CDC/NIOSH final rule expands WTC Health Program responder eligibility for Pentagon and Shanksville sites and adds statutory enrollment cap

CDC/NIOSH finalized revisions to 42 CFR Part 88 (WTC Health Program) to align program regulations with statutory changes, expanding eligibility for responders at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania sites by adding additional eligible responder classes (including certain Department of Defense/other federal agency employees, certain federal contractor employees, and members of regular/reserve uniformed services). The final rule also implements a statutory cap of 500 total enrollees under the expanded eligibility criteria at any time and makes conforming/definition updates. Organizations that support potentially eligible populations and program administrators should update eligibility screening, outreach, and enrollment procedures consistent with the revised regulatory text and cap mechanics.