Senate Bill No. 1191 establishes a pancreatic cancer screening and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health (DPH), which is set to be implemented by January 1, 2026. The program aims to promote screening, detection, and treatment of pancreatic cancer among unserved or underserved populations, particularly prioritizing minority communities. It will also focus on educating the public about pancreatic cancer and the benefits of early detection, while providing counseling and referral services for treatment. The bill defines "unserved or underserved populations" as individuals at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, those without health coverage for screening services, and those of an appropriate age for screening as determined by medical professionals.

The program will include several key components, such as a public education initiative to raise awareness about screening services and available health coverage, as well as the benefits of early detection. Additionally, it will provide necessary screening and referral services through registered providers, develop professional education programs, and establish a tracking system for patients screened through the program. The bill also mandates a method to ensure compliance with federal and state quality assurance requirements for participating providers. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and will incur costs to the DPH, estimated at approximately $477,996 in FY 26 and $498,161 in FY 27, along with additional expenses for ongoing operations.