Pub. L. 93-82, tit. I, sec. 109

Sec. 109. (a) Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subchapter: “Subchapter VI—Sickle Cell Anemia “§651. Screening, counseling, and medical treatment “The Administrator is authorized to carry out a comprehensive program of providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, treatment, and information under the provisions of this chapter. “§652. Research “The Administrator is authorized to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia 87 Stat. 187based upon the screening examinations and treatment provided under this subchapter. “§653. Voluntary participation; confidentiality “(a) The participation by any person in any program or portion thereof under this subchapter shall be wholly voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for or receipt of any other service or assistance from, or to participation in. any other program under this title. “(b) The Administrator shall promulgate rules and regulations to insure that all information and patient records prepared or obtained under this subchapter shall be held confidential except for (1) such information as the patient (or Ids guardian) requests in writing to be released or (2) statistical data compiled without reference to patient names or other identifying characteristics. “§ 654. Reports “The Administrator shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 214 of this title a comprehensive report on the administration of this subchapter, including such recommendations for additional legislation as the Administrator deems necessary.” (b) The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end thereof: “subchapter vi— sickle cell anemia “651. Screening, counseling, and medical treatment. “652. Research. “653. Voluntary participation: confidentiality. “654. Reports.”.