Senate Bill No. 1191 establishes a pancreatic cancer screening and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health (DPH), 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 defines "unserved or underserved populations" as individuals at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, those without health coverage for screening services, and individuals of appropriate age for screening as determined by medical professionals. The program will also focus on public education regarding pancreatic cancer and the importance of early detection, as well as provide counseling and referral services for treatment.

The bill outlines several key components for the program, including the establishment of a public education initiative to inform about available screening services and health coverage, the provision of screening and treatment referral services by registered providers, and the development of professional education programs on early detection benefits. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a tracking system for patients screened through the program, ensuring follow-up on abnormal results and compliance with quality assurance requirements. 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.