SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2002 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 4L the following new section:-

Section 4M. Program to Combat Hepatitis C

(a) The department shall, subject to appropriation, establish and maintain a program to mitigate the impacts of hepatitis C.  The program shall provide screening, information, education and treatment components, and may include research grants.  The program shall increase public awareness of hepatitis C and such efforts shall be undertaken in multiple languages and in a culturally appropriate manner.  The program shall provide information to health care providers about risks, available prevention methods, and treatment options for hepatitis C.

(b) The program, to the extent the department determines feasible and appropriate, shall be integrated with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease service programs.

(c) The department may accept for the purposes of the program any special grant of money, services or property from the federal government or any of its agencies or from any foundation, medical school or other organization.