HF 1842

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to health; providing for collection of certain data relating to
environmental toxicity; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.3806,
subdivision 14; 144.671.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.3806, subdivision 14, is amended to
read:

Subd. 14.

Cancer surveillance system.

Data on individuals collected by the cancer
surveillance system are new text begin private data on individuals and new text end classified pursuant to section
144.69.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.671, is amended to read:

144.671 CANCER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM; PURPOSE.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner of health shall establish a statewide population-based cancer
surveillance system. The purpose of this system is to:

(1) monitor incidence trends of cancer to detect potential public health problems,
predict risks, and assist in investigating cancer clusters;

(2) more accurately target intervention resources for communities and patients
and their families;

(3) inform health professionals and citizens about risks, early detection, and
treatment of cancers known to be elevated in their communities; and

(4) promote high quality research to provide better information for cancer control
and to address public concerns and questions about cancer.

new text begin (b) In order to implement the requirements of paragraph (a), clause (1), at the time of
diagnosis of cancer, the commissioner shall offer the patient with the patient's informed
consent a visit by a public health nurse or other qualified individual to interview the
patient about:
new text end

new text begin (1) possible exposure to toxic substances in the environment, whether in the home,
workplace, or elsewhere;
new text end

new text begin (2) all previous home addresses, occupations, and places of work including from
childhood;
new text end

new text begin (3) the time and place of any military service during which toxic exposure may
have occurred; and
new text end

new text begin (4) any other occasions or sites of possible toxic exposure.
new text end