S 1334 ISCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

June 24, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. MENENDEZ, and Mr. LAUTENBERG) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Findings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM

Sec. 101. World Trade Center Health Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘TITLE XXXI--WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM

‘Subtitle A--Establishment of Program; Advisory and Steering Committees

‘Sec. 3101. Establishment of World Trade Center Health Program within NIOSH.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3102. WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3103. WTC Health Program Steering Committees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3104. Community education and outreach.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3105. Uniform data collection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3106. Centers of excellence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3107. Entitlement authorities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3108. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle B--Program of Monitoring, Initial Health Evaluations, and Treatment

‘Part 1--For WTC Responders

‘Sec. 3111. Identification of eligible WTC responders and provision of WTC-related monitoring services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3112. Treatment of certified eligible WTC responders for WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Part 2--Community Program

‘Sec. 3121. Identification and initial health evaluation of eligible WTC community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3122. Followup monitoring and treatment of certified eligible WTC community members for WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3123. Followup monitoring and treatment of other individuals with WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Part 3--National Arrangement for Benefits for Eligible Individuals Outside New York

‘Sec. 3131. National arrangement for benefits for eligible individuals outside New York.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle C--Research Into Conditions

‘Sec. 3141. Research regarding certain health conditions related to September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle D--Programs of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

‘Sec. 3151. World Trade Center Health Registry.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 3152. Mental health services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND OF 2001

Sec. 201. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Extended and expanded eligibility for compensation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 203. Requirement to update regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 204. Limited liability for certain claims.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Thousands of rescue workers who responded to the areas devastated by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, local residents, office and area workers, and school children continue to suffer significant medical problems as a result of compromised air quality and the release of other toxins from the attack sites.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) In a September 2006 peer-reviewed study conducted by the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program, of 9,500 World Trade Center responders, almost 70 percent of World Trade Center responders had a new or worsened respiratory symptom that developed during or after their time working at the World Trade Center; among the responders who were asymptomatic before September 11, 2001, 61 percent developed respiratory symptoms while working at the World Trade Center; close to 60 percent still had a new or worsened respiratory symptom at the time of their examination; one-third had abnormal pulmonary function tests; and severe respiratory conditions including pneumonia were significantly more common in the 6 months after September 11, 2001, than in the prior 6 months.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) An April 2006 study documented that, on average, a New York City firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center has experienced a loss of 12 years of lung capacity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) A peer-reviewed study of residents who lived near the World Trade Center titled ‘The World Trade Center Residents’ Respiratory Health Study: New Onset Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function’, found that data demonstrated a threefold increase in new-onset, persistent lower respiratory symptoms in residents near the former World Trade Center as compared to a control population.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Previous research on the health impacts of the devastation caused by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks has shown relationships between the air quality from Ground Zero and a host of health impacts, including lower pregnancy rates, higher rates of respiratory and lung disorders, and a variety of post-disaster mental health conditions (including posttraumatic stress disorder) in workers and residents near Ground Zero.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) A variety of tests conducted by independent scientists have concluded that significant World Trade Center (WTC) contamination settled in indoor environments surrounding the disaster site. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) cleanup programs for indoor residential spaces, in 2003 and 2005, though limited, are an acknowledgment that indoor contamination continued after the WTC attacks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) At the request of the Department of Energy, the Davis DELTA Group at the University of California conducted outdoor dust sampling in October 2001 at Varick and Houston Streets (approximately 1.2 miles north of Ground Zero) and found that the contamination from the World Trade Center ‘outdid even the worst pollution from the Kuwait oil fields fires’. Further, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported on November 27, 2001, that dust samples collected from indoor surfaces in this area registered at levels that were ‘as caustic as liquid drain cleaners’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) According to both the EPA’s own Inspector General’s (EPA IG) report of August 21, 2003, and the Governmental Accountability Offices’s (GAO) report of September 2007, no comprehensive program has ever been conducted in order to characterize the full extent of WTC contamination, and therefore the full impact of that contamination--geographic or otherwise--remains unknown.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) Such reports found that there has never been a comprehensive program to remediate WTC toxins from indoor spaces. Thus, area residents, workers, and students may continue to be exposed to WTC contamination in their homes, workplaces, and schools.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Because of the failure to release federally appropriated funds for community care, a lack of sufficient outreach, the fact that many community members are receiving care from physicians outside the current City-funded World Trade Center Environmental Health Center program and thus fall outside data collection efforts, and other factors, the number of community members being treated at the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center underrepresents the total number in the community that have been affected by exposure to Ground Zero toxins.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) Research by Columbia University’s Center for Children’s Environmental Health has shown negative health effects on babies born to women living within 2 miles of the World Trade Center in the month following September 11, 2001.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) Federal funding allocated for the monitoring of rescue workers’ health is not sufficient to ensure the long-term study of health impacts of September 11, 2001.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) A significant portion of those who have developed health problems as result of exposures to airborne toxins or other hazards resulting from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have no health insurance, have lost their health insurance as a result of the attacks, or have inadequate health insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) The Federal program to provide medical treatments to those who responded to the September 11, 2001, aftermath, and who continue to experience health problems as a result, was finally established more than five years after the attacks, but has no certain long-term funding.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) Rescue workers and volunteers seeking workers’ compensation have reported that their applications have been denied, delayed for months, or redirected, instead of receiving assistance in a timely and supportive manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) A February 2007 report released by the City of New York estimated that approximately 410,000 people were the most heavily exposed to the environmental hazards and trauma of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. More than 30 percent of the Fire Department of the City of New York first responders were still experiencing some respiratory symptoms more than five years after the attacks and, according to the report, 59 percent of those seen by the WTC Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital (which serves community members) are without insurance and 65 percent have incomes of less than $15,000 per year. The report also found a need to continue and expand mental health services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) Since the 5th anniversary of the attack (September 11, 2006), hundreds of workers a month have been signing up with the monitoring and treatment programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) In April 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services reported to Congress that in fiscal year 2007 11,359 patients received medical treatment in the existing WTC Responder Medical and Treatment program for WTC-related health problems, and that number of responders who need treatment and the severity of health problems is expected to increase.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) The September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 was established to provide compensation to individuals who were physically injured or killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(20) The deadline for filing claims for compensation under the Victim Compensation Fund was December 22, 2003.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(21) Some individuals did not know they were eligible to file claims for compensation for injuries or did not know they had suffered physical harm as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the December 22, 2003, deadline.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(22) Further research is needed to evaluate more comprehensively the extent of the health impacts of September 11, 2001, including research for emerging health problems such as cancer, which have been predicted.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(23) Research is needed regarding possible treatment for the illnesses and injuries of September 11, 2001.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(24) The Federal response to medical and financial issues arising from the September 11, 2001, response efforts needs a comprehensive, coordinated long-term response in order to meet the needs of all the individuals who were exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero and are suffering health problems from the disaster.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(25) The failure to extend the appointment of Dr. John Howard as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in July 2008 is not in the interests of the administration of such Institute nor the continued operation of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program which he has headed, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should reconsider extending such appointment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAMCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 101. WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM.

The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘TITLE XXXI--WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAMCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle A--Establishment of Program; Advisory and Steering CommitteesCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3101. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM WITHIN NIOSH.

‘(a) In General- There is hereby established within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health a program to be known as the ‘World Trade Center Health Program’ (in this title referred to as the ‘WTC program’) to provide--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and clean-up workers (including those who are Federal employees) who responded to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) initial health evaluation, monitoring, and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers in New York City who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Components of Program- The WTC program includes the following components:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) MEDICAL MONITORING FOR RESPONDERS- Medical monitoring under section 3111, including clinical examinations and long-term health monitoring and analysis for individuals who were likely to have been exposed to airborne toxins that were released, or to other hazards, as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS- An initial health evaluation under section 3121, including an evaluation to determine eligibility for followup monitoring and treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) FOLLOW-UP MONITORING AND TREATMENT FOR WTC-RELATED CONDITIONS FOR RESPONDERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS- Provision under sections 3112, 3122, and 3123 of follow-up monitoring and treatment and payment, subject to the provisions of subsection (d), for all medically necessary health and mental health care expenses (including necessary prescription drugs) of individuals with a WTC-related health condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) OUTREACH- Establishment under section 3104 of an outreach program to potentially eligible individuals concerning the benefits under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) UNIFORM DATA COLLECTION- Collection under section 3105 of health and mental health data on individuals receiving monitoring or treatment benefits, using a uniform system of data collection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) RESEARCH ON WTC CONDITIONS- Establishment under subtitle C of a research program on health conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) No Cost-sharing- Monitoring and treatment benefits and initial health evaluation benefits are provided under subtitle B without any deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing to an eligible WTC responder or any eligible WTC community member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Payor-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the cost of monitoring and treatment benefits and initial health evaluation benefits provided under subtitle B shall be paid for by the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) Workers’ COMPENSATION PAYMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), payment for treatment under subtitle B of a WTC-related health condition in an individual that is work-related shall be reduced or recouped to the extent that the Secretary determines that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made, under a workers’ compensation law or plan of the United States or a State, or other work-related injury or illness benefit plan of the employer of such individual, for such treatment. The provisions of clauses (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi) of paragraph (2)(B) of section 1862(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(b)(2)) and paragraph (3) of such section shall apply to the recoupment under this paragraph of a payment to the WTC program with respect to a workers’ compensation law or plan, or other work-related injury or illness plan of the employer involved, and such individual in the same manner as such provisions apply to the reimbursement of a payment under section 1862(b)(2) of such Act to the Secretary, with respect to such a law or plan and an individual entitled to benefits under title XVIII of such Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) EXCEPTION- If the WTC Program Administrator certifies that the City of New York has contributed the matching contribution required under section 3106(a)(3) for a 12-month period (specified by the WTC Program Administrator), subparagraph (A) shall not apply for that 12-month period with respect to a workers’ compensation law or plan, including line of duty compensation, to which the City is obligated to make payments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- In the case of an individual who has a WTC-related health condition that is not work-related and has health coverage for such condition through any public or private health plan, the provisions of section 1862(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(b)) shall apply to such a health plan and such individual in the same manner as they apply to a group health plan and an individual entitled to benefits under title XVIII of such Act pursuant to section 226(a). Any costs for items and services covered under such plan that are not reimbursed by such health plan, due to the application of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, other cost-sharing, or otherwise, are reimbursable under this title to the extent that they are covered under the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) RECOVERY BY INDIVIDUAL PROVIDERS- Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed as requiring an entity providing monitoring and treatment under this title to seek reimbursement under a health plan with which the entity has no contract for reimbursement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) WORK-RELATED DESCRIBED- For the purposes of this subsection, a WTC-related health condition shall be treated as a condition that is work-related if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the condition is diagnosed in an eligible WTC responder, or in an individual who qualifies as an eligible WTC community member on the basis of being a rescue, recovery, or clean-up worker; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) with respect to the condition the individual has filed and had established a claim under a workers’ compensation law or plan of the United States or a State, or other work-related injury or illness benefit plan of the employer of such individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Quality Assurance and Monitoring of Clinical Expenditures-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) QUALITY ASSURANCE- The WTC Program Administrator, working with the Clinical Centers of Excellence, shall develop and implement a quality assurance program for the medical monitoring and treatment delivered by such Centers of Excellence and any other participating health care providers. Such program shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) adherence to medical monitoring and treatment protocols;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) appropriate diagnostic and treatment referrals for participants;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) prompt communication of test results to participants; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) such other elements as the Administrator specifies in consultation with the Clinical Centers of Excellence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) FRAUD PREVENTION- The WTC Program Administrator shall develop and implement a program to review the program’s health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services. Such program shall be similar to current methods used in connection with the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. This title is a Federal health care program (as defined in section 1128B(f) of such Act) and is a health plan (as defined in section 1128C(c) of such Act) for purposes of applying sections 1128 through 1128E of such Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) WTC Program Administration- The WTC program shall be administered by the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or a designee of such Director.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Annual Program Report-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 6 months after the end of each fiscal year in which the WTC program is in operation, the WTC Program Administrator shall submit an annual report to the Congress on the operations of this title for such fiscal year and for the entire period of operation of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTENTS OF REPORT- Each annual report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS- Information for each clinical program described in paragraph (3)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) on the number of individuals who applied for certification under subtitle B and the number of such individuals who were so certified;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) of the individuals who were certified, on the number who received medical monitoring under the program and the number of such individuals who received medical treatment under the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) with respect to individuals so certified who received such treatment, on the WTC-related health conditions for which the individuals were treated; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) on the projected number of individuals who will be certified under subtitle B in the succeeding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) MONITORING, INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION, AND TREATMENT COSTS- For each clinical program so described--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) information on the costs of monitoring and initial health evaluation and the costs of treatment and on the estimated costs of such monitoring, evaluation, and treatment in the succeeding fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) an estimate of the cost of medical treatment for WTC-related health conditions that have been paid for or reimbursed by workers’ compensation, by public or private health plans, or by the City of New York under section 3106(a)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS- Information on the cost of administering the program, including costs of program support, data collection and analysis, and research conducted under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE- Information on the administrative performance of the program, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the performance of the program in providing timely evaluation of and treatment to eligible individuals; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) a list of the Clinical Centers of Excellence and other providers that are participating in the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) SCIENTIFIC REPORTS- A summary of the findings of any new scientific reports or studies on the health effects associated with WTC exposures, including the findings of research conducted under section 3141(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS- A list of recommendations by the WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee on additional WTC program eligibility criteria and on additional WTC-related health conditions and the action of the WTC Program Administrator concerning each such recommendation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) SEPARATE CLINICAL PROGRAMS DESCRIBED- In paragraph (2), each of the following shall be treated as a separate clinical program of the WTC program:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) FDNY RESPONDERS- The benefits provided for eligible WTC responders described in section 3106(b)(1)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) OTHER ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS- The benefits provided for eligible WTC responders not described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) ELIGIBLE WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- The benefits provided for eligible WTC community members in section 3106(b)(1)(C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(h) Notification to Congress When Reach 80 Percent of Eligibility Numerical Limits- The WTC Program Administrator shall promptly notify the Congress--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) when the number of certifications for eligible WTC responders subject to the limit established under section 3111(a)(5) has reached 80 percent of such limit; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) when the number of certifications for eligible WTC community members subject to the limit established under section 3121(a)(5) has reached 80 percent of such limit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) GAO Report- Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report on the costs of the monitoring and treatment programs provided under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(j) NYC Recommendations- The City of New York may make recommendations to the WTC Program Administrator on ways to improve the monitoring and treatment programs under this title for both eligible WTC responders and eligible WTC community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3102. WTC HEALTH PROGRAM SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

‘(a) Establishment- The WTC Program Administrator shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Advisory Committee’) to review scientific and medical evidence and to make recommendations to the Administrator on additional WTC program eligibility criteria and on additional WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Composition- The WTC Program Administrator shall appoint the members of the Advisory Committee and shall include at least--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) 4 occupational physicians, at least two of whom have experience treating WTC rescue and recovery workers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) 1 physician with expertise in pulmonary medicine;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) 2 environmental medicine or environmental health specialists;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) 2 representatives of eligible WTC responders;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) 2 representatives of WTC community members;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) an industrial hygienist;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) a toxicologist;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) an epidemiologist; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(9) a mental health professional.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Meetings- The Advisory Committee shall meet at such frequency as may be required to carry out its duties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Reports- The WTC Program Administrator shall provide for publication of recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the public website established for the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Authorization of Appropriations- For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary, not to exceed $100,000, for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Duration- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Advisory Committee shall continue in operation during the period in which the WTC program is in operation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Application of FACA- Except as otherwise specifically provided, the Advisory Committee shall be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3103. WTC HEALTH PROGRAM STEERING COMMITTEES.

‘(a) Establishment- The WTC Program Administrator shall establish two steering committees (each in this section referred to as a ‘Steering Committee’) as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) WTC RESPONDERS STEERING COMMITTEE- One steering committee, to be known as the WTC Responders Steering Committee, for the purpose of facilitating the coordination of medical monitoring and treatment programs for the eligible WTC responders under part 1 of subtitle B.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) WTC COMMUNITY PROGRAM STEERING COMMITTEE- One steering committee, to be known as the WTC Community Program Steering Committee, for the purpose of facilitating the coordination of initial health evaluations, monitoring, and treatment programs for eligible WTC community members under part 2 of subtitle B.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Membership-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) INITIAL MEMBERSHIP OF WTC RESPONDERS STEERING COMMITTEE- The WTC Responders Steering Committee shall initially be composed of members of the WTC Monitoring and Treatment Program Steering Committee (as in existence on the day before the date of the enactment of this title). In addition, the committee membership shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) a representative of the Police Commissioner of the City of New York;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) a representative of the Department of Health of the City of New York;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) a representative of another agency of the City of New York, selected by the Mayor of New York City, which had a large number of non-uniformed City workers who responded to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) three representatives of eligible WTC responders;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





in order that eligible WTC responders constitute half the members of the Steering Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) INITIAL MEMBERSHIP OF WTC COMMUNITY PROGRAM STEERING COMMITTEE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- The WTC Community Program Steering Committee shall initially be composed of members of the WTC Environmental Health Center Community Advisory Committee (as in existence on the day before the date of the enactment of this title) and shall initially have, as voting members, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) 11 representatives of the affected populations of residents, students, area workers, and other community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) The Medical Director of the WTC Environmental Health Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) The Executive Director of the WTC Environmental Health Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Three physicians, one each representing the three WTC Environmental Health Center treatment sites of Bellevue Hospital Center, Gouverneur Healthcare Services, and Elmhurst Hospital Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) Five specialists with WTC related expertise or experience in treating non-responder WTC diseases, such as a pediatrician, an epidemiologist, a psychiatrist or psychologist, an environmental/occupational specialist, or a social worker from a WTC Environmental Health Center treatment site, or other relevant specialists.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) A representative of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of the City of New York.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) APPOINTMENTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) WTC EHC COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE- The WTC Environmental Health Center Community Advisory Committee as in existence on the date of the enactment of this title shall nominate members for positions described in subparagraph (A)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) NYC HEALTH AND HOSPITALS CORPORATION- The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation shall nominate members for positions described in clauses (iv) and (v) of subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) TIMING- Nominations under clauses (i) and (ii) shall be recommended to the WTC Program Administrator not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) APPOINTMENT- The WTC Program Administrator shall appoint members of the WTC Community Program Steering Committee not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) GENERAL REPRESENTATIVES- Of the members appointed under subparagraph (A)(i)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) the representation shall reflect the broad and diverse WTC-affected populations and constituencies and the diversity of impacted neighborhoods, including residents, hard-to-reach populations, students, area workers, parents of school-aged students, community-based organizations, Community Boards, WTC Environmental Health Center patients, labor unions, and labor advocacy organizations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) no one individual organization shall have more than one representative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS- Each Steering Committee may appoint, if approved by a majority of voting members of the Committee, additional members to the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) VACANCIES- A vacancy in a Steering Committee shall be filled by the Steering Committee, subject to the approval of the WTC Program Administrator, so long as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) in the case of the WTC Responders Steering Committee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the composition of the Steering Committee includes representatives of eligible WTC responders and representatives of each Clinical Center of Excellence and each Coordinating Center of Excellence that serves eligible WTC responders; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) such composition has eligible WTC responders constituting half of the membership of the Steering Committee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) in the case of the WTC Community Program Steering Committee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the composition of the Committee includes representatives of eligible WTC community members and representatives of each Clinical Center of Excellence and each Coordinating Center of Excellence that serves eligible WTC community members; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) the nominating process is consistent with paragraph (2)(B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) CO-CHAIRS OF WTC COMMUNITY PROGRAM STEERING COMMITTEE- The WTC Community Program Steering Committee shall have two Co-Chairs as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) COMMUNITY/LABOR CO-CHAIR- A Community/Labor Co-Chair who shall be chosen by the community and labor-based members of the Steering Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CLINIC CO-CHAIR- A WTC Environmental Health Clinic Co-Chair who shall be chosen by the WTC Environmental Health Center members on the Steering Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Relation to FACA- Each Steering Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Meetings- Each Steering Committee shall meet at such frequency necessary to carry out its duties, but not less than 4 times each calendar year and at least two such meetings each year shall be a joint meeting with the voting membership of the other Steering Committee for the purpose of exchanging information regarding the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Duration- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each Steering Committee shall continue in operation during the period in which the WTC program is in operation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3104. COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

‘(a) In General- The WTC Program Administrator shall institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program. The outreach and education program--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the establishment of a public website with information about the WTC program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) meetings with potentially eligible populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) development and dissemination of outreach materials informing people about the WTC program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) the establishment of phone information services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) shall be conducted in a manner intended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) to reach all affected populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) to include materials for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Partnerships- To the greatest extent possible, in carrying out this section, the WTC Program Administrator shall enter into partnerships with local governments and organizations with experience performing outreach to the affected populations, including community and labor-based organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3105. UNIFORM DATA COLLECTION.

‘(a) In General- The WTC Program Administrator shall provide for the uniform collection of data (and analysis of data and regular reports to the Administrator) on the utilization of monitoring and treatment benefits provided to eligible WTC responders and eligible WTC community members, the prevalence of WTC-related health conditions, and the identification of new WTC-related health conditions. Such data shall be collected for all individuals provided monitoring or treatment benefits under subtitle B and regardless of their place of residence or Clinical Center of Excellence through which the benefits are provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Coordinating Through Centers of Excellence- Each Clinical Center of Excellence shall collect data described in subsection (a) and report such data to the corresponding Coordinating Center of Excellence for analysis by such Coordinating Center of Excellence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Privacy- The data collection and analysis under this section shall be conducted in a manner that protects the confidentiality of individually identifiable health information consistent with applicable legal requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3106. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

‘(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) CONTRACTS WITH CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE- The WTC Program Administrator shall enter into contracts with Clinical Centers of Excellence specified in subsection (b)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) for the provision of monitoring and treatment benefits and initial health evaluation benefits under subtitle B;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for the provision of outreach activities to individuals eligible for such monitoring and treatment benefits, for initial health evaluation benefits, and for follow-up to individuals who are enrolled in the monitoring program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) for the provision of counseling for benefits under subtitle B, with respect to WTC-related health conditions, for individuals eligible for such benefits;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) for the provision of counseling for benefits for WTC-related health conditions that may be available under workers’ compensation or other benefit programs for work-related injuries or illnesses, health insurance, disability insurance, or other insurance plans or through public or private social service agencies and assisting eligible individuals in applying for such benefits;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) for the provision of translational and interpretive services as for program participants who are not English language proficient; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) for the collection and reporting of data in accordance with section 3105.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTRACTS WITH COORDINATING CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE- The WTC Program Administrator shall enter into contracts with Coordinating Centers of Excellence specified in subsection (b)(2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) for receiving, analyzing, and reporting to the WTC Program Administrator on data, in accordance with section 3105, that has been collected and reported to such Coordinating Centers by the corresponding Clinical Centers of Excellence under subsection (d)(3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for the development of medical monitoring, initial health evaluation, and treatment protocols, with respect to WTC-related health conditions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) for coordinating the outreach activities conducted under paragraph (1)(B) by each corresponding Clinical Center of Excellence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) for establishing criteria for the credentialing of medical providers participating in the nationwide network under section 3131;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) for coordinating and administrating the activities of the WTC Health Program Steering Committees established under section 3103(a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) for meeting periodically with the corresponding Clinical Centers of Excellence to obtain input on the analysis and reporting of data collected under subparagraph (A) and on the development of medical monitoring, initial health evaluation, and treatment protocols under subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The medical providers under subparagraph (D) shall be selected by the WTC Program Administrator on the basis of their experience treating or diagnosing the medical conditions included in the list of identified WTC-related health conditions for responders and of identified WTC-related health conditions for community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) REQUIRED PARTICIPATION BY NEW YORK CITY IN MONITORING AND TREATMENT PROGRAM AND COSTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- In order for New York City, any agency or Department thereof, or the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation to qualify for a contract for the provision of monitoring and treatment benefits and other services under this section, New York City is required to contribute a matching amount of 20 percent of the amount of the covered monitoring and treatment payment (as defined in subparagraph (B)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) COVERED MONITORING AND TREATMENT PAYMENT DEFINED- For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘covered monitoring and treatment payment’ means payment under paragraphs (1) and (2) including under each such paragraph as applied under sections 3121(b) and 3122(a) for WTC community members, and section 3123 for other individuals with WTC-related health conditions, and reimbursement under section 3106(c)(1)(C) for items and services furnished by a Clinical Center of Excellence or Coordinating Center of Excellence, after the application of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 3101(d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) PAYMENT OF NEW YORK CITY SHARE OF MONITORING AND TREATMENT COSTS- The WTC Program Administrator shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) bill the amount specified in subparagraph (A) directly to New York City; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) certify periodically, for purposes of section 3101(d)(2), whether or not New York City has paid the amount so billed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) LIMITATION ON REQUIRED AMOUNT- In no case is New York City required under this paragraph to contribute more than a total of $250,000,000 over any 10-year period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Centers of Excellence Defined-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) CLINICAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE- In this title, the term ‘Clinical Center of Excellence’ means the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) FOR FDNY RESPONDERS- With respect to an eligible WTC responder who responded to the 9/11 attacks as an employee of the Fire Department of the City of New York and who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) is an active employee of such Department--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) with respect to monitoring, such Fire Department; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) with respect to treatment, such Fire Department (or such entity as has entered into a contract with the Fire Department for treatment of such responders) or any other Clinical Center of Excellence described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) is not an active employee of such Department, such Fire Department (or such entity as has entered into a contract with the Fire Department for monitoring or treatment of such responders) or any other Clinical Center of Excellence described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) OTHER ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS- With respect to other eligible WTC responders, whether or not the responders reside in the New York Metropolitan area, the Mt. Sinai-coordinated consortium, Queens College, State University of New York at Stony Brook, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and Bellevue Hospital.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- With respect to eligible WTC community members, whether or not the members reside in the New York Metropolitan area, the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital and such hospitals or other facilities, including but not limited to those within the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, as are identified by the WTC Program Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) ALL ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS AND ELIGIBLE WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- With respect to all eligible WTC responders and eligible WTC community members, such other hospitals or other facilities as are identified by the WTC Program Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The WTC Program Administrator shall limit the number of additional Centers of Excellence identified under subparagraph (D) to ensure that the participating centers have adequate experience in the treatment and diagnosis of identified WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) COORDINATING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE- In this title, the term ‘Coordinating Center of Excellence’ means the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) FOR FDNY RESPONDERS- With respect to an eligible WTC responder who responded to the 9/11 attacks as an employee of the Fire Department of the City of New York, such Fire Department.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) OTHER WTC RESPONDERS- With respect to other eligible WTC responders, the Mt. Sinai-coordinated consortium.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- With respect to eligible WTC community members, the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) CORRESPONDING CENTERS- In this title, a Clinical Center of Excellence and a Coordinating Center of Excellence shall be treated as ‘corresponding’ to the extent that such Clinical Center and Coordinating Center serve the same population group.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Reimbursement for Non-treatment, Non-monitoring Program Costs- A Clinical or Coordinating Center of Excellence with a contract under this section shall be reimbursed for the costs of such Center in carrying out the activities described in subsection (a), other than those described in subsection (a)(1)(A), subject to the provisions of section 3101(d), as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE- For carrying out subparagraphs (B) through (F) of subsection (a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) CLINICAL CENTER FOR FDNY RESPONDERS IN NEW YORK- The Clinical Center of Excellence for FDNY responders in New York specified in subsection (b)(1)(A) shall be reimbursed--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) in the first year of the contract under this section, $600 per certified eligible WTC responder in the medical treatment program, and $300 per certified eligible WTC responder in the monitoring program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) in each subsequent contract year, subject to paragraph (3), at the rates specified in this subparagraph for the previous contract year adjusted by the WTC Program Administrator to reflect the rate of medical care inflation during the previous contract year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CLINICAL CENTERS SERVING OTHER ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS IN NEW YORK- A Clinical Center of Excellence for other WTC responders in New York specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) shall be reimbursed the amounts specified in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) CLINICAL CENTERS SERVING WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- A Clinical Center of Excellence for eligible WTC community members in New York specified in subsection (b)(1)(C) shall be reimbursed--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) in the first year of the contract under this section, for each certified eligible WTC community member in a medical treatment program enrolled at a non-hospital-based facility, $600, and for each certified eligible WTC community member in a medical treatment program enrolled at a hospital-based facility, $300; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) in each subsequent contract year, subject to paragraph (3), at the rates specified in this subparagraph for the previous contract year adjusted by the WTC Program Administrator to reflect the rate of medical care inflation during the previous contract year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) OTHER CLINICAL CENTERS- A Clinical Center of Excellence for other providers not described in a previous subparagraph shall be reimbursed at a rate set by the WTC Program Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) REIMBURSEMENT RULES- The reimbursement provided under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) shall be made for each certified eligible WTC responder and for each WTC community member in the WTC program per year that the member receives such services, regardless of the volume or cost of services required.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) COORDINATING CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE- A Coordinating Center of Excellence specified in section (a)(2) shall be reimbursed for the provision of services set forth in this section at such levels as are established by the WTC Program Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) REVIEW OF RATES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) INITIAL REVIEW- Before the end of the third contract year of the WTC program, the WTC Program Administrator shall conduct a review to determine whether the reimbursement rates set forth in this subsection provide fair and appropriate reimbursement for such program services. Based on such review, the Administrator may, by rule beginning with the fourth contract year, modify such rates, taking into account a reasonable and fair rate for the services being provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS- After the fourth contract year, the WTC Program Administrator shall conduct periodic reviews to determine whether the reimbursement rates in effect under this subsection provide fair and appropriate reimbursement for such program services. Based upon such a review, the Administrator may by rule modify such rates, taking into account a reasonable and fair rate for the services being provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) GAO REVIEW- The Comptroller General of the United States shall review the WTC Program Administrator’s determinations regarding fair and appropriate reimbursement for program services under this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Requirements- The WTC Program Administrator shall not enter into a contract with a Clinical Center of Excellence under subsection (a)(1) unless--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the Center establishes a formal mechanism for consulting with and receiving input from representatives of eligible populations receiving monitoring and treatment benefits under subtitle B from such Center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) the Center provides for the coordination of monitoring and treatment benefits under subtitle B with routine medical care provided for the treatment of conditions other than WTC-related health conditions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) the Center collects and reports to the corresponding Coordinating Center of Excellence data in accordance with section 3105;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) the Center has in place safeguards against fraud that are satisfactory to the Administrator;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) the Center agrees to treat or refer for treatment all individuals who are eligible WTC responders or eligible WTC community members with respect to such Center who present themselves for treatment of a WTC-related health condition;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) the Center has in place safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of an individual’s individually identifiable health information, including requiring that such information not be disclosed to the individual’s employer without the authorization of the individual;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) the Center provides assurances that the amounts paid under subsection (c)(1) are used only for costs incurred in carrying out the activities described in subsection (a), other than those described in subsection (a)(1)(A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) the Center agrees to meet all the other applicable requirements of this title, including regulations implementing such requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) NYC Right of Inspection and Audit-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- The City of New York, for any program under this title for which the City contributes a matching amount pursuant to subsection (a)(3)(C), shall have the right to, independently but in coordination with the WTC Program Administrator--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) inspect or otherwise evaluate the quality, appropriateness, and timeliness of services provided to recipients of assistance under a contract under such program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) audit and inspect any books and records of any Clinical Center of Excellence or Coordinating Center of Excellence that pertain to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the ability of the Center of Excellence to provide services to program recipients under the contract; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) expenditures made utilizing City funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING- The WTC Program Administrator shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the City of New York setting forth the terms and conditions of how the inspections and audits conducted by the City under paragraph (1) shall be carried out. The memorandum of understanding shall include provisions requiring that any audits conducted by the City of New York under paragraph (1) will be done in a manner to protect the confidentiality of program participants and in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and other applicable Federal and State medical confidentiality requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3107. ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITIES.

‘Subject to subsections (b)(4)(C) and (c)(4) of section 3112--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) subtitle B constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide for the payment for monitoring, initial health evaluations, and treatment in accordance with such subtitle; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) section 3106(c) constitutes such budget authority and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide for the payment described in such section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3108. DEFINITIONS.

‘In this title:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) The term ‘aggravating’ means, with respect to a health condition, a health condition that existed on September 11, 2001, and that, as a result of exposure to airborne toxins, any other hazard, or any other adverse condition resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, requires medical treatment that is (or will be) in addition to, more frequent than, or of longer duration than the medical treatment that would have been required for such condition in the absence of such exposure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) The terms ‘certified eligible WTC responder’ and ‘certified eligible WTC community member’ mean an individual who has been certified as an eligible WTC responder under section 3111(a)(4) or an eligible WTC community member under section 3121(a)(4), respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) The terms ‘Clinical Center of Excellence’ and ‘Coordinating Center of Excellence’ have the meanings given such terms in section 3106(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) The term ‘current consortium arrangements’ means the arrangements as in effect on the date of the enactment of this title between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mt. Sinai-coordinated consortium and the Fire Department of the City of New York.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) The terms ‘eligible WTC responder’ and ‘eligible WTC community member’ are defined in sections 3111(a) and 3121(a), respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) The term ‘initial health evaluation’ includes, with respect to an individual, a medical and exposure history, a physical examination, and additional medical testing as needed to evaluate whether the individual has a WTC-related health condition and is eligible for treatment under the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) The term ‘list of identified WTC-related health conditions’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) for eligible WTC responders, the identified WTC-related health conditions for eligible WTC responders under paragraph (3) or (4) of section 3112(a); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for eligible WTC community members, the identified WTC-related health conditions for WTC community members under paragraph (1) or (2) of section 3122(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) The term ‘Mt.-Sinai-coordinated consortium’ means the consortium coordinated by Mt. Sinai hospital in New York City that coordinates the monitoring and treatment under the current consortium arrangements for eligible WTC responders other than with respect to those covered under the arrangement with the Fire Department of the City of New York.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(9) The term ‘New York City disaster area’ means the area within New York City that is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the area of Manhattan that is south of Houston Street; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) any block in Brooklyn that is wholly or partially contained within a 1.5-mile radius of the former World Trade Center site.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(10) The term ‘New York metropolitan area’ means an area, specified by the WTC Program Administrator, within which eligible WTC responders and eligible WTC community members who reside in such area are reasonably able to access monitoring and treatment benefits and initial health evaluation benefits under this title through a Clinical Center of Excellence described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 3106(b)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(11) Any reference to ‘September 11, 2001’, shall be deemed a reference to the period on such date subsequent to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on such date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(12) The term ‘September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center’ means the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, in New York City and includes the aftermath of such attacks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(13) The term ‘WTC Health Program Steering Committee’ means such a Steering Committee established under section 3103.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(14) The term ‘WTC Program Administrator’ means the individual responsible under section 3101(f) for the administration of the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(15) The term ‘WTC-related health condition’ is defined in section 3112(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(16) The term ‘WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee’ means the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee established under section 3102.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle B--Program of Monitoring, Initial Health Evaluations, and TreatmentCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘PART 1--FOR WTC RESPONDERS

‘SEC. 3111. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS AND PROVISION OF WTC-RELATED MONITORING SERVICES.

‘(a) Eligible WTC Responder Defined-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this title, the term ‘eligible WTC responder’ means any of the following individuals, subject to paragraph (5):CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED RESPONDER- An individual who has been identified as eligible for medical monitoring under the current consortium arrangements (as defined in section 3108(4)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) RESPONDER WHO MEETS CURRENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- An individual who meets the current eligibility criteria described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) RESPONDER WHO MEETS MODIFIED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- An individual who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) performed rescue, recovery, demolition, debris cleanup, or other related services in the New York City disaster area in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, regardless of whether such services were performed by a State or Federal employee or member of the National Guard or otherwise; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) meets such eligibility criteria relating to exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center as the WTC Program Administrator, after consultation with the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee, determines appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The WTC Program Administrator shall not modify such eligibility criteria on or after the date that the number of certifications for eligible responders has reached 80 percent of the limit described in paragraph (5) or on or after the date that the number of certifications for eligible community members has reached 80 percent of the limit described in section 3121(a)(5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CURRENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- The eligibility criteria described in this paragraph for an individual is that the individual is described in either of the following categories:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) FIRE FIGHTERS AND RELATED PERSONNEL- The individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) was a member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (whether fire or emergency personnel, active or retired) who participated at least one day in the rescue and recovery effort at any of the former World Trade Center sites (including Ground Zero, Staten Island Landfill, and the NYC Chief Medical Examiner’s office) for any time during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii)(I) is a surviving immediate family member of an individual who was a member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (whether fire or emergency personnel, active or retired) and was killed at the World Trade site on September 11, 2001; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) received any treatment for a WTC-related mental health condition described in section 3112(a)(1)(B) on or before September 1, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND WTC RESCUE, RECOVERY, AND CLEAN-UP WORKERS- The individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) worked or volunteered on-site in rescue, recovery, debris-cleanup, or related support services in lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street), the Staten Island Landfill, or the barge loading piers, for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) at least 4 hours during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on September 14, 2001;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) at least 24 hours during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on September 30, 2001; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) at least 80 hours during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii)(I) was a member of the Police Department of the City of New York (whether active or retired) or a member of the Port Authority Police of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (whether active or retired) who participated on-site in rescue, recovery, debris clean-up, or related support services in lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street), including Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, or the barge loading piers, for at least 4 hours during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on September 14, 2001;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) participated on-site in rescue, recovery, debris clean-up, or related services at Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill or the barge loading piers, for at least one day during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) participated on-site in rescue, recovery, debris clean-up, or related services in lower Manhattan (south of Canal St.) for at least 24 hours during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on September 30, 2001; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(IV) participated on-site in rescue, recovery, debris clean-up, or related services in lower Manhattan (south of Canal St.) for at least 80 hours during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) was an employee of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York involved in the examination and handling of human remains from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, or other morgue worker who performed similar post-September 11 functions for such Office staff, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) was a worker in the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation tunnel for at least 24 hours during the period beginning on February 1, 2002, and ending on July 1, 2002; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) was a vehicle-maintenance worker who was exposed to debris from the former World Trade Center while retrieving, driving, cleaning, repairing, or maintaining vehicles contaminated by airborne toxins from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center during a duration and period described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) APPLICATION PROCESS- The WTC Program Administrator in consultation with the Coordinating Centers of Excellence shall establish a process for individuals, other than eligible WTC responders described in paragraph (1)(A), to apply to be determined to be eligible WTC responders. Under such process--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) there shall be no fee charged to the applicant for making an application for such determination;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) the Administrator shall make a determination on such an application not later than 60 days after the date of filing the application; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) an individual who is determined not to be an eligible WTC responder shall have an opportunity to appeal such determination before an administrative law judge in a manner established under such process.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) CERTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- In the case of an individual who is described in paragraph (1)(A) or who is determined under paragraph (3) (consistent with paragraph (5)) to be an eligible WTC responder, the WTC Program Administrator shall provide an appropriate certification of such fact and of eligibility for monitoring and treatment benefits under this part. The Administrator shall make determinations of eligibility relating to an applicant’s compliance with this title, including the verification of information submitted in support of the application, and shall not deny such a certification to an individual unless the Administrator determines that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) based on the application submitted, the individual does not meet the eligibility criteria; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) the numerical limitation on eligible WTC responders set forth in paragraph (5) has been met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) TIMING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED RESPONDERS- In the case of an individual who is described in paragraph (1)(A), the WTC Program Administrator shall provide the certification under subparagraph (A) not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) OTHER RESPONDERS- In the case of another individual who is determined under paragraph (3) and consistent with paragraph (5) to be an eligible WTC responder, the WTC Program Administrator shall provide the certification under subparagraph (A) at the time of the determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) NUMERICAL LIMITATION ON ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- The total number of individuals not described in subparagraph (C) who may qualify as eligible WTC responders for purposes of this title, and be certified as eligible WTC responders under paragraph (4), shall not exceed 15,000, subject to adjustment under paragraph (6), of which no more than 2,500 may be individuals certified based on modified eligibility criteria established under paragraph (1)(C). In applying the previous sentence, any individual who at any time so qualifies as an eligible WTC responder shall be counted against such numerical limitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PROCESS- In implementing subparagraph (A), the WTC Program Administrator shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) limit the number of certifications provided under paragraph (4) in accordance with such subparagraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) provide priority in such certifications in the order in which individuals apply for a determination under paragraph (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED RESPONDERS NOT COUNTED- Individuals described in this subparagraph are individuals who are described in paragraph (1)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) POTENTIAL ADJUSTMENT IN NUMERICAL LIMITATIONS DEPENDENT UPON ACTUAL SPENDING RELATIVE TO ESTIMATED SPENDING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) INITIAL CALCULATION FOR FISCAL YEARS 2009 THROUGH 2011- If the WTC Program Administrator determines as of December 1, 2011, that the WTC expenditure-to-CBO-estimate percentage (as defined in subparagraph (D)(iii)) for fiscal years 2009 through 2011 does not exceed 90 percent, then, effective January 1, 2012, the WTC Program Administrator may increase the numerical limitation under paragraph (5)(A), the numerical limitation under section 3121(a)(5), or both, by a number of percentage points not to exceed the number of percentage points specified in subparagraph (C) for such period of fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) SUBSEQUENT CALCULATION FOR FISCAL YEARS 2009 THROUGH 2015- If the Secretary determines as of December 1, 2015, that the WTC expenditure-to-CBO-estimate percentages for fiscal years 2009 through 2015 and for fiscal years 2012 through 2015 do not exceed 90 percent, then, effective January 1, 2015, the WTC Program Administrator may increase the numerical limitation under paragraph (5)(A), the numerical limitation under section 3121(a)(5), or both, as in effect after the application of subparagraph (A), by a number of percentage points not to exceed twice the lesser of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the number of percentage points specified in subparagraph (C) for fiscal years 2009 through 2012, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) the number of percentage points specified in subparagraph (C) for fiscal years 2012 through 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) MAXIMUM PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN NUMERICAL LIMITATIONS FOR PERIOD OF FISCAL YEARS- The number of percentage points specified in this clause for a period of fiscal years is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) 100 percentage points, multiplied byCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) one minus a fraction the numerator of which is the net Federal WTC spending for such period, and the denominator of which is the CBO WTC spending estimate under this title for such period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) NET FEDERAL WTC SPENDING- The term ‘net Federal WTC spending’ means, with respect to a period of fiscal years, the net Federal spending under this title for such fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) CBO WTC MEDICAL SPENDING ESTIMATE UNDER THIS TITLE- The term ‘CBO WTC medical spending estimate under this title’ means, with respect to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) fiscal years 2009 through 2011, $900,000,000;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) fiscal years 2012 through 2015, $1,890,000,000; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) fiscal years 2009 through 2015, the sum of the amounts specified in subclauses (I) and (II).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) WTC EXPENDITURE-TO-CBO-ESTIMATE PERCENTAGE- The term ‘WTC expenditure-to-estimate percentage’ means, with respect to a period of fiscal years, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) the net Federal WTC spending for such period, toCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) the CBO WTC medical spending estimate under this title for such period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Monitoring Benefits-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- In the case of an eligible WTC responder under section 3111(a)(4) (other than one described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii)), the WTC program shall provide for monitoring benefits that include medical monitoring consistent with protocols approved by the WTC Program Administrator and including clinical examinations and long-term health monitoring and analysis. In the case of an eligible WTC responder who is an active member of the Fire Department of the City of New York, the responder shall receive such benefits as part of the individual’s periodic company medical exams.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) PROVISION OF MONITORING BENEFITS- The monitoring benefits under paragraph (1) shall be provided through the Clinical Center of Excellence for the type of individual involved or, in the case of an individual residing outside the New York metropolitan area, under an arrangement under section 3131.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3112. TREATMENT OF CERTIFIED ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS FOR WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS.

‘(a) WTC-Related Health Condition Defined-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this title, the term ‘WTC-related health condition’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) an illness or health condition for which exposure to airborne toxins, any other hazard, or any other adverse condition resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, based on an examination by a medical professional with experience in treating or diagnosing the medical conditions included in the applicable list of identified WTC-related health conditions, is substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition, as determined under paragraph (2); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) a mental health condition for which such attacks, based on an examination by a medical professional with experience in treating or diagnosing the medical conditions included in the applicable list of identified WTC-related health conditions, is substantially likely be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the condition, as determined under paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





In the case of an eligible WTC responder described in section 3111(a)(2)(A)(ii), such term only includes the mental health condition described in subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) DETERMINATION- The determination of whether the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center were substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing an individual’s illness or health condition shall be made based on an assessment of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) The individual’s exposure to airborne toxins, any other hazard, or any other adverse condition resulting from the terrorist attacks. Such exposure shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) evaluated and characterized through the use of a standardized, population appropriate questionnaire approved by the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) assessed and documented by a medical professional with experience in treating or diagnosing medical conditions included on the list of identified WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) The type of symptoms and temporal sequence of symptoms. Such symptoms shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) assessed through the use of a standardized, population appropriate medical questionnaire approved by Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and a medical examination; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) diagnosed and documented by a medical professional described in subparagraph (A)(ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) LIST OF IDENTIFIED WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS- For purposes of this title, the term ‘identified WTC-related health condition for eligible WTC responders’ means any of the following health conditions:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) AERODIGESTIVE DISORDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Interstitial lung diseases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Chronic respiratory disorder-fumes/vapors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Asthma.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Chronic cough syndrome.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Upper airway hyperreactivity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Chronic rhinosinusitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) Chronic nasopharyngitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(x) Chronic laryngitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xi) Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xii) Sleep apnea exacerbated by or related to a condition described in a previous clause.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Major depressive disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Panic disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Generalized anxiety disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) Anxiety disorder (not otherwise specified).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Depression (not otherwise specified).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Acute stress disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Dysthymic disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) Adjustment disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(x) Substance abuse.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xi) V codes (treatments not specifically related to psychiatric disorders, such as marital problems, parenting problems, etc.), secondary to another identified WTC-related health condition for WTC eligible responders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Low back pain.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Other musculoskeletal disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) ADDITION OF IDENTIFIED WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- The WTC Program Administrator may promulgate regulations to add an illness or health condition not described in paragraph (3) to the list of identified WTC-related conditions for eligible WTC responders. In promulgating such regulations, the Secretary shall provide for notice and opportunity for a public hearing and at least 90 days of public comment. In promulgating such regulations, the WTC Program Administrator shall take into account the findings and recommendations of Clinical Centers of Excellence published in peer reviewed journals in the determination of whether an additional illness or health condition, such as cancer, should be added to the list of identified WTC-related health conditions for eligible WTC responders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PETITIONS- Any person (including the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee) may petition the WTC Program Administrator to propose regulations described in subparagraph (A). Unless clearly frivolous, or initiated by such Committee, any such petition shall be referred to such Committee for its recommendations. Following--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) receipt of any recommendation of the Committee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) 180 days after the date of the referral to the Committee,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





whichever occurs first, the WTC Program Administrator shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding on the matters proposed in the petition or publish in the Federal Register a statement of reasons for not conducting such proceeding.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) EFFECTIVENESS- Any addition under subparagraph (A) of an illness or health condition shall apply only with respect to applications for benefits under this title which are filed after the effective date of such regulation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) ROLE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE- Except with respect to a regulation recommended by the WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee, the WTC Program Administrator may not propose a regulation under this paragraph, unless the Administrator has first provided to the Committee a copy of the proposed regulation, requested recommendations and comments by the Committee, and afforded the Committee at least 90 days to make such recommendations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Coverage of Treatment for WTC-Related Health Conditions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) DETERMINATION BASED ON AN IDENTIFIED WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITION FOR CERTIFIED ELIGIBLE WTC RESPONDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- If a physician at a Clinical Center of Excellence that is providing monitoring benefits under section 3111 for a certified eligible WTC responder determines that the responder has an identified WTC-related health condition, and the physician makes a clinical determination that exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or adverse conditions resulting from the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center is substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the condition--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the physician shall promptly transmit such determination to the WTC Program Administrator and provide the Administrator with the medical facts supporting such determination; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) on and after the date of such transmittal and subject to subparagraph (B), the WTC program shall provide for payment under subsection (c) for medically necessary treatment for such condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) REVIEW; CERTIFICATION; APPEALS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) REVIEW- A Federal employee designated by the WTC Program Administrator shall review determinations made under subparagraph (A) of a WTC-related health condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) CERTIFICATION- The Administrator shall provide a certification of such condition based upon reviews conducted under clause (i). Such a certification shall be provided unless the Administrator determines that the responder’s condition is not an identified WTC-related health condition or that exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center is not substantially likely to be a significant factor in significantly aggravating, contributing to, or causing the condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) APPEAL PROCESS- The Administrator shall provide a process for the appeal of determinations under clause (ii) before an administrative law judge.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) DETERMINATION BASED ON OTHER WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- If a physician at a Clinical Center of Excellence determines pursuant to subsection (a) that a certified eligible WTC responder has a WTC-related health condition that is not an identified WTC-related health condition for eligible WTC responders--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the physician shall promptly transmit such determination to the WTC Program Administrator and provide the Administrator with the facts supporting such determination; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) the Administrator shall make a determination under subparagraph (B) with respect to such physician’s determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) REVIEW; CERTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) USE OF PHYSICIAN PANEL- With respect to each determination relating to a WTC-related health condition transmitted under subparagraph (A)(i), the WTC Program Administrator shall provide for the review of the condition to be made by a physician panel with appropriate expertise appointed by the WTC Program Administrator. Such a panel shall make recommendations to the Administrator on the evidence supporting such determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF PANEL; CERTIFICATION- The Administrator, based on such recommendations shall determine, within 60 days after the date of the transmittal under subparagraph (A)(i), whether or not the condition is a WTC-related health condition and, if it is, provide for a certification under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) of coverage of such condition. The Administrator shall provide a process for the appeal of determinations that the responder’s condition is not a WTC-related health condition before an administrative law judge.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) REQUIREMENT OF MEDICAL NECESSITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- In providing treatment for a WTC-related health condition, a physician shall provide treatment that is medically necessary and in accordance with medical protocols established under subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) MEDICALLY NECESSARY STANDARD- For the purpose of this title, health care services shall be treated as medically necessary for an individual if a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would consider the services to be medically necessary for the individual for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, or treating an illness, injury, disease or its symptoms, and that are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) in accordance with the generally accepted standards of medical practice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site, and duration, and considered effective for the individual’s illness, injury, or disease; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) not primarily for the convenience of the patient or physician, or another physician, and not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of the individual’s illness, injury, or disease.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) DETERMINATION OF MEDICAL NECESSITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) REVIEW OF MEDICAL NECESSITY- As part of the reimbursement payment process under subsection (c), the WTC Program Administrator shall review claims for reimbursement for the provision of medical treatment to determine if such treatment is medically necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENT FOR MEDICALLY UNNECESSARY TREATMENT- The Administrator may withhold such payment for treatment that the Administrator determines is not medically necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) REVIEW OF DETERMINATIONS OF MEDICAL NECESSITY- The Administrator shall provide a process for providers to appeal a determination under clause (ii) that medical treatment is not medically necessary. Such appeals shall be reviewed through the use of a physician panel with appropriate expertise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) SCOPE OF TREATMENT COVERED-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- The scope of treatment covered under paragraphs (1) through (3) includes services of physicians and other health care providers, diagnostic and laboratory tests, prescription drugs, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and other medically necessary treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PHARMACEUTICAL COVERAGE- With respect to ensuring coverage of medically necessary outpatient prescription drugs, such drugs shall be provided, under arrangements made by the WTC Program Administrator, directly through participating Clinical Centers of Excellence or through one or more outside vendors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES- To the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the WTC Program Administrator may provide for necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to the securing of medically necessary treatment involving travel of more than 250 miles and for which payment is made under this section in the same manner in which individuals may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to services involving travel of more than 250 miles under regulations implementing section 3629(c) of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (title XXXVI of Public Law 106-398; 42 U.S.C. 7384t(c)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) PROVISION OF TREATMENT PENDING CERTIFICATION- In the case of a certified eligible WTC responder who has been determined by an examining physician under subsection (b)(1) to have an identified WTC-related health condition, but for whom a certification of the determination has not yet been made by the WTC Program Administrator, medical treatment may be provided under this subsection, subject to paragraph (6), until the Administrator makes a decision on such certification. Medical treatment provided under this paragraph shall be considered to be medical treatment for which payment may be made under subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) PRIOR APPROVAL PROCESS FOR NON-CERTIFIED NON-EMERGENCY INPATIENT HOSPITAL SERVICES- Non-emergency inpatient hospital services for a WTC-related health condition identified by an examining physician under paragraph (1) that is not certified under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) is not covered unless the services have been determined to be medically necessary and approved through a process established by the WTC Program Administrator. Such process shall provide for a decision on a request for such services within 15 days of the date of receipt of the request. The WTC Administrator shall provide a process for the appeal of a decision that the services are not medically necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Payment for Initial Health Evaluation, Medical Monitoring, and Treatment of WTC-Related Health Conditions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) MEDICAL TREATMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) USE OF FECA PAYMENT RATES- Subject to subparagraph (B), the WTC Program Administrator shall reimburse costs for medically necessary treatment under this title for WTC-related health conditions according to the payment rates that would apply to the provision of such treatment and services by the facility under the Federal Employees Compensation Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PHARMACEUTICALS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) IN GENERAL- The WTC Program Administrator shall establish a program for paying for the medically necessary outpatient prescription pharmaceuticals prescribed under this title for WTC-related health conditions through one or more contracts with outside vendors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) COMPETITIVE BIDDING- Under such program the Administrator shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) select one or more appropriate vendors through a Federal competitive bid process; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) select the lowest bidder (or bidders) meeting the requirements for providing pharmaceutical benefits for participants in the WTC program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) TREATMENT OF FDNY PARTICIPANTS- Under such program the Administrator may select a separate vendor to provide pharmaceutical benefits to certified eligible WTC responders for whom the Clinical Center of Excellence is described in section 3106(b)(1)(A) if such an arrangement is deemed necessary and beneficial to the program by the WTC Program Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) OTHER TREATMENT- For treatment not covered under a preceding subparagraph, the WTC Program Administrator shall designate a reimbursement rate for each such service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) MEDICAL MONITORING AND INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION- The WTC Program Administrator shall reimburse the costs of medical monitoring and the costs of an initial health evaluation provided under this title at a rate set by the Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT AUTHORITY- The WTC Program Administrator may enter into arrangements with other government agencies, insurance companies, or other third-party administrators to provide for timely and accurate processing of claims under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) CLAIMS PROCESSING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATIONS- The payment by the WTC Program Administrator for the processing of claims under this title is limited to the amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Medical Treatment Protocols-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) DEVELOPMENT- The Coordinating Centers of Excellence shall develop medical treatment protocols for the treatment of certified eligible WTC responders and certified eligible WTC community members for identified WTC-related health conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) APPROVAL- The WTC Program Administrator shall approve the medical treatment protocols, in consultation with the WTC Health Program Steering Committees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘PART 2--COMMUNITY PROGRAM

‘SEC. 3121. IDENTIFICATION AND INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION OF ELIGIBLE WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

‘(a) Eligible WTC Community Member Defined-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- In this title, the term ‘eligible WTC community member’ means, subject to paragraphs (3) and (5), an individual who claims symptoms of a WTC-related health condition and is described in any of the following subparagraphs:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY MEMBER- An individual, including an eligible WTC responder, who has been identified as eligible for medical treatment or monitoring by the WTC Environmental Health Center as of the date of enactment of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) COMMUNITY MEMBER WHO MEETS CURRENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- An individual who is not an eligible WTC responder and meets any of the current eligibility criteria described in a subparagraph of paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) COMMUNITY MEMBER WHO MEETS MODIFIED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- An individual who is not an eligible WTC responder and meets such eligibility criteria relating to exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center as the WTC Administrator determines after consultation with the WTC Community Program Steering Committee, the Coordinating Centers of Excellence described in section 3106(b)(1)(C), and the WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Administrator shall not modify such criteria under subparagraph (C) on or after the date that the number of certifications for eligible WTC community members has reached 80 percent of the limit described in paragraph (5) or on or after the date that the number of certifications for eligible WTC responders has reached 80 percent of the limit described in section 3111(a)(5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CURRENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- The eligibility criteria described in this paragraph for an individual are that the individual is described in any of the following subparagraphs:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) A person who was present in the New York City disaster area in the dust or dust cloud on September 11, 2001.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) A person who worked, resided, or attended school, child care or adult day care in the New York City disaster area for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) at least four days during the 4-month period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on January 10, 2002; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) at least 30 days during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on July 31, 2002.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) A person who worked as a clean-up worker or performed maintenance work in the New York City disaster area during the 4-month period described in subparagraph (B)(i) and had extensive exposure to WTC dust as a result of such work.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) A person who was deemed eligible to receive a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation Residential Grant Program, who possessed a lease for a residence or purchased a residence in the New York City disaster area, and who resided in such residence during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on May 31, 2003.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) A person whose place of employment--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) at any time during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on May 31, 2003, was in the New York City disaster area; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) was deemed eligible to receive a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation WTC Small Firms Attraction and Retention Act program or other government incentive program designed to revitalize the Lower Manhattan economy after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) APPLICATION PROCESS- The WTC Program Administrator in consultation with the Coordinating Centers of Excellence shall establish a process for individuals, other than individuals described in paragraph (1)(A), to be determined eligible WTC community members. Under such process--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) there shall be no fee charged to the applicant for making an application for such determination;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) the Administrator shall make a determination on such an application not later than 60 days after the date of filing the application; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) an individual who is determined not to be an eligible WTC community member shall have an opportunity to appeal such determination before an administrative law judge in a manner established under such process.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) CERTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- In the case of an individual who is described in paragraph (1)(A) or who is determined under paragraph (3) (consistent with paragraph (5)) to be an eligible WTC community member, the WTC Program Administrator shall provide an appropriate certification of such fact and of eligibility for followup monitoring and treatment benefits under this part. The Administrator shall make determinations of eligibility relating to an applicant’s compliance with this title, including the verification of information submitted in support of the application and shall not deny such a certification to an individual unless the Administrator determines that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) based on the application submitted, the individual does not meet the eligibility criteria; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) the numerical limitation on certification of eligible WTC community members set forth in paragraph (5) has been met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) TIMING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY MEMBERS- In the case of an individual who is described in paragraph (1)(A), the WTC Program Administrator shall provide the certification under subparagraph (A) not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) OTHER MEMBERS- In the case of another individual who is determined under paragraph (3) and consistent with paragraph (5) to be an eligible WTC community member, the WTC Program Administrator shall provide the certification under subparagraph (A) at the time of such determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) NUMERICAL LIMITATION ON CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- The total number of individuals not described in subparagraph (C) who may be certified as eligible WTC community members under paragraph (4) shall not exceed 15,000. In applying the previous sentence, any individual who at any time so qualifies as an eligible WTC community member shall be counted against such numerical limitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PROCESS- In implementing subparagraph (A), the WTC Program Administrator shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) limit the number of certifications provided under paragraph (4) in accordance with such subparagraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) provide priority in such certifications in the order in which individuals apply for a determination under paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY RECEIVING TREATMENT NOT COUNTED- Individuals described in this subparagraph are individuals who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) are described in paragraph (1)(A); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) before the date of the enactment of this title, have received monitoring or treatment at the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital Center, Gouverneur Health Care Services, or Elmhurst Hospital Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation shall, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this title, enter into arrangements with the Mt. Sinai Data and Clinical Coordination Center for the reporting of medical data concerning eligible WTC responders described in paragraph (1)(A), as determined by the WTC Program Administrator and consistent with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations relating to confidentiality of individually identifiable health information.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) REPORT TO CONGRESS IF NUMERICAL LIMITATION TO BE REACHED- If the WTC Program Administrator determines that the number of individuals subject to the numerical limitation of subparagraph (A) is likely to exceed such numerical limitation, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on such determination. Such report shall include an estimate of the number of such individuals in excess of such numerical limitation and of the additional expenditures that would result under this title if such numerical limitation were removed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Initial Health Evaluation To Determine Eligibility for Followup Monitoring or Treatment-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- In the case of a certified eligible WTC community member, the WTC program shall provide for an initial health evaluation to determine if the member has a WTC-related health condition and is eligible for followup monitoring and treatment benefits under the WTC program. Initial health evaluation protocols shall be approved by the WTC Program Administrator, in consultation with the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION PROVIDERS- The initial health evaluation described in paragraph (1) shall be provided through a Clinical Center of Excellence with respect to the individual involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) LIMITATION ON INITIAL HEALTH EVALUATION BENEFITS- Benefits for initial health evaluation under this part for an eligible WTC community member shall consist only of a single medical initial health evaluation consistent with initial health evaluation protocols described in paragraph (1). Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing such an individual from seeking additional medical initial health evaluations at the expense of the individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3122. FOLLOWUP MONITORING AND TREATMENT OF CERTIFIED ELIGIBLE WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS.

‘(a) In General- Subject to subsection (b), the provisions of sections 3111 and 3112 shall apply to followup monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for certified eligible WTC community members in the same manner as such provisions apply to the monitoring and treatment of identified WTC-related health conditions for certified eligible WTC responders, except that such monitoring shall only be available to those certified as eligible for treatment under this title. Under section 3106(a)(3), the City of New York is required to contribute a share of the costs of such treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) List of Identified WTC-related Health Conditions for WTC Community Members-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IDENTIFIED WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- For purposes of this title, the term ‘identified WTC-related health conditions for WTC community members’ means any of the following health conditions:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) AERODIGESTIVE DISORDERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Interstitial lung diseases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Chronic respiratory disorder--fumes/vapors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Asthma.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Chronic cough syndrome.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Upper airway hyperreactivity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Chronic rhinosinusitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) Chronic nasopharyngitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(x) Chronic laryngitis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xi) Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xii) Sleep apnea exacerbated by or related to a condition described in a previous clause.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Major depressive disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Panic disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Generalized anxiety disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) Anxiety disorder (not otherwise specified).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Depression (not otherwise specified).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Acute stress disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Dysthymic disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) Adjustment disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(x) Substance abuse.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(xi) V codes (treatments not specifically related to psychiatric disorders, such as marital problems, parenting problems, etc.), secondary to another identified WTC-related health condition for WTC community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) ADDITIONS TO IDENTIFIED WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR WTC COMMUNITY MEMBERS- The provisions of paragraph (4) of section 3112(a) shall apply with respect to an addition to the list of identified WTC-related health conditions for eligible WTC community members under paragraph (1) in the same manner as such provisions apply to an addition to the list of identified WTC-related health conditions for eligible WTC responders under section 3112(a)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3123. FOLLOWUP MONITORING AND TREATMENT OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH WTC-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS.

‘(a) In General- Subject to subsection (c), the provisions of section 3122 shall apply to the followup monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for eligible WTC community members in the case of individuals described in subsection (b) in the same manner as such provisions apply to the followup monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for WTC community members. Under section 3106(a)(3), the City of New York is required to contribute a share of the costs of such monitoring and treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Individuals Described- An individual described in this subsection is an individual who, regardless of location of residence--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) is not an eligible WTC responder or an eligible WTC community member; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) is diagnosed at a Clinical Center of Excellence (with respect to an eligible WTC community member) with an identified WTC-related health condition for WTC community members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Limitation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- The WTC Program Administrator shall limit benefits for any fiscal year under subsection (a) in a manner so that payments under this section for such fiscal year do not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (2) for such fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) LIMITATION- The amount specified in this paragraph for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) fiscal year 2009 is $20,000,000; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) a succeeding fiscal year is the amount specified in this paragraph for the previous fiscal year increased by the annual percentage increase in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘PART 3--NATIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE NEW YORK

‘SEC. 3131. NATIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE NEW YORK.

‘(a) In General- In order to ensure reasonable access to benefits under this subtitle for individuals who are eligible WTC responders or eligible WTC community members and who reside in any State, as defined in section 2(f), outside the New York metropolitan area, the WTC Program Administrator shall establish a nationwide network of health care providers to provide monitoring and treatment benefits and initial health evaluations near such individuals’ areas of residence in such States. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing such individuals from being provided such monitoring and treatment benefits or initial health evaluation through any Clinical Center of Excellence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Network Requirements- Any health care provider participating in the network under subsection (a) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) meet criteria for credentialing established by the Coordinating Centers of Excellence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) follow the monitoring, initial health evaluation, and treatment protocols developed under section 3106(a)(2)(B);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) collect and report data in accordance with section 3105; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) meet such fraud, quality assurance, and other requirements as the WTC Program Administrator establishes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle C--Research Into ConditionsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3141. RESEARCH REGARDING CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS RELATED TO SEPTEMBER 11 TERRORIST ATTACKS IN NEW YORK CITY.

‘(a) In General- With respect to individuals, including eligible WTC responders and eligible WTC community members, receiving monitoring or treatment under subtitle B, the WTC Program Administrator shall conduct or support--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) research on diagnosing WTC-related health conditions of such individuals, in the case of conditions for which there has been diagnostic uncertainty; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) research on treating WTC-related health conditions of such individuals, in the case of conditions for which there has been treatment uncertainty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Administrator may provide such support through continuation and expansion of research that was initiated before the date of the enactment of this title and through the World Trade Center Health Registry (referred to in section 3151), through a Clinical Center of Excellence, or through a Coordinating Center of Excellence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Types of Research- The research under subsection (a)(1) shall include epidemiologic and other research studies on WTC-related health conditions or emerging conditions--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) among WTC responders and community members under treatment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) in sampled populations outside the New York City disaster area in Manhattan as far north as 14th Street and in Brooklyn, along with control populations, to identify potential for long-term adverse health effects in less exposed populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Consultation- The WTC Program Administrator shall carry out this section in consultation with the WTC Health Program Steering Committees and the WTC Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Application of Privacy and Human Subject Protections- The privacy and human subject protections applicable to research conducted under this section shall not be less than such protections applicable to research otherwise conducted by the National Institutes of Health.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Authorization of Appropriations- For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for each fiscal year, in addition to any other authorizations of appropriations that are available for such purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subtitle D--Programs of the New York City Department of Health and Mental HygieneCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3151. WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH REGISTRY.

‘(a) Program Extension- For the purpose of ensuring on-going data collection for victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the WTC Program Administrator, shall extend and expand the arrangements in effect as of January 1, 2008, with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 3152. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

‘(a) In General- The WTC Program Administrator may make grants to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide mental health services to address mental health needs relating to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated $8,500,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this section.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND OF 2001CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

Section 402 of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (6) by inserting ‘, or debris removal, including under the World Trade Center Health Program established under section 3101 of the Public Health Service Act,’ after ‘September 11, 2001’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraphs and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) CONTRACTOR AND SUBCONTRACTOR- The term ‘contractor and subcontractor’ means any contractor or subcontractor (at any tier of a subcontracting relationship), including any general contractor, construction manager, prime contractor, consultant, or any parent, subsidiary, associated or allied company, affiliated company, corporation, firm, organization, or joint venture thereof that participated in debris removal at any 9/11 crash site. Such term shall not include any entity, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with a property interest in the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001, whether fee simple, leasehold or easement, direct or indirect.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) DEBRIS REMOVAL- The term ‘debris removal’ means rescue and recovery efforts, removal of debris, cleanup, remediation, and response during the immediate aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, with respect to a 9/11 crash site.’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by inserting after paragraph (10), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph and redesignating the subsequent paragraphs accordingly:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(11) IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH- The term ‘immediate aftermath’ means any period beginning with the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, and ending on August 30, 2002.’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(14) 9/11 CRASH SITE- The term ‘9/11 crash site’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the World Trade Center site, Pentagon site, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania site;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) the buildings or portions of buildings that were destroyed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) any area contiguous to a site of such crashes that the Special Master determines was sufficiently close to the site that there was a demonstrable risk of physical harm resulting from the impact of the aircraft or any subsequent fire, explosions, or building collapses (including the immediate area in which the impact occurred, fire occurred, portions of buildings fell, or debris fell upon and injured individuals); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) any area related to, or along, routes of debris removal, such as barges and Fresh Kills.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. EXTENDED AND EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION.

(a) Information on Losses Resulting From Debris Removal Included in Contents of Claim Form- Section 405(a)(2)(B) of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in clause (i), by inserting ‘, or debris removal during the immediate aftermath’ after ‘September 11, 2001’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in clause (ii), by inserting ‘or debris removal during the immediate aftermath’ after ‘crashes’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in clause (iii), by inserting ‘or debris removal during the immediate aftermath’ after ‘crashes’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Extension of Deadline for Claims Under September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001- Section 405(a)(3) of such Act is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) LIMITATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided by subparagraph (B), no claim may be filed under paragraph (1) after the date that is 2 years after the date on which regulations are promulgated under section 407(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) EXCEPTION- A claim may be filed under paragraph (1), in accordance with subsection (c)(3)(A)(i), by an individual (or by a personal representative on behalf of a deceased individual) during the period beginning on the date on which the regulations are updated under section 407(b) and ending on December 22, 2031.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Requirements for Filing Claims During Extended Filing Period- Section 405(c)(3) of such Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING CLAIMS DURING EXTENDED FILING PERIOD-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) TIMING REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING CLAIMS- An individual (or a personal representative on behalf of a deceased individual) may file a claim during the period described in subsection (a)(3)(B) as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) In the case that the Special Master determines the individual knew (or reasonably should have known) before the date specified in clause (iii) that the individual suffered a physical harm at a 9/11 crash site as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or as a result of debris removal, and that the individual knew (or should have known) before such specified date that the individual was eligible to file a claim under this title, the individual may file a claim not later than the date that is 2 years after such specified date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) In the case that the Special Master determines the individual first knew (or reasonably should have known) on or after the date specified in clause (iii) that the individual suffered such a physical harm or that the individual first knew (or should have known) on or after such specified date that the individual was eligible to file a claim under this title, the individual may file a claim not later than the last day of the 2-year period beginning on the date the Special Master determines the individual first knew (or should have known) that the individual both suffered from such harm and was eligible to file a claim under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING CLAIMS- An individual may file a claim during the period described in subsection (a)(3)(B) only if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) the individual was treated by a medical professional for suffering from a physical harm described in clause (i)(I) within a reasonable time from the date of discovering such harm; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) the individual’s physical harm is verified by contemporaneous medical records created by or at the direction of the medical professional who provided the medical care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) DATE SPECIFIED- The date specified in this clause is the date on which the regulations are updated under section 407(a).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Clarifying Applicability to All 9/11 Crash Sites- Section 405(c)(2)(A)(i) of such Act is amended by striking ‘or the site of the aircraft crash at Shanksville, Pennsylvania’ and inserting ‘the site of the aircraft crash at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, or any other 9/11 crash site’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Inclusion of Physical Harm Resulting From Debris Removal- Section 405(c) of such Act is amended in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by inserting ‘or debris removal’ after ‘air crash’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Limitations on Civil Actions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) APPLICATION TO DAMAGES RELATED TO DEBRIS REMOVAL- Clause (i) of section 405(c)(3)(C) of such Act, as redesignated by subsection (c), is amended by inserting ‘, or for damages arising from or related to debris removal’ after ‘September 11, 2001’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PENDING ACTIONS- Clause (ii) of such section, as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) PENDING ACTIONS- In the case of an individual who is a party to a civil action described in clause (i), such individual may not submit a claim under this title--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) during the period described in subsection (a)(3)(A) unless such individual withdraws from such action by the date that is 90 days after the date on which regulations are promulgated under section 407(a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) during the period described in subsection (a)(3)(B) unless such individual withdraws from such action by the date that is 90 days after the date on which the regulations are updated under section 407(b).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) AUTHORITY TO REINSTITUTE CERTAIN LAWSUITS- Such section, as so redesignated, is further amended by adding at the end the following new clause:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) AUTHORITY TO REINSTITUTE CERTAIN LAWSUITS- In the case of a claimant who was a party to a civil action described in clause (i), who withdrew from such action pursuant to clause (ii), and who is subsequently determined to not be an eligible individual for purposes of this subsection, such claimant may reinstitute such action without prejudice during the 90-day period beginning after the date of such ineligibility determination.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 203. REQUIREMENT TO UPDATE REGULATIONS.

Section 407 of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘Not later than’ and inserting ‘(a) IN GENERAL- Not later than’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Updated Regulations- Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009, the Special Master shall update the regulations promulgated under subsection (a) to the extent necessary to comply with the provisions of title II of such Act.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 204. LIMITED LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN CLAIMS.

Section 408(a) of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN CLAIMS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subject to subparagraph (B), liability for all claims and actions (including claims or actions that have been previously resolved, that are currently pending, and that may be filed through December 22, 2031) for compensatory damages, contribution or indemnity, or any other form or type of relief, arising from or related to debris removal, against the City of New York, any entity (including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey) with a property interest in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 (whether fee simple, leasehold or easement, or direct or indirect), and any contractors and subcontractors thereof, shall not be in an amount that exceeds the sum of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) The amount of funds of the WTC Captive Insurance Company, including the cumulative interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) The amount of all available insurance identified in schedule 2 of the WTC Captive Insurance Company insurance policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) The amount that is the greater of the City of New York’s insurance coverage or $350,000,000. In determining the amount of the City’s insurance coverage for purposes of the previous sentence, any amount described in clauses (i) and (ii) shall not be included.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) The amount of all available liability insurance coverage maintained by any entity, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with a property interest in the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001, whether fee simple, leasehold or easement, or direct or indirect.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) The amount of all available liability insurance coverage maintained by contractors and subcontractors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) EXCEPTION- Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to claims or actions based upon conduct held to be intentionally tortious in nature or to acts of gross negligence or other such acts to the extent to which punitive damages are awarded as a result of such conduct or acts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) PRIORITY OF CLAIMS PAYMENTS- Payments to plaintiffs who obtain a settlement or judgment with respect to a claim or action to which paragraph (4)(A) applies, shall be paid solely from the following funds in the following order:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) The funds described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (4)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) If there are no funds available as described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (4)(A), the funds described in clause (iii) of such paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) If there are no funds available as described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of paragraph (4)(A), the funds described in clause (iv) of such paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) If there are no funds available as described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of paragraph (4)(A), the funds described in clause (v) of such paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTIONS AND DIRECT ACTION- Any party to a claim or action to which paragraph (4)(A) applies may, with respect to such claim or action, either file an action for a declaratory judgment for insurance coverage or bring a direct action against the insurance company involved.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink