California
Federal Lawmakers Introduce Silicosis Prevention and Treatment Act to Fund Treatment Clinics
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Key points
- H.R. 10798 proposes $10 million annually from FY 2027 to 2031 for a new federal Silicosis Clinics Program.
- Grants will fund screening, diagnosis, care coordination, and pulmonary rehabilitation regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
- The measure addresses sharp increases in silicosis diagnoses among stone workers, including more than 135 cases in Orange County, California.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers recently introduced legislation establishing dedicated medical grant programs for workers exposed to hazardous dust. Representative J. Luis (Lou) Correa of California introduced the measure alongside Representative Maxine Dexter of Oregon. The proposal creates targeted resources for labor groups facing severe respiratory hazards from stone fabrication.
What is the HR 10798 Silicosis bill proposed in Congress?
The HR 10798 Silicosis bill establishes a national Silicosis Clinics Program under the Health Resources and Services Administration. The legislation authorizes $10 million in annual funding from fiscal year 2027 through 2031. These federal grants will assist specialized clinics in diagnosing and treating affected workers regardless of their financial status.
The proposed legislation permits several types of eligible entities to secure competitive program funding:
- Federally qualified health centers, hospitals, health departments, and nonprofit health care providers
- Public state and local health departments
- Nonprofit health providers and local hospital networks
How will California silicosis legislation address worker exposure?
This California silicosis legislation focuses grant dollars directly on high-exposure trades, particularly artificial stone countertop manufacturing. Participating clinics can expend funds on patient screening, diagnostic testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, and general health education. Furthermore, the bill allows grants to support official benefits counseling for affected workers seeking state or federal compensation. In addition, the initiative expands public awareness programs for at-risk families.
Why Are Orange County silicosis cases driving the Lou Correa silicosis bill?
Rising Orange County silicosis cases heavily influenced the Lou Correa silicosis bill. Workers along Anaheim’s “Tile Mile” face severe health risks because of cutting manufactured stone. California public health data reports more than 660 confirmed silicosis cases statewide. Meanwhile, officials have identified over 135 of those cases in Orange County alone. House leaders then referred the bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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