* 1. There is hereby created within the department the veterans health care information program (referred to in this section as the "program"), which shall provide information on health issues associated with military duty, including but not limited to Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndromes, toxic materials or harmful physical agents such as, depleted uranium, and hepatitis C, for veterans, their surviving spouses and health care providers. * NB Effective until May 9, 2020 * 1. There is hereby created within the department the veterans health care information program (referred to in this section as the "program"), which shall provide information on health issues associated with military duty, including but not limited to Agent Orange, spina bifida, Gulf War Syndromes, toxic materials or harmful physical agents such as, depleted uranium, and hepatitis C, and specific mental and physical health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other brain-related injuries, for veterans, their surviving spouses, children of veterans and health care providers. * NB Effective May 9, 2020

1. 2. The program shall include but not be limited to the following elements:

   1. (a) public service announcements;
   2. (b) establishment of a toll-free telephone hotline to provide information regarding health care providers and treatment centers with expertise in illnesses associated with military duty; and
   3. (c) establish a veterans health information clearing house on-line.
2. 3. In exercising any of his or her powers under this section, the commissioner shall consult with appropriate health care professionals, providers, veterans or organizations representing them, the division of veterans' services, the United States department of veterans affairs and the United States defense department.
3. 4. The commissioner may make rules and regulations necessary and appropriate for the implementation of this section.