HB865

Presumption of occupational disease for certain cancers in public safety workers.

The bill amends Virginia's workers' compensation law to presume certain cancers are occupational diseases for public safety workers if diagnosed after specific dates. This presumption applies to firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, and others. The presumption can be overcome by evidence to the contrary. For bladder or thyroid cancer, the presumption does not apply if diagnosed before July 1, 2023. For throat cancer, it includes specific tissues. Claims must be supported by postmortem examinations and preemployment physical exams.