House Bills - 108th Congress

H.R. 3539—Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act

On November 19, 2003, Representative Heather Wilson (R-NM) introduced H.R. 3539, the Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Directors of CDC and NIH, to develop a plan for prevention, control and management of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Other plan elements would include strategies for education, databases, early detection and research, and a biennial assessment of the plan. The bill authorizes appropriations of $90 million for FY 2004 and such sums as may be necessary in FY 2005 through FY 2008. The bill would also require the Director of NIH to create a Liver Disease Research Advisory Board. H.R. 3539 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Legislative Update (December 2003): Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act