This bill proposes the establishment of a new section in the Code of West Virginia, specifically 15A-10-26, which will create an early detection cancer screening pilot program for active and retired firefighters. The program will be jointly administered by the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Health, offering comprehensive screenings that include a blood test, ultrasound of vital organs, lung CT if indicated, and skin cancer screening. The bill emphasizes the preference for vendors capable of conducting multi-cancer blood tests and extensive ultrasound diagnostics. Participation in the screenings will be optional for firefighters, with a maximum reimbursement of $1,300 for those who self-fund any portion of the screenings.

Funding for the pilot program will be provided by the state, with unexpended funds remaining available until the program's termination. A committee appointed by the Governor will be responsible for developing an initial plan for the program, which includes identifying vendors, scheduling screenings, and documenting findings. The committee will also present findings to the Governor and legislative leaders after 12 and 24 months of the program's operation. The bill mandates that all personally identifiable information be removed from results before being shared with the committee, and it includes provisions for the proposal of rules to administer the program. The effective date for this section is set for July 1, 2026.

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