(a) For the purposes of this section, “lung cancer screening and referral services” means necessary lung cancer screening services and referral services for a procedure intended to treat cancer of the human lung, including, but not limited to, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and related medical follow-up services.

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(b) There is established, within available appropriations, a lung cancer early detection and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health to (1) promote screening, detection and treatment of lung cancer for persons who are fifty to eighty years of age, while giving priority consideration to populations who exhibit higher rates of lung cancer than the general population, (2) educate the public regarding lung cancer and the benefits of early detection, and (3) provide counseling and referral services for treatment.

(c) The program shall include, but need not be limited to:

(1) Establishment of a public education and outreach initiative to publicize (A) lung cancer early detection services and the extent of coverage for such services by health insurance, (B) the benefits of early detection of lung cancer and the recommended frequency of screening services, and (C) the medical assistance program and other public and private programs that may assist with the costs of lung cancer screening and referral services;

(2) Development of professional education programs, including the benefits of early detection of lung cancer and the recommended frequency of lung cancer screening;

(3) Establishment of a system to track and follow up on all persons screened for lung cancer in the program. The system shall include, but need not be limited to, follow-up of abnormal screening tests and referral to treatment when needed and tracking persons to be screened at recommended screening intervals; and

(4) Assurance that all participating providers of lung cancer screening and referral services are in compliance with national and state quality assurance legislative mandates.

(d) The Department of Public Health shall, within existing appropriations, and through contracts with health care providers, provide lung cancer screening and referral services to persons fifty to eighty years of age, while giving priority consideration to populations who exhibit higher rates of lung cancer than the general population.