1997 Minnesota Statutes

     196.22 Powers and duties of the commissioner. 

    Subdivision 1.    Agent Orange information program.  The 
 commissioner shall establish and maintain an Agent Orange 
 information program.  The commissioner shall:  

    (1) provide information regarding epidemiological, genetic, 
 and other scientific studies proposed, underway, or completed 
 that pertain to adverse health conditions which may be 
 associated with exposure to chemical agents, including Agent 
 Orange; 

    (2) monitor and report on the activities and policies of 
 the United States government relating to the exposure of 
 veterans to chemical agents, including Agent Orange; and 

    (3) respond, within the commissioner's powers and duties 
 under this chapter and chapter 197, to other issues of concern 
 to veterans relating to exposure to chemical agents, including 
 Agent Orange.  

    Subd. 2.    Referral programs.  The commissioner, in 
 cooperation with the United States Veterans Administration, 
 county veterans service officers, and veterans organizations 
 shall institute referral programs to:  

    (1) refer veterans to appropriate federal agencies or other 
 available resources for treatment of adverse health conditions 
 which may have resulted from possible exposure to chemical 
 agents, including Agent Orange; and 

    (2) refer veterans to state, county, or veterans 
 organizations advocacy services to assist them in filing 
 compensation claims for disabilities that may have resulted from 
 possible exposure to chemical agents, including Agent Orange. 

    Subd. 3.    Limited studies.  The commissioner may 
 contract for limited studies regarding the prevalence of adverse 
 health conditions in veterans which may be associated with 
 possible exposure to chemical agents, including Agent Orange.  
 Prior to contracting for such studies, the commissioner shall 
 consult with the commissioner of health, the University of 
 Minnesota school of public health, and other appropriate 
 scientific and technical advisors pertaining to their design. 

    Subd. 4. Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67 

    Subd. 5.    Communication of veterans concerns.  Within 
 the commissioner's powers and duties under chapters 196 and 197, 
 the commissioner shall take any action appropriate to represent 
 the concerns of veterans related to exposure to chemical agents, 
 including Agent Orange, to appropriate officials and 
 representatives of the United States government. 

    HIST: 1982 c 513 s 4; 1986 c 444