Chapter 184
2008 -- S 2887
SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/02/08
A N A C T
RELATING
TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- FIREFIGHTER CANCER WELLNESS
Introduced
By: Senators Paiva-Weed, Ruggerio, Blais, and Perry
Date
Introduced: March 25, 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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LC02498/SUB A
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