H.R. 6977: Better Care for PFAS Patients Act of 2026

The "Better Care for PFAS Patients Act of 2026" aims to improve understanding and guidance on the health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here’s a summary of its key components:

Establishing Assessments and Recommendations

The bill mandates that the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry enter into an agreement with a scientific body, such as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This body will be responsible for:

• Assessing the health effects of PFAS found in human tissues.
• Formulating clinical recommendations on how to address those health effects.
• Completing the initial health assessment and recommendations within two years of the agreement.
• Updating the assessment and recommendations every five years, or more frequently if needed based on scientific findings.

Community Engagement

During the assessments, the chosen entity is required to engage with communities that have been exposed to PFAS. This includes:

• Soliciting input from these communities about their experiences regarding PFAS exposure.
• Considering their input in developing recommendations and guidance.

Issuing Up-to-Date Guidance

Based on the assessments and recommendations, the bill requires the Director to:

• Issue updated clinical guidance on managing the health effects of PFAS within five years of entering the agreement.
• Make this guidance publicly available on the Agency’s website.
• Disseminate the guidance to state and local public health authorities and relevant healthcare professionals.
• Continue to update and disseminate this guidance every five years, or more often if determined necessary by the Director.

Timing for Implementation

The agreement for the assessment must be initiated no later than 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Aim of the Legislation

The overall goal of the bill is to enhance clinical understanding and improve patient care for individuals affected by PFAS exposure, which has been linked to various health issues.

Relevant Companies

• DOW: DOW is involved in the production of PFAS and may face regulatory changes and associated costs if the legislation leads to stricter controls and requirements.
• MMM: 3M has been a prominent manufacturer of PFAS products and could be affected by increased scrutiny and possible litigation related to PFAS health impacts.