{"identifier":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320","title":42,"num":"\u00a7\u202f254c\u201320.","heading":"Expanding capacity for health outcomes","text":"\u00a7\u202f254c\u201320.\nExpanding capacity for health outcomes\n(a)\nDefinitions\nIn this section:\n(1)\nEligible entity\nThe term \u201celigible entity\u201d means an entity that provides, or supports the provision of, health care services in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas, or to medically underserved populations or Native Americans, including Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, and which may include entities leading, or capable of leading, a technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model or engaging in technology-enabled collaborative training of participants in such model.\n(2)\nHealth professional shortage area\nThe term \u201chealth professional shortage area\u201d means a health professional shortage area designated under\nsection 254e of this title\n(3)\nIndian Tribe\nThe terms \u201cIndian Tribe\u201d and \u201cTribal organization\u201d have the meanings given the terms \u201cIndian tribe\u201d and \u201ctribal organization\u201d in\nsection 5304 of title 25\n(4)\nMedically underserved population\nThe term \u201cmedically underserved population\u201d has the meaning given the term in\nsection 254b(b)(3) of this title\n(5)\nNative Americans\nThe term \u201cNative Americans\u201d has the meaning given the term in\nsection 293 of this title\n(6)\nTechnology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model\nThe term \u201ctechnology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model\u201d means a distance health education model that connects health care professionals, and particularly specialists, with multiple other health care professionals through simultaneous interactive videoconferencing for the purpose of facilitating case-based learning, disseminating best practices, and evaluating outcomes.\n(7)\nUrban Indian organization\nThe term \u201curban Indian organization\u201d has the meaning given the term in\nsection 1603 of title 25\n(b)\nProgram established\nThe Secretary shall, as appropriate, award grants to evaluate, develop, and, as appropriate, expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, to improve retention of health care providers and increase access to health care services, such as those to address chronic diseases and conditions, infectious diseases, mental health, substance use disorders, prenatal and maternal health, pediatric care, pain management, palliative care, and other specialty care in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas and for medically underserved populations or Native Americans.\n(c)\nUse of funds\n(1)\nIn general\nGrants awarded under subsection (b) shall be used for\u2014\n(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;\n(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\n(C) other activities consistent with achieving the objectives of the grants awarded under this section, as determined by the Secretary.\n(2)\nOther uses\nIn addition to any of the uses under paragraph (1), grants awarded under subsection (b) may be used for\u2014\n(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\n(B) support for health care providers and other professionals that provide or assist in the provision of services through such models.\n(d)\nLength of grants\nGrants awarded under subsection (b) shall be for a period of up to 5 years.\n(e)\nGrant requirements\nThe Secretary may require entities awarded a grant under this section to collect information on the effect of the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, such as on health outcomes, access to health care services, quality of care, and provider retention in areas and populations described in subsection (b). The Secretary may award a grant or contract to assist in the coordination of such models, including to assess outcomes associated with the use of such models in grants awarded under subsection (b), including for the purpose described in subsection (c)(1)(B).\n(f)\nApplication\nAn eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include plans to assess the effect of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models on patient outcomes and health care providers.\n(g)\nAccess to broadband\nIn administering grants under this section, the Secretary may coordinate with other agencies to ensure that funding opportunities are available to support access to reliable, high-speed internet for grantees.\n(h)\nTechnical assistance\nThe Secretary shall provide (either directly through the Department of Health and Human Services or by contract) technical assistance to eligible entities, including recipients of grants under subsection (b), on the development, use, and evaluation of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models in order to expand access to health care services provided by such entities, including for medically underserved areas and to medically underserved populations or Native Americans.\n(i)\nResearch and evaluation\nThe Secretary, in consultation with stakeholders with appropriate expertise in such models, shall develop a strategic plan to research and evaluate the evidence for such models. The Secretary shall use such plan to inform the activities carried out under this section.\n(j)\nReport by Secretary\nNot later than 4 years after\n(1) a description of any new and continuing grants awarded to entities under subsection (b) and the specific purpose and amounts of such grants;\n(2) an overview of\u2014\n(A) the evaluations conducted under subsections (b);\n(B) technical assistance provided under subsection (h); and\n(C) activities conducted by entities awarded grants under subsection (b); and\n(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).\n(k)\nAuthorization of appropriations\nThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.","url":"https://projectusc.org/usc/t42/s254c\u201320.html","content":[{"t":"sec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320","children":[{"t":"num","text":"\u00a7\u202f254c\u201320."},{"t":"heading","text":"Expanding capacity for health outcomes"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(a)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Definitions"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"In this section:"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Eligible entity"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201celigible entity\u201d means an entity that provides, or supports the provision of, health care services in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas, or to medically underserved populations or Native Americans, including Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, and which may include entities leading, or capable of leading, a technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model or engaging in technology-enabled collaborative training of participants in such model.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Health professional shortage area"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201chealth professional shortage area\u201d means a health professional shortage area designated under ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 254e of this title","href":"/us/usc/t42/s254e","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Indian Tribe"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The terms \u201cIndian Tribe\u201d and \u201cTribal organization\u201d have the meanings given the terms \u201cIndian tribe\u201d and \u201ctribal organization\u201d in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 5304 of title 25","href":"/us/usc/t25/s5304","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/4","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(4)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Medically underserved population"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cmedically underserved population\u201d has the meaning given the term in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 254b(b)(3) of this title","href":"/us/usc/t42/s254b/b/3","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/5","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(5)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Native Americans"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cNative Americans\u201d has the meaning given the term in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 293 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t42/s293","tail":" and includes Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/6","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(6)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctechnology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model\u201d means a distance health education model that connects health care professionals, and particularly specialists, with multiple other health care professionals through simultaneous interactive videoconferencing for the purpose of facilitating case-based learning, disseminating best practices, and evaluating outcomes.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/a/7","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(7)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Urban Indian organization"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201curban Indian organization\u201d has the meaning given the term in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 1603 of title 25","href":"/us/usc/t25/s1603","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/b","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(b)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Program established"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary shall, as appropriate, award grants to evaluate, develop, and, as appropriate, expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, to improve retention of health care providers and increase access to health care services, such as those to address chronic diseases and conditions, infectious diseases, mental health, substance use disorders, prenatal and maternal health, pediatric care, pain management, palliative care, and other specialty care in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas and for medically underserved populations or Native Americans.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(c)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Use of funds"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"Grants awarded under subsection (b) shall be used for\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/1/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" 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;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/1/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" 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","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/1/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" other activities consistent with achieving the objectives of the grants awarded under this section, as determined by the Secretary.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Other uses"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"In addition to any of the uses under paragraph (1), grants awarded under subsection (b) may be used for\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/2/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" 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","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/c/2/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" support for health care providers and other professionals that provide or assist in the provision of services through such models.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/d","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(d)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Length of grants"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Grants awarded under subsection (b) shall be for a period of up to 5 years.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/e","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(e)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Grant requirements"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary may require entities awarded a grant under this section to collect information on the effect of the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, such as on health outcomes, access to health care services, quality of care, and provider retention in areas and populations described in subsection (b). The Secretary may award a grant or contract to assist in the coordination of such models, including to assess outcomes associated with the use of such models in grants awarded under subsection (b), including for the purpose described in subsection (c)(1)(B).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/f","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(f)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Application"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include plans to assess the effect of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models on patient outcomes and health care providers.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/g","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(g)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Access to broadband"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"In administering grants under this section, the Secretary may coordinate with other agencies to ensure that funding opportunities are available to support access to reliable, high-speed internet for grantees.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/h","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(h)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Technical assistance"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary shall provide (either directly through the Department of Health and Human Services or by contract) technical assistance to eligible entities, including recipients of grants under subsection (b), on the development, use, and evaluation of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models in order to expand access to health care services provided by such entities, including for medically underserved areas and to medically underserved populations or Native Americans.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/i","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(i)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Research and evaluation"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary, in consultation with stakeholders with appropriate expertise in such models, shall develop a strategic plan to research and evaluate the evidence for such models. The Secretary shall use such plan to inform the activities carried out under this section.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(j)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Report by Secretary"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"Not later than 4 years after ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"December 27, 2020","tail":", 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\u2014"}]},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" a description of any new and continuing grants awarded to entities under subsection (b) and the specific purpose and amounts of such grants;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"chapeau","text":" an overview of\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/2/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" the evaluations conducted under subsections (b);","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/2/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" technical assistance provided under subsection (h); and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/2/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" activities conducted by entities awarded grants under subsection (b); and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/j/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"content","text":" 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).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t42/s254c\u201320/k","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(k)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Authorization of appropriations"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"text","text":"\n"}]}]}