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HB 4989

Professional Firefighter cancer screening

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Geno Chiarelli and 5 co-sponsors

West Virginia creates a voluntary, state-funded firefighter early cancer detection pilot offering comprehensive screening (up to $1,300 per person) to improve early diagnosis.

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Bill Summary · HB 4989

Overview

Bill HB 4989 (Session 2026, West Virginia) establishes a pilot program to provide early detection cancer screening for active and retired firefighters. The program would be run jointly by the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Health, with funding from the state and oversight by a Governor-appointed committee. Participation is voluntary for firefighters, and the program sets a per-person cost cap for covered screenings.

Purpose and intent

  • Create an early detection cancer screening pilot targeted at active and retired permanent firefighters.
  • Facilitate access to comprehensive cancer screening to improve early diagnosis and outcomes within the firefighting workforce.
  • Gather data and report findings to inform future policy decisions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment: A firefighter early detection screening pilot program is created, run jointly by the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Health.
  • Eligibility and participation: All active and retired permanent firefighters are offered a comprehensive screening package. Participation is voluntary, and individuals may receive any combination of offered screenings.
  • Screening components (recommended tests):
    • Blood test (multi-cancer screening capable of detecting multiple cancer types)
    • Ultrasound of vital organs (including abdominal organs, thyroid, liver, gallbladder, spleen, bladder, kidneys, exterior pelvis for females)
    • Echocardiogram
    • Carotid Doppler
    • A lung CT scan if indicated
    • Skin cancer screening
  • Preferred vendors: Emphasis on multi-cancer blood testing and comprehensive ultrasound diagnostics that cover specified organs and conditions.
  • Funding and duration:
    • The program is state-funded; unexpended funds do not lapse until pilot termination.
    • Funding and testing costs limited to not more than $1,300 per participant.
    • Expenditures not to exceed 24 months after plan approval unless an extension is granted by the Governor.
  • Administration and operations:
    • A governing committee (Governor-appointed) including representatives from Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia, the West Virginia Association of Fire Chiefs, municipal firefighter representation, the State Fire Marshal, and oversight from the Secretary of Homeland Security or designee.
    • The committee must submit an initial plan within 90 days of the act’s effective date, detailing:
    • Potential screening vendors
    • Locations and scheduling
    • Administrative processes (notification, enrollment, documentation of findings, and ongoing recommendations to the Legislature)
  • Reimbursement and cost-sharing:
    • Firefighters who self-fund any portion of screenings after January 1, 2026 may seek reimbursement of up to $1,300, subject to funds availability.
  • Reporting and evaluation:
    • The committee will report findings at 12 months and 24 months, including numbers screened, tests conducted, results, trends, and recommendations.
    • Personal identifying information must be removed from results before sharing with the committee.
  • Rulemaking: State Fire Marshal and Secretary of the Department of Health to jointly propose implementing rules for legislative approval.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Active and retired permanent firefighters in West Virginia (eligible for optional screenings).
  • Fire service organizations (Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia; West Virginia Association of Fire Chiefs; municipal firefighter representatives).
  • State agencies: State Fire Marshal and Department of Health (administration and oversight).
  • The Governor, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Legislature (through oversight, reporting, and potential future policy adjustments).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced January 30, 2026; referred to Health and Human Resources.
  • Committee process: Underwent markup and a substitute with finance consideration; final note indicates a substitute “do pass” with Finance review on February 23, 2026.
  • Initial plan due: Within 90 days of effective date (i.e., by around late September 2026).
  • Pilot duration: Up to 24 months from plan approval and funds availability; extension possible if Governor approves.
  • Reporting: Findings due at 12 months and 24 months after pilot start.
  • Funding mechanics: State-funded; form submission and governor approval required for fund disbursement; funds non-expiring during pilot if unspent.

Potential impact

  • Provides structured, state-funded access to comprehensive cancer screening for firefighters, potentially enabling earlier detection and improved outcomes.
  • Introduces standardized screening protocols and data collection to assess feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness for a broader program.
  • Establishes accountability through defined reporting milestones and a multi-stakeholder oversight committee.
  • Fiscal impact hinges on the $1,300 per-person cap and pilot duration; results could inform future funding or expansion decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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