110 HR 4068 IH: For the relief of Richelle Starnes. U.S. House of Representatives 2007-11-01 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

V 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4068 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 1, 2007 Mr. Feeney introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL For the relief of Richelle Starnes.

1.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)In 1979, Kathy Baker contracted HIV as the direct result of an ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosed by her naval physician at Mare Island Naval Clinic in Vallejo, California. This misdiagnosis precipitated an emergency blood transfusion, which was later determined to be the source of her infection. (2)In 1980, Kathy Baker gave birth to her daughter Richelle (now known as Richelle Starnes), who was born with HIV. (3)Because of the Navy’s culpability for Richelle’s condition, Richelle has received treatment from the Navy as a Secretary of the Navy Designee. However, the Navy recently informed Richelle that the Navy would only extend her treatment for outpatient care for 3 additional years, and it would no longer pay for inpatient treatment or prescribed medications.

2.

Reimbursement for medical care

(a)

Inpatient and outpatient care

The Secretary of the Navy shall reimburse Richelle Starnes for the costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment she receives at any naval medical facility (unless she is denied service at such a facility, in which case she may seek reimbursement for such treatment at a private medical facility) for any care arising from or related to HIV or the treatment of HIV. (b)

Prescription Medication

The Secretary of the Navy shall reimburse Richelle Starnes for the costs of medication that is prescribed for reasons arising from or related to HIV or the treatment of HIV.