Sec. 5745.

(1) There is created an agent orange information resource center within the department.

(2) The information resource center shall have members with expertise in human medicine, toxicology, epidemiology and data management and analysis.

(3) The information resource center, with appropriate extramural consultation, shall develop the survey questionnaires, data base management system, and the medical analysis system for the registry required under subsection (5).

(4) The information resource center annually shall request local veterans' organizations and health agencies to evaluate the operation of the information resource center program from their perspective.

(5) The information resource center shall perform searches of technical documents and published scientific literature. A registry of all known ongoing agent orange related research shall be maintained. These information resources shall be utilized in the annual analysis of data on Vietnam-era veterans and in providing the annual reports required under section 5713.

(6) The information resource center shall solicit state and local media organizations to inform Vietnam-era veterans of their rights under this part, and to encourage Vietnam-era veterans to submit health information, and other relevant information, to the department, commission, and information resource center as required under this part.

(7) The information resource center shall provide local health and veteran's facilities with a comprehensive and annually updated list of tertiary medical care facilities as defined in section 22108, specializing in areas appropriate for the clinical laboratory evaluation of veterans to determine if a Vietnam-era veteran has suffered physical damage as a result of substantial exposure to agent orange or a chemical agent.

(8) The department, through the information resource center or otherwise, shall refer Vietnam-era veterans to appropriate state and federal agencies for the purpose of filing claims to seek remedies for medical and financial problems caused by the Vietnam-era veterans' exposure to agent orange or chemical agents.

History: Add. 1987, Act 49, Imd. Eff. June 11, 1987 Compiler's Notes: For transfer of certain powers and duties of the agent orange commission from the department of public health to the director of the department of community health, see E.R.O. No. 1996-1, compiled at MCL 330.3101 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.Popular Name: Act 368