The department, in consultation and cooperation with the commission, shall conduct epidemiological studies on a selected sample of Vietnam-era veterans who have a history of cancer or other medical problems associated with exposure to agent orange or a chemical agent, or who have children born with birth defects after the Vietnam-era veteran's suspected exposure to agent orange or a chemical agent. Levels of dioxin in the blood serum of Vietnam-era veterans shall be established by analysis of appropriate specimens for dioxin. The department shall obtain prior written consent from each Vietnam-era veteran to be studied under this section.