$250,000 approved for officer's liver transplant treatment

RICHMOND

A Smithfield policeman who contracted hepatitis C in a 1988 attempt to save an infant’s life was awarded $250,000 by the General Assembly on Monday.

Kurt Beach, 52, has developed grave liver problems and is on a national waiting list for a transplant, for which his health insurance would pay.

The state money would pay for 10 years' worth of organ anti-rejection drugs.

HB2243 passed with unanimous votes in the House and Senate.

Beach was on duty when he contracted hepatitis while using CPR trying to resuscitate a newborn. The disease was not diagnosed in him until 1995 and he was denied workers' compensation because of the state's five-year statute of limitations in applying for benefits.