Maryland § 18-1001

§ 18-1001.

    As funds are available, the Department shall:

        (1)    Conduct a needs assessment to determine the incidence of the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in the State;

        (2)    Initiate a statewide public awareness campaign targeting vulnerable populations and health care providers in the State to urge hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus education and testing;

        (3)    Coordinate with other units of State government, including the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Veterans’ Administration, to activate a hepatitis C virus plan for the education, testing, and treatment of the populations within the jurisdiction of the units;

        (4)    Solicit funding from the private sector and units of federal, State, and local government for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus outreach;

        (5)    Provide funding for hepatitis C virus pilot programs, which may include programs in methadone clinics or programs for the Department of Correctional Services population;

        (6)    Review and recommend initiatives to promote advocacy, education, physician outreach, and awareness of the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus;

        (7)    Assess the feasibility of creating a Hepatitis C Virus Administration in the Department and examine methods to maximize existing resources to raise awareness of the hepatitis C virus;

        (8)    Implement the 2005 Report of the Hepatitis C Advisory Council;

        (9)    Coordinate with the Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities to develop a hepatitis B virus plan and a hepatitis C virus plan for the education, testing, and treatment of high risk populations and ethnic and racial populations who are affected disproportionately by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, including the Asian population and African immigrants;

        (10)    Develop a plan to increase the availability of hepatitis B virus vaccinations in the State, in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

        (11)    Develop recommendations to improve the awareness and the affordability of medications for treating the hepatitis C virus; and

        (12)    Collaborate with the Maryland Insurance Administration to make recommendations regarding insurance coverage for the treatment of the hepatitis C virus.