An Act Establishing A Pancreatic Cancer Screening And Treatment Referral Program.
Summary
SB 1191 would create a pancreatic cancer screening and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health, to be established by January 1, 2026 and effective October 1, 2025. The program is aimed at increasing screening, early detection, education, counseling, and referral to treatment for pancreatic cancer, with a particular focus on unserved or underserved populations. The bill defines those populations as individuals at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, people without health coverage for pancreatic cancer screening services, and patients for whom screening is medically appropriate.
The program would require the Department of Public Health to run a public education and outreach campaign, register providers who offer screening and referral services, develop professional education programs, and create a tracking and follow-up system for patients who are screened. It also directs the department to monitor whether participating providers comply with federal and state quality assurance requirements. The bill specifically includes referral to treatment services such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and related follow-up care.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to the state public health laws creating an administrative screening and referral program for pancreatic cancer. It would place new responsibilities on the Department of Public Health to coordinate outreach, provider participation, patient tracking, and quality oversight, all within available appropriations. The measure would not mandate a new insurance benefit directly, but it would connect patients to existing public, private, and medical assistance resources and could increase access to screening and treatment pathways for low-income, uninsured, and minority populations.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support for the bill: the Public Health Committee reported it favorably on a 32-0 vote. No committee transcript or recorded debate was provided, so there is no evidence of opposition in the materials supplied. The overall sentiment appears positive, with the bill framed as a public health and early-detection measure.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. The main policy emphasis is on targeting underserved and minority communities, which suggests the bill is designed to address access disparities rather than create a controversial mandate. Any practical concerns would likely center on implementation, funding within available appropriations, provider participation, and the department’s ability to track patients and ensure compliance, but those issues are not raised in the record provided.