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 a 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 physicians or other providers can seek reimbursement from the State for the cost of these examinations, capped at $1,250 per firefighter over a three-year period.

The legislation also emphasizes that fire districts and departments relying on volunteer firefighters must maintain adequate records to support the payment process for these screenings. This bill effectively extends the existing provisions for paid firefighters, who already receive similar benefits, to include unpaid volunteer firefighters, thereby ensuring they receive necessary health screenings without any out-of-pocket expenses. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.