GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE BILL 1264
     

 
Short Title:	Study Committee on Hepatitis C.	()	
Sponsors:	Representative Wright.	
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.	
April 12, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT OF HEPATITIS C IN NORTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, Hepatitis C is a major public health issue including 36,000 new infections in the United States affecting four million Americans and 100,000 North Carolinians; and
Whereas, Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease with few recognizable symptoms that in many cases lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure; is the leading cause of liver transplantation; and accounts for between 8,000 and 10,000 deaths annually from chronic liver disease; and
Whereas, Hepatitis C accounts for an estimated $600,000,000 in medical expenses and work loss, excluding transplantation; and
Whereas, Hepatitis C currently accounts for 10,000 deaths annually in this country and is expected to increase to 38,000 deaths annually by the end of this decade; and
Whereas, the highest risk groups for Hepatitis C include hemodialysis patients, injecting drug users, health care workers, veterans, and infants born to infected women; and
Whereas, Hepatitis C is a major cause of disability and hospitalization; and
Whereas, Hepatitis C affects rural populations disproportionately; and
Whereas, detection is possible through blood screenings and treatment is effective in 10 to 40% of infected persons; and
Whereas, the General Assembly is concerned with preserving the health of the citizens of this State; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the public health impact of Hepatitis C in North Carolina and the need for programs or policies to enhance education, awareness, detection, and prevention of the disease in the general population. The Commission may make a progress report to the 2002 Regular Session of the 2001 General Assembly upon its convening, and shall make a final report to the 2003 General Assembly upon its convening.  The progress and final reports may include recommended legislation.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.