General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6604, introduced in the January Session of 2023, proposes an expansion of the existing breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program to include lung cancer screening services. The bill includes new definitions and provisions for lung cancer screening and referral services, which encompass necessary screening services and referrals for procedures intended to treat lung cancer, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and related medical follow-up services. The bill also renumbers existing definitions to accommodate the addition of lung cancer services and modifies the definition of "unserved or underserved populations" to include individuals without health insurance that covers lung cancer screening services.

The bill outlines the establishment of a breast, cervical, and lung cancer early detection and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health, effective October 1, 2023. This program aims to promote screening and treatment among unserved or underserved populations, with priority given to women in minority communities who exhibit higher rates of these cancers. It includes public education initiatives, professional education programs, a tracking and follow-up system for women screened through the program, and assurance of provider compliance with quality assurance mandates. Additionally, the Department of Public Health is tasked with providing clinical breast examinations, screening mammograms (including tomosynthesis where possible), pap tests, tests for human papillomavirus, and now lung cancer screening services to the target populations within existing appropriations. The act amends Section 19a-266 of the general statutes and is set to take effect on October 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 73:
APP Joint Favorable: