2007 Minnesota Statutes

196.22 POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.
    Subdivision 1. Environmental hazards information and assistance program. The
commissioner shall establish and maintain an environmental hazards information and assistance
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;
(2) monitor and report on the activities and policies of the United States government relating
to the exposure of veterans to chemical agents; 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.
    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; 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.
    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. 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    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]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
to appropriate officials and representatives of the United States government the concerns of
veterans related to exposure to chemical agents.
History: 1982 c 513 s 4; 1986 c 444; 2000 c 390 s 7