§ 18–1001

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

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;

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;

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

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

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

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;

Implement the 2005 Report of the Hepatitis C Advisory Council;

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;

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;

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

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