Chapter
130
2008 -- H 7171 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/01/08
A N A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH
AND SAFETY -- FIREFIGHTER CANCER WELLNESS
Introduced By: Representatives Picard, Long, Loughlin, and Slater
Date Introduced: January 22, 2008
It is
enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION
1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is
hereby
amended
by adding thereto the following chapter:
CHAPTER 12.8
THE FIREFIGHTER CANCER WELLNESS ACT
23-12.8-1.
Short title. -- This chapter shall be known and may be cited as
"The
Firefighter
Cancer Wellness Act."
23-12.8-2.
Legislative findings. -- It is found and declared as follows:
(1)
Studies indicate that firefighters have a significantly higher risk of
developing certain
cancers
due to exposure to toxins and chemicals.
(2)
The state of Rhode Island must take action to promote firefighter wellness and
reduce
the
incidence and effects of cancer among firefighters.
23-12.8-3.
Education program established. -- (a) The director of the department
of
health
shall annually provide to the office of the state fire marshal information
regarding cancer
incidence
among professional and volunteer firefighters, the increase in survival rates
attributable
to
early detection and the availability of cancer screening as well as any other
applicable testing
methods
designed to decrease the incidence and severity of malignant conditions
resulting from
occupational
exposure to hazardous materials.
(b)
The office of the state fire marshal shall annually inform the fire chiefs of
all
professional
and volunteer departments and districts in the state of Rhode Island of the
cancer
risks
associated with firefighting and the importance of frequent medical examination
including
cancer
screening.
(c)
The department of health, the state fire marshal and Rhode Island
municipalities may
enter
into contracts with healthcare and/or cancer screening providers for the
purpose of
establishing
preventative programs for firefighters and related professions.
SECTION
2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC00340/SUB A
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