Budget Amendment ID: FY2019-S4-451-R1

Redraft EHS 451

Hepatitis C Testing

Messrs. Montigny, Eldridge, Cyr, Moore, Rodrigues, Brady, Timilty, O'Connor and Fattman and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after section 19 the following section:-

“SECTION 19A. Section 4M½ of said chapter 111 is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

(c) The department shall promulgate regulations on additional populations that shall be offered a hepatitis C screening test or a hepatitis C diagnostic test due to an evidence-based finding that the population poses an increased risk of hepatitis C unless the provider believes that: (i) the person is being treated for a life threatening emergency; (ii) the person has previously been offered or has received a hepatitis screening test; or (iii) the person lacks capacity to consent to a hepatitis C screening test. The department shall review the regulations every 5 years and update its recommendations according to most recent available data.”; and

by inserting after section 57 the following section:-

“SECTION 57A. The department of public health shall promulgate the initial regulations required under subsection (c) of section 4M½ of chapter 111 of the General Laws not later than October 1, 2018.”