42 USC 254c-20 - Expanding capacity for health outcomes

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 254c–20.

Expanding capacity for health outcomes

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Eligible entity

(2)

Health professional shortage area

(3)

Indian Tribe

(4)

Medically underserved population

(5)

Native Americans

(6)

Technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model

(7)

Urban Indian organization

(b)

Program established

(c)

Use of funds

(1)

In general

Grants awarded under subsection (b) shall be used for—

(A)

the development and acquisition of instructional programming, and the training of health care providers and other professionals that provide or assist in the provision of services through models described in subsection (b), such as training on best practices for data collection and leading or participating in such technology-enabled activities consistent with technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity-building models;

(B)

information collection and evaluation activities to study the impact of such models on patient outcomes and health care providers, and to identify best practices for the expansion and use of such models; or

(C)

other activities consistent with achieving the objectives of the grants awarded under this section, as determined by the Secretary.

(2)

Other uses

In addition to any of the uses under paragraph (1), grants awarded under subsection (b) may be used for—

(A)

equipment to support the use and expansion of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, including for hardware and software that enables distance learning, health care provider support, and the secure exchange of electronic health information; or

(B)

support for health care providers and other professionals that provide or assist in the provision of services through such models.

(d)

Length of grants

(e)

Grant requirements

(f)

Application

(g)

Access to broadband

(h)

Technical assistance

(i)

Research and evaluation

(j)

Report by Secretary

Not later than 4 years after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and post on the internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services, a report including, at minimum—

(1)

a description of any new and continuing grants awarded to entities under subsection (b) and the specific purpose and amounts of such grants;

(2)

an overview of—

(A)

the evaluations conducted under subsections (b);

(B)

technical assistance provided under subsection (h); and

(C)

activities conducted by entities awarded grants under subsection (b); and

(3)

a description of any significant findings or developments related to patient outcomes or health care providers and best practices for eligible entities expanding, using, or evaluating technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, including through the activities described in subsection (h).

(k)

Authorization of appropriations

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 330N, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. BB, title III, § 313, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2927.)

cite as: 42 USC 254c-20