Bill > HR2905

This bill, titled the Nuclear Workers Health Advisory Board Act, amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to establish an Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health. This Board will be appointed by the President within 120 days of the bill's enactment and will consult with relevant expert organizations to ensure a balanced representation of perspectives. The Board's duties include advising the President on the review and approval of the Department of Labor's site exposure matrix (SEM), which is a tool used to determine eligibility for compensation for lung diseases contracted by Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employees due to exposure to toxic substances. Additionally, the Board will conduct peer reviews of medical guidance for certain compensation claims, review evidentiary requirements for lung disease claims, provide oversight for industrial hygienists and physicians involved in claims processing to ensure quality and consistency, and coordinate data exchange with another advisory board. The bill also outlines provisions for the Board's staff, powers, expenses, security clearances for its members and contractors, and access to relevant information, including restricted data. Furthermore, it modifies the response timeline for the Department of Labor to address issues raised in the annual report of the Office of the Ombudsman.