Program Updates - World Trade Center Health Program

ǿֹ

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Program Updates and Archives

2025

2024

2023

  • September 6, 2018 – The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Seeks Nominees for the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)

    The STAC has 17 member positions and is currently seeking nominations for 6 of these positions in the following categories:

    • Environmental medicine or Environmental health specialist;
    • Occupational physician who has experience treating WTC rescue and recovery workers;
    • Physician with expertise in pulmonary medicine;
    • Representative of WTC responders; and
    • Representative of certified-eligible WTC survivors
  • September 1, 2018 – Pharmacy Benefits Change for Over-the-Counter Products

    Starting December 1, 2018, the WTC Health Program will limit the types of over-the-counter products that will be covered by the Program. Over-the-counter products are medications and supplies that are available for purchase without a prescription, such as cold medicines, vitamins, and bandages.

    Which Over-the-Counter Products Will Continue to Be Covered With a Prescription?
    The following types of over-the-counter products will continue to be covered for treatment of your certified WTC-related health condition:

    • Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec OTC);
    • Nasal steroids (e.g., Flonase Allergy Relief);
    • Saline nasal solutions (e.g., Simply Saline);
    • Anti-histamines (e.g., Allegra Allergy);
    • Nicotine replacement therapies (e.g., Nicoderm CQ);
    • Asthma-related products (e.g., nebulizers, spacers, peak flow meters); and
    • Diabetes-related products (e.g., glucose monitors, glucose test strips, lancets).

    Which Over-the-Counter Products Will No Longer Be Covered?
    All other over-the-counter products will no longer be covered. For over-the-counter products no longer covered, you will have to use your insurance or pay out of pocket.

    How Can You Get Your Over-the-Counter Products Covered?
    If you qualify under the WTC Health Program for coverage of any of the above covered medications or supplies, it will be treated as a prescription by the Program. Your WTC Health Program provider will need to write a prescription for the over-the-counter product. After the pharmacy (retail or home delivery) receives the prescription, it can be filled and covered like any of your other WTC Health Program covered medications or supplies. You will need to provide the pharmacist with your WTC Health Program information if they do not already have it.

    More information on Pharmacy Benefits is available here

  • August 30, 2018 – William Street Clinic Opens in Lower Manhattan
    Announced earlier this year, the William Street Clinic in Lower Manhattan is now open.

    The new clinic provides initial health evaluations, benefits counseling, and treatment coordination for survivors only, and is operated by Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI), who also provides survivor care through the Nationwide Provider Network.

    Survivor enrollees awaiting their initial health evaluation will be assigned to either the new William Street Clinic or the existing Survivor Clinical Center of Excellence, NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H). Members will be contacted by phone or mail to schedule an initial health evaluation appointment.

    More information on the William Street Clinic is available here.

  • July 20, 2018 – New Clinic to Increase Capacity in Scheduling Initial Appointments for Survivor Enrollees

    The WTC Health Program has been working to address the time required for scheduling appointments for enrolled survivors to get their initial health evaluations. To increase the number of appointments, we will launch a new clinic at 156 William Street in Lower Manhattan. This clinic will provide appointments for initial health evaluations - in-depth exams that look for physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the WTC disaster. For health conditions that are approved (“certified�) as WTC-related, the William Street Clinic will coordinate survivors� care with WTC providers in the New York metropolitan area.

  • July 1, 2018 – Program Anniversary Statement: Statement marking the seven-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program
  • June 6, 2018Notice: Information for individuals who may be experiencing increased wait times for scheduling initial health evaluations
    Information About Delays for Scheduling Initial Health Evaluations

    The WTC Health Program is aware of the increased number of individuals, primarily survivors, seeking enrollment and/or certification of their health conditions. The WTC Health Program is taking active steps to address the waiting time for an initial health evaluation for enrolled screening-eligible survivors.

  • April 27, 2018 – Change in Pharmacy for Home Delivery Medications

    On April 25th, 2018, home delivery service (also known as mail order) for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program changed to provider OptumRx for non-specialty medications and BriovaRx for specialty medications. Both are partner companies of Optum, the WTC Health Program pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).

    Members with existing home delivery medications were recently sent a letter by Optum with more information about the change.

    What do I need to do?

    You do not need to take any action at this time. Optum automatically transferred your current home delivery prescription(s) with refills from the former provider Walgreens to OptumRx and/or BriovaRx. There are no changes to your pharmacy benefit card.

    As always, your WTC-covered prescription(s) remain free of charge as long as it is prescribed or approved by your Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCE) physician. You may also continue to use your local pharmacy for WTC immediate and short-term medication (antibiotics, cough medicines, etc.) or for fill-in supplies of a WTC-covered maintenance medication.

    If you have questions about this change to your home delivery service, who you contact depends on your CCE:

    • FDNY WTC Health Program Member Services: 718-999-1858
    • Mount Sinai WTC Health Program Member Services: 888-702-0630
    • Northwell WTC Health Program Member Services: 718-267-2420
    • NYC WTC Health Program Member Services: 212-263-7335
    • Rutgers WTC Health Program Member Services: 848-445-0123, option 3
    • NYC Health & Hospitals System WTC Environmental Health Center, SUNY-Stony Brook, and National Provider Network (NPN)/LHI should contact Optum at 855-640-0005, option 2

    For more information on WTC Health Program Pharmacy Benefits, visit

  • April 25, 2018 – Remembering Dr. Lewis V. Wade

    Dr. Lewis V. Wade passed away earlier this week. We at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program are saddened by his death. With the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Lew served as a Senior Advisor to guide, develop, and implement NIOSH’s responsibilities as the administrative body for the WTC Health Program. After his retirement from NIOSH in 2008, he continued to provide his wise counsel to NIOSH’s WTC Health Program and its staff.

    Dr. Wade was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in 1967; a MS degree in Civil Engineering in 1968; and began his professional career with the Bureau of Mines in 1971, following the completion of his PhD in civil engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. During his 25 year tenure with the Bureau of Mines he worked on a variety of research including roof control and rock mechanics. He conducted the initial research investigations on design and performance of Longwall Mining Systems with a focus on shield supports for ground control. Lew held several managerial research positions, rising up through the ranks. He finished his career with the Bureau of Mines as the Research Director of the Twin Cities Research Center, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Associate Director for Research, in Washington, D.C., when the Bureau of Mines was disbanded in 1996. He then spent 5 years managing the Information Technology Systems for the Water Resources Division of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and was responsible for the USGS YUCCA Mountain project for the Department of Energy high level nuclear waste site effort. In 2000, he became the Associate Director, Office for Mine Safety and Health Research, for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). He became the NIOSH Senior Science Advisor in 2004, and was instrumental in guiding NIOSH and its staff as it worked to create a new program established by the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Act of 2000 and its Presidential Advisory Board for Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH). He became the Designated Federal Official for the ABRWH and the Technical Project Officer for the Board’s contract with Sanford Cohen & Associates for technical support. With the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Lew shifted his Senior Advisor focus to guide, develop and implement NIOSH’s new responsibilities as the administrative body for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. After his retirement from NIOSH in 2008, he continued to provide his wise counsel to NIOSH’s WTC Health Program and its staff as a contract employee.

  • April 24, 2018Federal Register Notice: On January 5, 2018, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 018) to add hypertension (high blood pressure) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add hypertension to the List.
  • April 18, 2018Important Alert from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF):

    ALERT: The VCF is aware of calls being made by unknown persons claiming to be the VCF. These callers ask questions about the status of an individual’s VCF claim, state that the individual may be entitled to money, and/or ask for personal information in order to mail a claim package or file a claim on the individuals� behalf.

    If you receive a call with questions about your VCF claim or your potential eligibility for compensation from someone that you suspect is not VCF staff, you should not provide any information to the caller. When possible, please note details about the call (date, time, caller ID if available, name of caller, questions asked, etc.) and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at .

    Calls made by VCF staff follow a standard protocol for validating the claimant’s identity. Effective immediately, the VCF will never ask you for your full Social Security Number. If you are uncertain whether the caller is from the VCF, please end the call and contact the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.

  • January 22, 2018Official Statement of WTC Health Program Operating Procedure During Government Shutdown

    The WTC Health Program is open and operating during the government shutdown. Questions about the Program can still be directed to 888-982-4748 or [email protected]. For questions about your care, contact your CCE or NPN provider.

  • January 8, 2018Remembering Dr. James (Jim) Melius, M.D., Dr. PH.
    Chair, World Trade Center Responders Steering Committee

    Dr. Jim Melius passed away unexpectedly last week. We at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program are saddened by his death. Dr. Melius was an early, prominent, and sustaining voice supporting those involved in the rescue, recovery, and clean up efforts following the September 11th terrorist attacks. He championed the first medical monitoring and treatment programs and worked tirelessly to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which created the WTC Health Program, and worked even harder to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in 2015.

    "The nation has lost a great worker health champion," said Dr. John Howard, Administrator of the WTC Health Program. "Dr. Melius dedicated his career to protecting workers from injury and illness. All of us who work in the WTC Health Program will miss Dr. Melius� leadership, scholarship, and dedication to the responder and survivor members of the Program."

    A private funeral service is planned.

    A memorial for Dr. Melius will take place in the Stern Auditorium at Mount Sinai Medical Center at 11:00 a.m. on March 26, 2018. Mount Sinai Medical Center is located on Madison Avenue at E. 101st St. on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is also possible to enter the medical center from Fifth Avenue at E. 101st St.

  • November 29, 2017 – Notice: Information for individuals who may be experiencing increased wait times for scheduling initial health evaluations. Learn more...
  • October 25, 2017VCF applicants: Important Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya and accompanying factsheet () to clarify some common misconceptions about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF�), how it operates, who is eligible, how registration deadlines apply, how claims move through the system, and how compensation is determined.
  • October 23, 2017 – Thank you to all who participated in the WTC Health Program’s first ever event! To view the morning session please visit the . To earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education (CE) credit please view the instructions and go to to take the post test.
  • October 21, 2017 – Join the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for the first ever event! This free, interactive, one-day event is a unique opportunity to hear about new developments in 9/11 health research and learn how to maintain good health.
  • October 17, 2017 Federal Register Notice: Seeking nominations for possible membership on the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP). Nominations for membership on the WTCHP SEPs must be received no later than December 15, 2017.
  • September 11, 2017Statement from the Administrator regarding the Day of Remembrance on the 16th year since the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
  • September 8, 2017 – WTC Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard was part of a with FealGood Foundation Outreach And Education Program and 9/11 Health.
  • July 13, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Petition 16 and 17 - Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism Findings of Insufficient Evidence
  • July 6, 2017 – Federal Register Notice: Revised VCF Private Physician Process Affecting Applicants for Membership in the World Trade Center Health Program.
    The VCF has updated the criteria for claimants to seek verification of their conditions through the Private Physician Process. On July 6, 2017, the VCF posted information on its website regarding these changes. If you are a VCF claimant wanting to be certified for a health condition(s) by the WTC Health Program, information for applying to the Program can be found on our How to Apply to the Program page.
    • Once a member is enrolled in the Program, the member will then have to make an appointment with their Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE) or the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) to have a monitoring appointment (responders) or an initial evaluation (survivors).
    • The first appointment requires history-taking, medical testing, and physical examination. The initial appointment may sometimes require additional diagnostic testing to determine if the member has a condition on the list of 9/11-related health conditions covered by the Program and meets the Program’s requirements for coverage (certification) of a condition (visit our Administrative Manual to learn more.
    • If the member has a health condition covered by the WTC Health Program that their Program physician determines is related to the member’s 9/11 exposures, the CCE or NPN will submit a certification request to the Program. It will be reviewed and a decision will be made to approve or deny the certification request. Once a decision is made, the WTC Health Program will notify the member, in writing, of the decision.
  • July 1, 2017 – Statement marking the six-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
  • June 12, 2017 – Federal Register Notice:
    The charter for the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee has been renewed for a 2-year period through May 12, 2019.
  • May 11, 2017 – Federal Register Notice:
    On November 25, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 015) to add neuropathy to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add neuropathy to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • March 22, 2017 – Federal Register Notice:
    The ǿֹ is soliciting nominations, including self-nominations, for scientific peer reviewers of proposed additions of conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). When the Administrator proposes to add a condition to the List, he must publish the proposed rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). Additionally, as required by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in section 3312(a)(6)(F), prior to issuing a final rule to add a health condition to the List, the Administrator must provide for an independent peer review of the scientific and technical evidence that would be the basis for issuing such final rule.
  • February 21, 2017 – Federal Register Notice:
    On September 29, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition to add autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 014 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, 009, 011, and 013, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases, including various subtypes. The Administrator has published responses to the five previous petitions in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 014 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • February 14, 2017 from the Administrator about the STAC’s recommendations on the Policy and Procedures for Adding Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions and the Policy and Procedures for Adding Non-Cancer Conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.

    Note: The above link to the will take you to the official docket (ǿֹ-2016-0036) for this topic at .

  • December 15, 2016 – Federal Register Notice:
    In this action, the Administrator finalizes amendments to a number of existing sections in part 88, including provisions for appeals of enrollment decisions, appeals of certification, decertification, or treatment authorization decisions, and the addition of health conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Some existing language is moved into new sections for clarity. Finally, new language on disenrollment, decertification, appeals of reimbursement denials, and coordination of benefits and recoupment is added to part 88.
  • December 14, 2016 – Federal Register Notice:
    On April 11, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received two petitions (combined into Petition 012) to add atherosclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). The Program conducted a literature search for the term in response to the Petition and found no relevant studies regarding atherosclerosis among 9/11- exposed populations. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • November 25, 2016Petition letter requesting to add Neuropathy to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 15)
  • October 25, 2016 – Federal Register Notice:
    The ǿֹ is soliciting nominations for membership on the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Scientific/ Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
  • October 24, 2016 – Federal Register Notice:
    This notice invites comment on a proposed revision to the ‘‘World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Treatment, Appeals & Reimbursement’� information collection approved under OMB Control Number 0920�0891, which allows the collection of information from Program members and affiliated medical providers for the purpose of determining eligibility and providing treatment services in accordance with the James Zadroga 9/ 11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.
  • September 29, 2016Petition letter requesting to add Rheumatoid Arthritis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 14)
  • September 9, 2016Day of Remembrance: September 11, 2016
    The WTC Health Program recognizes the day of remembrance and acknowledges that at this time, memories of 9/11 are all around and it can make people feel anxious, worried, jittery and/or depressed. Listed are some ways to help ease those feelings during this time.
  • September 8, 2016 – Federal Register Notice:
    On April 4, 2016, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program received a petition (Petition 013) to add ‘‘relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (autoimmune)’� to the List of WTCRelated Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 013 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, 009, and 011, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases, including various subtypes. The Administrator recently published responses to the four previous petitions in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 013 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • August 17, 2016 – Notice of proposed rulemaking: Amendments to Definitions, Appeals, and Other Requirements. The Administrator of the WTC Health Program invites comment on this proposed rule from interested parties. Comments must be received by September 16, 2016.
  • August 10, 2016 – The WTC Health Program is introducing the web application. The new application will allow anyone to search for additional information about our posted research, as well as provide insight from the researchers behind it. The research conducted plays a vital role in the health conditions currently covered by the WTC Health Program.
  • August 4, 2016. – Final Rule Effective: Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
  • July 16, 2016
  • July 5, 2016
  • July 5, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: Final Rule: Addition of New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Traumatic Injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. This rule is effective on August 4, 2016. Peer Reviewer comments on new-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute traumatic injury are also available.
  • July 1, 2016Statement marking the five-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
  • May 9, 2016 – Press Release: Comedian John Stewart Featured in a New FealGood Foundation Video to Reach 9/11 Responders and Survivors.
    The FealGood Foundation announces a special collaboration with comedian Jon Stewart to help those affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. Mr. Stewart joined John Feal, President and Founder of the FealGood Foundation, in a short video promoting the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. View the video below, or watch it directly on
  • April 25, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On January 25, 2016, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 011) to add "autoimmune disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis" to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 011 is not substantially different from Petitions 007, 008, and 009, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published responses to Petitions 007, 008, and 009 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 011 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • April 11, 2016Petition letter requesting to add atherosclerosis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 012)
  • April 4, 2016Petition letter requesting to add multiple sclerosis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 013)
  • April 4, 2016 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On January 5, 2016, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 010) to add peripheral neuropathy to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions (List). Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add peripheral neuropathy to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • March 22, 2016
    Note: This link will take you to the official docket (ǿֹ-2016-0016) for this meeting at where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting.
  • March 17, 2016 – Update: WTC Health Program to Revise Policy and Procedures for Recoupment: Lump-Sum Workers' Compensation Settlements.
  • February 25, 2016.
    Nominations due by March 31, 2016.
  • January 25, 2016Petition letter requesting to add lupus and rheumatoid arthritis to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 011)
  • January 8, 2016Statement from the Administrator about the Reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.
  • January 5, 2016Petition letter requesting to add peripheral neuropathy to the list of WTC-related health conditions received (Petition 010)
  • December 18, 2015 – President Obama signed the �� (Public Law 114-113), which includes the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act.� Public Law 114-113 amends Title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 300mm � 300mm-61) to reauthorize the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for 75 years, ending in 2090.
  • December 1, 2015 – at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
    Note: This link will take you to the official docket (ǿֹ-2015-0090) for this meeting at where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting.
  • October 28, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On September 14, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 009) to add the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 009 is not substantially different from Petitions 007 and 008, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published responses to both Petition 007 and Petition 008 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 009 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • September 14, 2015Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases/multiple sclerosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 009)
  • September 11, 2015Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Add Two Health Conditions to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions: New-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Acute Traumatic Injury. This proposal for adding these conditions is available for public review and comment for 45 days beginning on September 11, 2015.
  • September 11, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Comments on this proposed rulemaking must be received by October 26, 2015.
  • July 10, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On May 11, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 008) to add autoimmune diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that Petition 008 is not substantially different from Petition 007, which also requested the addition of autoimmune diseases. The Administrator recently published a response to Petition 007 in the Federal Register and has determined that Petition 008 does not provide additional evidence of a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • July 1, 2015Statement from the Administrator about the four-year anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
  • June 8, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On April 6, 2015, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 007) to add certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissues diseases, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add certain autoimmune diseases to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • June 4, 2015 – at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
    Note: This link will take you to the official docket (ǿֹ-2015-0026) for this meeting at where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting.
  • May 11, 2015Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 008)
  • April 14, 2015 – Introduction of S.928: .
  • April 6, 2015Petition letter requesting to add autoimmune diseases/rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissues diseases to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 007)
  • February 24, 2015 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 31, 2015.
  • December 18, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On October 20, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add primary biliary cirrhosis (Petition 006) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add primary biliary cirrhosis to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • November 4, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On September 2, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add acoustic neuroma (Petition 005) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add acoustic neuroma to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • October 20, 2014Petition letter requesting to add primary biliary cirrhosis to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 006)
  • September 2, 2014Petition letter requesting to add acoustic neuroma to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 005)
  • August 29, 2014Statement from the Administrator about the  GAO Report on the WTC Health Program Approach Used to Add Cancers to List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
  • July 10, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    This submission will incorporate the World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Appeals & Reimbursement (0920�0891, expiration date 12/31/2014), and the World Trade Center Enrollment & Appeals—Pentagon & Shanksville (0920�1001, expiration date 12/31/2016) into one complete package which will be called the World Trade Center Health Program Enrollment, Appeals & Reimbursement. Upon OMB approval, 0920�1001 will be discontinued.

    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
  • July 1, 2014Statement from the Administrator about the third anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The changes of the past year are highlighted.
  • June 17, 2014Pre-Proposal Conference

    A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 1300 to 1500, to be held in New York City, NY at:

    Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
    26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Room
    New York City, NY 10278

    The purpose of the conference is to help ensure that potential Offerors fully understand the details of work, especially the Government interpretation of the Statement of Objectives. As time permits, potential Offerors will have an opportunity to comment on the details of the requirements. Attendance at the conference is encouraged, but not mandatory, since a formal solicitation amendment, to include an electronic copy of all questions asked/answered and sign-in sheet, will be posted to Federal Business Opportunities (www.fbo.gov) shortly thereafter (accordingly, no recording devices are authorized).

    In order to attend the pre-proposal conference vendors must submit a list of attendees to the Contracting Officer and Program Analyst no later than 1600EST, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Please send list to the following email addresses:

    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Contract award is estimated on or about 15 September 2014.
  • June 16, 2014 – Solicitation Notice: .
    Questions concerning this formal Request for Proposal shall be submitted electronically via email to the following address: [email protected] by 4:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, June 26, 2014. Answers to questions that ǿֹ/NIOSH determines to be necessary for proposal preparation will be returned via email on or about Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Technical questions submitted by telephone or verbally will not be honored. Please group your questions by RFP solicitation sections A through M.

    EACH question submitted by the Offeror shall be numbered and include:

    (1) SOW section number and/or title (including subparagraph designations) or solicitation section and/or title being referenced.
    (2) Complete description of the question

    NOTE: Questions submitted in chart or graph format will not be accepted.

    Proposal Submission
    Offerors shall deliver the proposal electronically to the following address no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

    [email protected]

    The proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind your organization.
  • June 2, 2014 – .
    This is a pre-solicitation notice. NIOSH does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice. This notice is for information and planning purposes only. NIOSH will not provide reimbursement of costs associated with any documentation or communication submitted in response to this notice. Any submitted documentation, upon delivery, becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. Questions or comments to this notice should be addressed to the Contracting Officer.

    This procurement, once a solicitation is released, will procure outreach and education services for the WTCHP in accordance with the attached DRAFT Request for Proposal and Statement of Objectives. Proposals will be due on or about 30 days from the date of the RFP release.

    A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 1300 to 1500, to be held in New York City, NY at:

    Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
    26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Room
    New York City, NY 10278
  • May 6, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On March 7, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition (Petition 004) to add ''heart attack,'' which the Administrator has interpreted to mean ''cardiovascular disease,'' to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that the available evidence does not have the potential to provide a basis for a decision on whether to add cardiovascular disease to the List. The Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • March 31, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On January 22, 2014, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition to add ''kidney damage'' (Petition 003) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The Administrator has not found sufficient scientific evidence to conduct an analysis of whether to add kidney damage and/or disease to the List. Accordingly, the Administrator finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), to publish a proposed rule, or to publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
  • March 12, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 31, 2014.
  • March 7, 2014Petition letter requesting to add cardiovascular disease to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 004)
  • February 18, 2014Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Recommendations to the WTC Health Program's Research Program.
  • February 18, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    No types of cancer covered by the WTC Health Program will be removed by this action; four types of cancer—malignant neoplasms of the brain, the cervix uteri, the pancreas, and the testis—are newly eligible for certification as WTC-related health conditions as a result of this action.
  • February 14, 2014Statement from the Administrator about the publication of an Interim Final Rule (IFR) which amends the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions found in the WTC Health Program regulations, and results in four specific cancers becoming eligible for coverage as WTC-related health conditions.
  • February 14, 2014
    Note: This link will take you to the official docket (ǿֹ-2014-0002) for this meeting at where you will find all items pertaining to this meeting.
  • January 31, 2014 – was released for an upcoming Outreach and Education Support requirement for the WTC Health Program. The notice is located on the Federal Business Opportunities website (). The notice number is HHS-ǿֹ-NIOSH-SS-14-0001. This notice will remain posted until February 28, 2014.
  • January 30, 2014 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by March 14, 2014.
  • January 22, 2014Petition letter requesting to add kidney damage to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 003)
  • January 17, 2014 – February 14, 2014 – Teleconference/Web Conference Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
    The next meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee will be held on February 14, 2014. The meeting is open to the public and comments from the public are welcome. The agenda for the meeting includes a brief update on the policies and regulations developed by the WTC Health Program and development of recommendations for research. More details regarding the meeting can be found on the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Meetings page.
  • November 27, 2013 – .
    On November 13, 2013, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed significant protections for World Trade Center workers into the New York State Workers' Compensation Law. The New York state legislation extends and enhances the state's workers' compensation eligibility and benefits to World Trade Center workers.
  • September 23, 2013WTC Health Program—Notice of Privacy Practices.
    This notice describes how medical information about WTC Health Program members may be used and disclosed and how WTC Health Program members can get access to this information. The effective date for this notice is Monday, September 30, 2013.
  • September 19, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: .
    On May 2, 2013, the Administrator of the WTC Health Program received a petition requesting the addition of prostate cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions covered in the WTC Health Program. In this final rule, the Administrator adds malignant neoplasm of the prostate (prostate cancer) to the List in the WTC Health Program regulations. This rule will go into effect on October 21, 2013.
  • July 31, 2013Policy and Procedures for Recoupment & Coordination of Benefits: Workers' Compensation Payment.
    Defines the policies and procedures to be used by the WTC Health Program to identify and seek recoupment of funds from workers' compensation when available. It imposes duties on Responders, Centers for Clinic Excellence, Workers' Compensation Insurers and other employers providing illness and injury benefits to Responders. The effective date for this policy is September 1, 2013.
  • July 3, 2013Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Addition of Prostate Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions
  • July 3, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by August 9, 2013. Note: This notice supersedes the following documents published in the Federal Register: June 11, 2013 Volume 78, Number 112, Pages 35036�35037; June 21, 2013 Volume 78, Number 120, Page 37542; and June 28, 2013 Volume 78, Number 125, Page 38983. Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by August 9, 2013.
  • July 2, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: .
  • July 1, 2013Statement from the Administrator about the second anniversary of the WTC Health Program. The changes of the past year are highlighted.
  • June 28, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Correction: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
    Correction to the June 21, 2013, Federal Register Notice. Announcement corrected the name of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.
  • June 21, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Correction: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
    Correction to the June 11, 2013, Federal Register notice. The closing date for receipt of nominations was omitted. Nominations must be submitted (postmarked or electronically received) by July 26, 2013.
  • June 11, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: Request for Nominations to Serve on the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
  • May 1, 2013 – Pentagon and Shanksville, PA Crash Site Responders: Applications Now Being Accepted: Applications are now being accepted for program benefits for responders to the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA crash sites�How to Apply.
  • April 30, 2013Petition letter requesting to add prostate cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions received (Petition 002)
  • April 17, 2013 – Federal Register Notice: .
    Change in certification requirements, effective April 17, 2013, are described.
  • March 28, 2013Statement from the Administrator about the Federal Register Interim Final Rule on the eligibility criteria for responders to receive care and treatment following the terrorist attacks at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
  • March 28, 2013 – Federal Register Notice:
  • December 10, 2012Clarification: FOA Number PAR-12-126: .
    The maximum funding period for the FY 13 Announcement "Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)" is for up to three years. The table under the Research Objectives in Section I of the announcement will be amended to so that the long-term project period will be up to three years. The total cost per year for long-term projects will remain the same in the table.
  • November 21, 2012 – .
  • October 12, 2012WTC Health Program: Information Resources for Physicians, Members, and the Public on the Addition of Cancer.
    Over 50 types of cancer are now included on the list of WTC-Related Health Conditions covered by the WTC Health Program.
  • October 12, 2012 – Federal Register Notice:
  • October 1, 2012 – The WTC Health Program is now able to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits for survivors who live outside the New York City metropolitan area. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
  • September 12, 2012Statement from the Administrator about the Final Rule for the addition of cancer to the WTC Health Program
  • September 12, 2012 – Federal Register Notice:
  • July 26, 2012 – .
    This Notice updates PAR-12-126 to inform applicants who plan to submit FY13 applications for “Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program� (PAR-12-126) awards about changes in the Application Receipt Date and the Letter of Intent Receipt Date.
  • July 2, 2012Statement from the Administrator about the one-year anniversary of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
  • June 13, 2012 – Federal Register Notice:
  • April 25, 2012 – Federal Register Notice:
  • April 2, 2012Statement from the Administrator about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the list of WTC-related health conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program and what are the next steps for the Administrator in the petition process.
  • March 31, 2012Letter from the STAC to the Administrator about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program.
  • March 28, 2012Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
  • March 23, 2012 – .
    The purpose of this announcement is to support research projects and epidemiologic studies to help answer critical questions about physical and mental health conditions related to the September 2001 terrorist attacks including: biomarkers of exposures or health outcomes; epidemiologic studies; exposure-response relationships; improvements in diagnosis and treatment; patterns of illness (age, gender, etc.); risk factors for disease; and other research studies on WTC-related health conditions or emerging conditions.
  • March 21, 2012Letter from the Administrator to the STAC about the STAC's recommendation on whether cancer or specific cancers should be added to the list of WTC-related health conditions eligible for treatment under the WTC Health Program.
  • March 2, 2012 – NIOSH Update: Extension of the World Trade Center Health Registry
    NIOSH plans to extend funding for the World Trade Center Health Registry which is managed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through a cooperative agreement. Continuing the registry will ensure on-going data collection for victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The registry will continue to provide a central, unified database to help assess health effects among persons exposed to the WTC disaster.
  • February 15-16, 2012Meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
  • February 2012World Trade Center Chemicals of Potential Concern and Selected Other Chemical Agents: Summary of Cancer Classifications by the National Toxicology Program and International Agency for Research on Cancer (DHHS Publication Number: 2012-115) published.
  • January 24, 2012Teleconference/Web Conference meeting of the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee--CANCELLED and rescheduled for February 15-16, 2012, at Jacob J. Javits Federal Building, New York, NY.
  • January 23, 2012Letter from the Survivor Steering Committee about WTC Health Program research needs.