Comment on FR Doc # 2012-04430

Chronic hepatitis B in the U.S. is a disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and serves as the greatest single health disparity for Asians and Pacific Islanders. Less than 30% of the 2 million infected Americans have been screened and diagnosed, which means that they cannot receive health care for their disease and remain at extremely high risk of premature death due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is critical that hepatitis B is acknowledged as a CQM to eliminate disparities and save lives in the U.S.