(1) Reasons for Proposal

The Special Act on Remedy for Damage Caused by Humidifier Disinfectants was amended (Act no. 15717; promulgated on August 14, 2018; to be enforced on February 15, 2018) to increase the scope of victims of humidifier disinfectants, modify the conditions for exercising the right to claim compensation by subrogation, adding government contributions to the special remedy account funds, and otherwise strengthen support for damage caused by humidifier disinfectants. Accordingly, this Amendment prescribes in the subordinate law matters delegated by the Act, and reflects a number of findings, etc., that have emerged from the operation of current provisions.

(2) Major Provisions

A. Specify the method for forming an organization for persons with confirmed exposure to humidifier disinfectants; and modify relevant provisions in accordance with requirements prescribing that the procedure for reporting an organization of persons with confirmed exposure and the procedure for requesting information on humidifier disinfectants shall comply with regulations relevant to victims or victims’ organizations (Article 3, Article 4, Article 14-3)

B. Specify programs and methods of assistance by which an organization of victims of humidifier disinfectants may receive assistance through the special remedy account (Article 14-2)

C. Modify the system such that documents necessary for an application for recognition of health damage may be specified in the Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment for each type of health damage in accordance with the increase in the number of types of health damage (Article 15)

D. Simplify the application procedure for the convenience of individuals applying for assistance from the special remedy account (Article 15, Article 23, Article 32)

E. Specify the procedure for raising an objection against an amount that has been excluded from the scope of remedial benefit payments in accordance with provisions allowing such a procedure (Article 25-2)

F. Specify affairs concerning the management and operation of the special remedy account to be entrusted to the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (Article 30)

G. Prescribe the method of designation and operation of the Health Center for Victims of Humidifier Disinfectants (Article 41)

H. Modify provisions concerning the delegation of authority and outsourcing of affairs to the Help Center for Victims of Humidifier Disinfectants and the Health Center for Victims of Humidifier Disinfectants (Article 41 and Article 42)

I. Modify other expressions and systems in accordance with amendments to increase the scope of victims and modify the managing/operating entity of the special remedy account, etc. (Articles 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 41-2, 43, and 44)