§254c–20. Expanding capacity for health outcomes
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" 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.
(2) Health professional shortage area
The term "health professional shortage area" means a health professional shortage area designated under section 254e of this title.
(3) Indian Tribe
The terms "Indian Tribe" and "Tribal organization" have the meanings given the terms "Indian tribe" and "tribal organization" in section 5304 of title 25.
(4) Medically underserved population
The term "medically underserved population" has the meaning given the term in section 254b(b)(3) of this title.
(5) Native Americans
The term "Native Americans" has the meaning given the term in section 293 of this title and includes Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
(6) Technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model
The term "technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model" 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.
(7) Urban Indian organization
The term "urban Indian organization" has the meaning given the term in section 1603 of title 25.
(b) Program established
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.
(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
Grants awarded under subsection (b) shall be for a period of up to 5 years.
(e) Grant requirements
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).
(f) Application
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.
(g) Access to broadband
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.
(h) Technical assistance
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.
(i) Research and evaluation
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.
(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
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §330N, as added