This bill mandates that volunteer firefighters in New Jersey have access to periodic cancer screening examinations at no cost, conducted by physicians within the State Health Benefits Program network. Specifically, it requires these examinations to occur at least once every three years, starting three years after the firefighter begins their service. The screenings must cover a range of cancers, including colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers. Additionally, the bill stipulates that starting January 1, 2025, physicians can seek reimbursement from the State for the costs of these examinations, capped at $1,250 per firefighter every three years.

The legislation also requires fire districts and departments that utilize volunteer firefighters to maintain adequate records to support the payment process for these screenings. This bill effectively extends the existing provisions for cancer screening reimbursements, which currently apply to paid firefighters, to include unpaid volunteer firefighters, thereby ensuring they receive similar health benefits without any cost-sharing requirements.