(a) During the intake medical examination or intake health screening, or while providing general information during intake, the department shall provide all inmates with information on hepatitis C, including, but not limited to, methods of hepatitis C transmission and prevention, and information on opportunities for screening and treatment while incarcerated. This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that brochures, other printed information, or other media is provided at no charge to the department by public health agencies or any other organization promoting hepatitis C education.
(b) The department shall also provide hepatitis C screening to all inmates who request it, and offer it to inmates that have a history of intravenous drug use or other risk factors for hepatitis C. This testing shall be confidential.