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HR 5132 106th Congress House Armed Forces and National Security Case management Economics and Public Finance Education Federal aid to health facilities Health Health education Hepatitis Higher education Hospital personnel Labor and Employment Medical education Medical statistics Medical tests Physicians Psychiatrists Psychologists Social Welfare Social workers Veterans' hospitals

Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act

Introduced: September 7, 2000 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 7, 2000
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Sep 7, 2000
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sep 7, 2000
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1429)
Sep 7, 2000
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the first year after the enactment of this Act, to provide a blood test for the Hepatitis C virus to: (1) each veteran who served on active military duty during the Vietnam era, is enrolled to receive veterans' medical care, and requests such care or is otherwise receiving a physical examination or any other care or treatment from the Secretary; and (2) any other veteran who so requests. Requires the Secretary, after such period, to provide such test to any veteran who presents one or more risk factors for such virus and who requests the test. Requires the Secretary to provide appropriate treatment protocol for any veteran who tests positive, without regard to whether the virus is determined to be service-connected and without regard to the veteran's priority group categorization. Prohibits a copayment from being charged for such treatment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) perform a liver biopsy test on a positive-testing veteran as a follow- up test; (2) upon request, provide a Hepatitis C genotype test before beginning virus treatment; (3) employ at each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center at least one full-time gastroenterologist or hepatologist to conduct such tests; and (4) ensure that each center has at least one staff member assigned to coordinate treatment options and provide information to positive-testing patients.

Provides funding for Department Hepatitis C detection and treatment programs, beginning with FY 2001.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a standardized Department policy with respect to such virus; and (2) annually take appropriate outreach actions to notify untested veterans.

Directs the Secretary to establish at least one and no more than three Hepatitis C centers of excellence within the Department health care network. Provides centers' funding.

What's happening now December 7, 2000

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2