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OLR Bill Analysis
SB 1191
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PANCREATIC CANCER SCREENING
AND TREATMENT REFERRAL PROGRAM.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Public Health (DPH)
commissioner, by January 1, 2026, and within available appropriations,
to establish a pancreatic cancer screening and treatment referral
program within DPH (with services provided by outside providers).
The program must (1) promote pancreatic cancer screening,
detection, and treatment among unserved or underserved populations,
while giving priority to minority communities; (2) educate the public
about this cancer and the benefits of early detection; and (3) provide
counseling and treatment referral services.
Under the bill, “unserved or underserved populations” are patients
(1) at or below 250% of the federal poverty level for individuals (250%
is $39,125 for 2025); (2) without health coverage for pancreatic cancer
screening services; and (3) of an age at which these screening services
are deemed appropriate by medical professionals.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The bill requires the program to include creating a public education
and outreach initiative to publicize (1) pancreatic cancer screening
services and the extent of health coverage that may be available for
them; (2) the benefits of early detection and the recommended
frequency of screening services, including clinical examinations; and (3)
the medical assistance program (e.g., Medicaid) and any other public or
private program that patients may use to access these services.
Under the bill, the program must also include screening and 2025SB-01191-R000007-BA.DOCX
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treatment referral services by providers who register with DPH. This
includes necessary screening and referral services for this cancer,
including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and related
medical follow-up services.
The program must also at least do the following:
1. develop professional education programs that include
information on the benefits of early detection of pancreatic cancer
and the recommended screening frequency;
2. establish a system to track and follow up on patients screened
through the program, including follow-up of abnormal results,
treatment referrals when needed, and tracking these patients to
be screened at recommended intervals; and
3. include a way to determine whether participating providers
comply with national and state quality assurance requirements.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Health Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 32 Nay 0 (02/10/2025)