2500-C - Special programs with respect to diethylstilbestrol.
§ 2500-c. Special programs with respect to diethylstilbestrol. 1. For the purpose of identifying persons who have been exposed to the potential hazards and afflictions of diethylstilbestrol, and for the purpose of educating the public concerning the symptoms and prevention of associated malignancies, the commissioner shall establish, promote and maintain a public information campaign on diethylstilbestrol. Such campaign shall be conducted throughout the state and shall include but not be limited to a concerted effort at reaching those persons or the offspring of persons who have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol in order to encourage them to seek medical care for the prevention or treatment of any malignant condition. 2. (a) The commissioner shall designate and enter into contracts with providers of health care for the purpose of establishing regional screening programs for diethylstilbestrol exposed persons. In determining the provider with which to contract, the commissioner shall consider such provider's compliance with state and federally mandated standards, the location in relation to the geographical distribution of persons exposed to diethylstilbestrol, and the capacity of such provider to properly screen for breast cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal adenosis, testicular cancer and any other malignancy and abnormal conditions resulting from DES exposure. (b) Each contract for a regional screening program shall be upon such terms and conditions as the commissioner determines, provided, however, that expenses incurred shall be reimbursed by the state after applying against the total cost of screening and diagnosis the amounts received from third party payers and less any fee charged each person receiving such services where the commissioner shall determine a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay. 3. Each provider of health care that enters into a contract as provided for in this section shall conduct a training program in conjunction with the department for purposes of instructing physicians, physician assistants and nurses within the respective health systems agency in the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diethylstilbestrol exposed persons. 4. The bureau of cancer control within the health department shall establish and maintain a registry of women who took diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy and their offspring who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol prenatally for the purpose of follow-up care and treatment of long term problems associated with diethylstilbestrol exposure. Enrollment in the registry shall be upon a voluntary basis. 5. The commissioner may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or of any political subdivision thereof such assistance and data as will enable him to properly carry out his activities hereunder and effectuate the purposes herein set forth. The commissioner may also enter into any contract for services as he deems necessary with a private agency or concern upon said terms and conditions as he deems appropriate. 6. The department shall make an annual report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations concerning the effectiveness, impact and benefits derived from the special programs as provided for in this section. Such report shall be delivered on or before the first day of February and shall contain evaluations of such special programs, and any legislation deemed necessary and proper. 7. Special programs as provided for in this section shall be conducted within the appropriation made therefor.