(Sacramento, CA) – In an important stride toward public health, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that would help prevent the spread of Hepatitis C, allowing for early detection of the disease. Assembly Bill 1382, authored by Assemblymember Roger Hernández (D – San Gabriel Valley), would allow HIV counselors that are trained by the California Office of AIDS to administer FDA-approved rapid Hepatitis C tests.
Existing law allows trained HIV counselors to administer a rapid HIV tests to clients. However, these same trained professionals are not allowed to administer a similar Hepatitis-C rapid test. Alarmingly, 30 percent of patients who are infected with HIV are also co-infected with Hepatitis C. The Centers for Disease Control reports that most of those who are infected with Hepatitis C are commonly unaware they are infected with the disease, making AB 1382 even more critical in the early detection and prevention of this disease.
“AB 1382 brings the law up-to-date with emerging technology that can help save lives and prevent the spread of disease among the general public,” said Assemblymember Hernández. “Allowing patients access to this rapid test empowers them to make decisions needed to receive early treatment and prevent the spread of the disease. I want to thank Governor Brown and his Administration for their continued collaboration and foresight on this critical public health matter.”
In California, Hepatitis-C affects approximately 600,000 people. California is one of six states that require specific authorization for non-medical personnel to perform simple, finger stick tests categorized as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) waived tests. In order to become an HIV counselor, individuals must go through HIV and Hepatitis-C virus test training with the California Office of Aids in order to administer the tests. In June 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of a CLIA-waived rapid Hepatitis-C test designed to notify patients of their Hepatitis-C infection faster so that they can consult with their doctors and seek appropriate treatment. It takes about 20 minutes to obtain results from the test.
Hepatitis-C is transmitted through exposure to infected blood. The virus can also be transferred from an infected mother to her child. Left untreated, Hepatitis-C can lead to liver inflammation and dysfunction and, over time, to liver disease and liver cancer. Chronic Hepatitis-C infection is a leading reason for liver transplants in the United States. An estimated 12,000 people die every year from the disease in the United States.
This bill passed with bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate houses before heading to the Governor’s desk. This law will take effect January 1, 2012.
Assemblymember Hernández proudly serves the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, City of Industry, Covina, Irwindale, La Puente, West Covina and the unincorporated communities of: Avocado Heights, Bassett, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Arcadia, Hacienda Heights, North Whittier, Ramona, Valinda and Vincent.
Contact: Mandy Lee, (916) 319-2057
