H.R. 6112 – Reading Mode

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6112

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 21, 2008

Mr. Baca introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To provide for the monitoring of the long-term medical health of firefighters who responded to emergencies in certain disaster areas and for the treatment of such firefighters.

Short title

This Act may be referred to as the Healthy Firefighters Act.

Monitoring and treatment of firefighters in disaster areas

(a)

In General

The United States Fire Administration, after consultation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, shall—

(1)

contract with an appropriate, locally based medical research university to conduct long-term medical health monitoring of those firefighters who responded to emergencies in any areas referred to in subsection (b); and

(2)

in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, provide for the treatment of firefighters described in paragraph (1) who suffer health-related conditions as a result of responding to such emergencies.

(b)

Affected Firefighters

An area referred to in this subsection is any area which is declared a disaster area by the Federal Government.

(c)

Health Monitoring

The long-term health monitoring referred to in subsection (a) shall include—

(1)

pulmonary illness, neurological damage, and cardiovascular damage; and

(2)

exposure documentation.

(d)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the United States Fire Administration to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.