BILL NUMBER: S6029

SPONSOR: RIVERA
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend chapter 425 of the laws of 2013,
amending the public health law relating to requiring hospitals to offer
hepatitis C testing, in relation to the effectiveness thereof

 
PURPOSE:

To provide increased opportunities for patients to be tested for hepati-
tis C, so they can seek appropriate treatment if needed.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

This bill would extend the sunset provisions in Chapter 425 of the Laws
of 2013 for an additional six years, until January 1, 2026. Chapter 425
of the Laws of 2013 established a testing and referral requirement for
hepatitis C in hospitals for individuals born between 1945 and 1965
unless the individual is being treated for a life threatening emergency
or has previously been offered or tested or they lack the ability to
consent. It also provides that should a screening test be positive or
              

reactive, the provider shall offer follow-up health care including a
hepatitis C diagnostic test or refer the individual to a provider who
can.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

This bill would continue an important practice that requires hospitals
to offer hepatitis C testing. According to the CDC, there is an esti-
mated 3.5 million Americans infected with hepatitis C and roughly half
of them are unaware of their condition. There have been great advances
over the past few years in treatments for hepatitis C and it is impor-
tant that individuals are aware of their condition.  By continuing this
practice, which provides additional testing opportunities, this legis-
lation will ensure that more individuals living with hepatitis C become
aware of their status and seek available treatment.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New legislation.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None noted.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.