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 823, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Renumbered from Sec. 93.001 and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 918, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2001.