Protecting Tennessee Firefighters: Understanding the Expanded Barry Brady Act
This isn’t just another policy. It’s a practical framework to help departments of every size act early, stay compliant, and safeguard their firefighters.
Barry Brady Act Compliance Overview
The expanded Barry Brady Act applies to career, combination, and volunteer fire departments across Tennessee. It establishes presumptive coverage for seven cancers and requires annual screening aligned with NFPA 1582 standards.
What compliance means in practice:
- Annual Cancer Screenings: Departments must provide access to medical screenings for the seven types of covered cancer.
- NFPA 1582 Alignment: Screenings must meet or exceed NFPA 1582 medical evaluation standards.
- Recordkeeping: Departments must maintain simple records showing which firefighters participated and when.
- Cost Responsibility: Departments, not individual firefighters, are responsible for covering the cost of screenings.
- Ongoing Implementation: This is an annual compliance requirement, not a one-time initiative.
Covered cancers: pancreatic, breast, prostate, testicular, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and mesothelioma.
Who must comply: All Tennessee fire departments, including volunteer, combination, and career agencies.
NFPA 1582 Screening Requirements Explained
The Barry Brady Act requires screenings that meet NFPA 1582, the national medical standard for firefighter health and fitness.
In plain language, NFPA 1582 screening includes:
- A targeted medical history and physical exam focused on cancer risk factors.
- Age- and risk-based lab testing and imaging relevant to covered cancers.
- Physician review and documentation of results.
- Defined follow-up steps when abnormal findings occur.
- A documented medical clearance or referral for further evaluation.
For Barry Brady Act compliance, departments should:
- Use a qualified provider familiar with NFPA 1582 protocols.
- Ensure the provider documents that the screening meets NFPA 1582 standards.
- Keep copies of provider certifications or documentation for internal records.
Note: NFPA 1582 is not a state law, but it is the referenced standard required for compliance with the Act. Using a compliant provider keeps your department protected.
Cost-Effective Compliance for Every Department
Costs for Barry Brady Act compliance can vary based on department size, provider, and program scope. To support budgeting efforts, the Barry Brady Act Cost Planning Guide offers a clear overview of typical market pricing and cost-saving options for Tennessee departments.
Download the Barry Brady Act Cost Planning Guide
To learn how on-site screenings can meet the Barry Brady Act and NFPA 1582 requirements efficiently, visit our Firefighter Health Screening Programs page.
How Departments Are Successfully Implementing the Act
Across the state, departments are taking a phased approach to roll this out effectively:
Weeks 1–3: Identify a provider that meets NFPA 1582 standards. Review your roster and plan logistics.
Weeks 4–6: Launch a pilot with a core group of senior firefighters or leadership to set expectations and build support.
Weeks 7–12: Expand the screenings department-wide. Document completion and submit compliance records.
Annually: Repeat screenings, maintain documentation, and build it into your wellness calendar.
Chiefs who’ve gone this route report that the structure actually simplifies operational planning over time, instead of adding to it.
How PHS Mobile Health Solutions Can Help
For more than 60 years, PHS Mobile Health Services has helped fire departments nationwide protect firefighter health through reliable, on-site medical programs. Our team works closely with departments to make NFPA 1582-compliant screenings straightforward to implement, document, and maintain—while staying mindful of operational and budget constraints.
Support We Provide:
- On-site screenings for all seven Barry Brady Act cancer types
- NFPA 1582-compliant documentation and reporting
- Pilot program support to build internal buy-in
- Flexible scheduling to minimize disruption
- Cost-conscious compliance solutions for volunteer and combination departments
To learn more about how PHS Mobile Health Solutions can support your department’s Barry Brady Act compliance efforts, contact us today.