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Following the attacks on 9/11/2001, a number of health issues arose in the population of residents and workers present. Dust and other toxins inhaled from the rubble created a number of respiratory issues. The need for monitoring of these, and other, health conditions is what lead to the need for such a policy. Without the policy in place, victims would need to fund their own healthcare, and with the large number of affected people, the price would be more or less ridiculous to force on people. 

The policy was created in response to adverse health effects of the 9/11/2001 attacks in NYC. The act is an ammendment ot the Public Health Service Act.

This policy applies to "individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001" The policy further specifies emergency responders, recovery workers, cleanup workers, residents, building occupants, and area workers in NYC.,

This act provides ongoing support to the first responders and other professionals involved in the rescue efforts of 9/11/2001. The adverse health affects are still being discovered 15 years after the attacks, and the EMS community is still in need of the support provided. This policy also outlines a precedent for future attacks. In the event of another large-scale act of terrorism, the responders would likely receive similar support and "compensation" for the affects that might have them. 

This document was drafted and approved by the 111th US Congress

The Act is hailed by many as important in supporting the emergency services community. In 2015, the Act was reauthorized for an additional 75 years of support, something many fought for as the deadline approached for the renewal and nothing had been discussed. Numerous articles cite the importance of the policy in protecting and supporting victims of the attack's lasting affects. 

The policy establishes the World Trade Center Health Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides “medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers… who responded to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and… initial health evaluation, monitoring, and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers in New York City who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks”

The program also establishes measures to prevent Fraud and a Quality Assurance program was also implemented. This includes measures to assure adherence to protocol, appropriate referrals, prompt communication of results to patients, and any other elements the program administrator deems necessary, with consultation from other sources.

The policy definitely provides a good amount of suport for a large amount of people affected. However, certain populations are left out of this. The large number of transiet persons, as well as non-resident people, in New York City is enourmous. These people were surely affected by the attacks, but are not included in the policy. This is, of course, understandable, as tracking the presence of these people's is nearly impossible nearly 10 years after the attacks. Regardless, it is a flaw in the policy.