65-1,105. Establishment of statewide program of blood tests and counseling authorized; contracts; financial assistance for persons with sickle cell anemia; requirements for eligibility for financial assistance; duties of secretary of health and environment. (a) The secretary of health and environment is hereby authorized to establish a statewide program of blood tests for sickle cell trait and the disease sickle cell anemia and to provide counseling and advice, without cost, to any person requesting such counseling relative to sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, its characteristics, symptoms, traits, effects and treatment. In conducting such testing program and counseling the secretary of health and environment is hereby authorized to contract with any county or joint board of health or with any private health organization to assist in administering such testing and counseling under terms and conditions specified by the secretary of health and environment.

(b) In conjunction with this testing and counseling program, the secretary of health and environment shall establish a program providing financial assistance for persons suffering from the disease sickle cell anemia who are unable to pay for their care and treatment on a continuing basis. It is the purpose of such program and is the intent of the legislature that no person afflicted with the disease sickle cell anemia shall be required to expend for treatment that portion of his or her income and assets as will tend to cause unjust and unusual hardships to such person and to the person's immediate family. In addition to other requirements for eligibility for financial assistance under the provisions of this subsection, an applicant for assistance shall be a resident of the state of Kansas.

(c) In administering the program authorized by subsection (b) of this section, the secretary of health and environment: (1) May adopt rules and regulations; (2) shall establish standards for determining eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) shall extend financial assistance, within the limits of appropriations therefor, to persons eligible for assistance.

History: L. 1973, ch. 245, § 1; L. 1974, ch. 352, § 183; L. 1978, ch. 233, § 1; L. 1980, ch. 182, § 25; July 1.