42 USC CHAPTER 6A, SUBCHAPTER V, Part E, subpart 1: health professions workforce information and analysis
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42 USC CHAPTER 6A, SUBCHAPTER V, Part E, subpart 1: health professions workforce information and analysis
From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 6A—PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICESUBCHAPTER V—HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATIONPart E—Health Professions and Public Health Workforce

subpart 1—health professions workforce information and analysis


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Funding for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Training for Health Care Professionals, Paraprofessionals, and Public Safety Officers

Pub. L. 117–2, title II, §2703, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 46, provided that:

"(a) In General.—In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $80,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the purpose described in subsection (b).

"(b) Use of Funding.—The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall, taking into consideration the needs of rural and medically underserved communities, use amounts appropriated by subsection (a) to award grants or contracts to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities (or consortia of entities, including entities promoting multidisciplinary approaches), to plan, develop, operate, or participate in health professions and nursing training activities for health care students, residents, professionals, paraprofessionals, trainees, and public safety officers, and employers of such individuals, in evidence-informed strategies for reducing and addressing suicide, burnout, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders among health care professionals."

Funding for Education and Awareness Campaign Encouraging Healthy Work Conditions and Use of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services by Health Care Professionals

Pub. L. 117–2, title II, §2704, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 46, provided that:

"(a) In General.—In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $20,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the purpose described in subsection (b).

"(b) Use of Funds.—The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with the medical professional community, shall use amounts appropriated by subsection (a) to carry out a national evidence-based education and awareness campaign directed at health care professionals and first responders (such as emergency medical service providers), and employers of such professionals and first responders. Such awareness campaign shall—

"(1) encourage primary prevention of mental health conditions and substance use disorders and secondary and tertiary prevention by encouraging health care professionals to seek support and treatment for their own mental health and substance use concerns; and

"(2) help such professionals to identify risk factors in themselves and others and respond to such risks."

Funding for Grants for Health Care Providers To Promote Mental Health Among Their Health Professional Workforce

Pub. L. 117–2, title II, §2705, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 46, provided that:

"(a) In General.—In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $40,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the purpose described in subsection (b).

"(b) Use of Funds.—The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall, taking into consideration the needs of rural and medically underserved communities, use amounts appropriated by subsection (a) to award grants or contracts to entities providing health care, including health care providers associations and Federally qualified health centers, to establish, enhance, or expand evidence-informed programs or protocols to promote mental health among their providers, other personnel, and members."

§294n. Health professions workforce information and analysis

(a) Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to—

(1) provide for the development of information describing the health professions workforce and the analysis of workforce related issues; and

(2) provide necessary information for decision-making regarding future directions in health professions and nursing programs in response to societal and professional needs.

(b) National Center for Health Care Workforce Analysis

(1) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (referred to in this section as the "National Center").

(2) Purposes

The National Center, in coordination to the extent practicable with the National Health Care Workforce Commission (established in section 294q of this title), and relevant regional and State centers and agencies, shall—

(A) provide for the development of information describing and analyzing the health care workforce and workforce related issues;

(B) carry out the activities under section 295k(a) of this title;

(C) annually evaluate programs under this subchapter;

(D) develop and publish performance measures and benchmarks for programs under this subchapter; and

(E) establish, maintain, and publicize a national Internet registry of each grant awarded under this subchapter and a database to collect data from longitudinal evaluations (as described in subsection (d)(2)) on performance measures (as developed under sections 293l(d)(3), 294f(d)(3), and 294o(a)(3) of this title).

(3) Collaboration and data sharing

(A) In general

The National Center shall collaborate with Federal agencies and relevant professional and educational organizations or societies for the purpose of linking data regarding grants awarded under this subchapter.

(B) Contracts for health workforce analysis

For the purpose of carrying out the activities described in subparagraph (A), the National Center may enter into contracts with relevant professional and educational organizations or societies.

(c) State and regional Centers for Health Workforce Analysis

(1) In general

The Secretary shall award grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities for purposes of—

(A) collecting, analyzing, and reporting data regarding programs under this subchapter to the National Center and to the public; and

(B) providing technical assistance to local and regional entities on the collection, analysis, and reporting of data.

(2) Eligible entities

To be eligible for a grant or contract under this subsection, an entity shall—

(A) be a State, a State workforce investment board, a public health or health professions school, an academic health center, or an appropriate public or private nonprofit entity; and

(B) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(d) Increase in grants for longitudinal evaluations

(1) In general

The Secretary shall increase the amount awarded to an eligible entity under this subchapter for a longitudinal evaluation of individuals who have received education, training, or financial assistance from programs under this subchapter.

(2) Capability

A longitudinal evaluation shall be capable of—

(A) studying practice patterns; and

(B) collecting and reporting data on performance measures developed under sections 293l(d)(3), 294f(d)(3), and 294o(a)(3) of this title.

(3) Guidelines

A longitudinal evaluation shall comply with guidelines issued under sections 293l(d)(4), 294f(d)(4), and 294o(a)(4) of this title.

(4) Eligible entities

To be eligible to obtain an increase under this section, an entity shall be a recipient of a grant or contract under this subchapter.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

(A) National Center

To carry out subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated $5,663,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

(B) State and regional Centers

To carry out subsection (c), there are authorized to be appropriated $4,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.

(C) Grants for longitudinal evaluations

To carry out subsection (d), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010 through 2014.

(2) Reservation

Of the amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not less than $600,000 for conducting health professions research and for carrying out data collection and analysis in accordance with section 295k of this title.

(3) Availability of additional funds

Amounts otherwise appropriated for programs or activities under this subchapter may be used for activities under subsection (b) with respect to the programs or activities from which such amounts were made available.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §761, as added Pub. L. 105–392, title I, §104(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3552; amended Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5103(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, §3401(9), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 386.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294n, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §776, as added Pub. L. 102–408, title I, §102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 2050, and amended, which related to grants and contracts to provide health care for individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, was renumbered section 2692 of title XXVI of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 104–146, §3(h)(3), May 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1364, and transferred to section 300ff–111 of this title.

Another prior section 294n, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §741, as added Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–129, §2(b), 77 Stat. 171; amended Oct. 13, 1964, Pub. L. 88–654, §1(c), (d), 78 Stat. 1086; Oct. 22, 1965, Pub. L. 89–290, §4(b), (f)(3), (4), (g)(1), 79 Stat. 1057, 1058; Nov. 2, 1966, Pub. L. 89–709, §3(c), (d), 80 Stat. 1103; Nov. 3, 1966, Pub. L. 89–751, §4, 80 Stat. 1230; Aug. 16, 1968, Pub. L. 90–490, title I, §121(a)(3), (4), (5)(A), 82 Stat. 777; Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–157, title I, §105(b)–(d), (e)(4), (f)(2), 85 Stat. 449–451; Oct. 27, 1972, Pub. L. 92–585, §4, 86 Stat. 1293; Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §§403(a), (b), (d), 407(d)(1), 90 Stat. 2266, 2267, 2279; Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(e)(1), (2), 91 Stat. 390; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVII, §2735, 95 Stat. 920; Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(a)(2), (3), (b), (c)(1), (d)–(f), 99 Stat. 532, 534; Nov. 4, 1988, Pub. L. 100–607, title VI, §§603(b), (c), 628(8), 629(b)(2), 102 Stat. 3125, 3145, 3146; Nov. 16, 1990, Pub. L. 101–597, title IV, §401(b)[(a)], 104 Stat. 3035, outlined provisions for loans from a student loan fund, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408. See section 292r of this title.

A prior section 761 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 294 of this title prior to the general amendment of part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–392.

Another prior section 761 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 294cc of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

Another prior section 761 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–129.

Another prior section 761 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295 of this title prior to the general amendment of part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 91–696.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(9)(A), substituted "$5,663,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025" for "$7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(9)(B), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "subsection (a)".

2010—Subsecs. (b) to (e). Pub. L. 111–148, §5103(a)(1), (2), added subsecs. (b) to (d), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (e), and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to award of grants or contracts.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 111–148, §5103(a)(3)(A), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $750,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2002."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 111–148, §5103(a)(4), which directed amendment of "paragraph (2)", without specifying the subsec. to be amended, by substituting "paragraph (1)" for "subsection (a)", could not be executed.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5103(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 605, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2010], the responsibilities and resources of the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, as in effect on the date before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be transferred to the National Center for Health Care Workforce Analysis established under section 761 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 294n], as amended by subsection (a)."

§294o. Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education

(a) Establishment; duties

There is established the Council on Graduate Medical Education (in this section referred to as the "Council"). The Council shall—

(1) make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the "Secretary"), and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, with respect to—

(A) the supply and distribution of physicians in the United States;

(B) current and future shortages or excesses of physicians in medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties;

(C) issues relating to foreign medical school graduates;

(D) appropriate Federal policies with respect to the matters specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), including policies concerning changes in the financing of undergraduate and graduate medical education programs and changes in the types of medical education training in graduate medical education programs;

(E) appropriate efforts to be carried out by hospitals, schools of medicine, schools of osteopathic medicine, and accrediting bodies with respect to the matters specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), including efforts for changes in undergraduate and graduate medical education programs; and

(F) deficiencies in, and needs for improvements in, existing data bases concerning the supply and distribution of, and postgraduate training programs for, physicians in the United States and steps that should be taken to eliminate those deficiencies;


(2) encourage entities providing graduate medical education to conduct activities to voluntarily achieve the recommendations of the Council under paragraph (1)(E);

(3) develop, publish, and implement performance measures for programs under this subchapter, except for programs under part C or D;

(4) develop and publish guidelines for longitudinal evaluations (as described in section 294n(d)(2) of this title) for programs under this subchapter, except for programs under part C or D; and

(5) recommend appropriation levels for programs under this subchapter, except for programs under part C or D.

(b) Composition

The Council shall be composed of—

(1) the Assistant Secretary for Health or the designee of the Assistant Secretary;

(2) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services;

(3) the Chief Medical Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(4) the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration;

(5) 6 members appointed by the Secretary to include representatives of practicing primary care physicians, national and specialty physician organizations, foreign medical graduates, and medical student and house staff associations;

(6) 4 members appointed by the Secretary to include representatives of schools of medicine and osteopathic medicine and public and private teaching hospitals; and

(7) 4 members appointed by the Secretary to include representatives of health insurers, business, and labor.

(c) Terms of appointed members

(1) In general; staggered rotation

Members of the Council appointed under paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of subsection (b) shall be appointed for a term of 4 years, except that the term of office of the members first appointed shall expire, as designated by the Secretary at the time of appointment, 4 at the end of 1 year, 4 at the end of 2 years, 3 at the end of 3 years, and 3 at the end of 4 years.

(2) Date certain for appointment

The Secretary shall appoint the first members to the Council under paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of subsection (b) within 60 days after October 13, 1992.

(d) Chair

The Council shall elect one of its members as Chairman of the Council.

(e) Quorum

Nine members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

(f) Vacancies

Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect its power to function.

(g) Compensation

Each member of the Council who is not otherwise employed by the United States Government shall receive compensation at a rate equal to the daily rate prescribed for GS–18 under the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5 for each day, including traveltime,1 such member is engaged in the actual performance of duties as a member of the Council. A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States Government shall serve without additional compensation. All members of the Council shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

(h) Certain authorities and duties

(1) Authorities

In order to carry out the provisions of this section, the Council is authorized to—

(A) collect such information, hold such hearings, and sit and act at such times and places, either as a whole or by subcommittee, and request the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents as the Council or such subcommittee may consider available; and

(B) request the cooperation and assistance of Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, and such departments, agencies, and instrumentalities are authorized to provide such cooperation and assistance.

(2) Coordination of activities

The Council shall coordinate its activities with the activities of the Secretary under section 295k of this title. The Secretary shall, in cooperation with the Council and pursuant to the recommendations of the Council, take such steps as are practicable to eliminate deficiencies in the data base established under section 295k of this title and shall make available in its reports such comprehensive data sets as are developed pursuant to this section.

(i) Reports

Not later than September 30, 2023, and not less than every 5 years thereafter, the Council shall submit to the Secretary, and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, a report on the recommendations described in subsection (a).

(j) Funding

Amounts otherwise appropriated under this subchapter may be utilized by the Secretary to support the activities of the Council.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §762, formerly Pub. L. 102–408, title III, §301, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 2080, as amended Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §313(b), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3507; renumbered §762 of act July 1, 1944, and amended Pub. L. 105–392, title I, §104(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3552; Pub. L. 107–251, title V, §502, Oct. 26, 2002, 116 Stat. 1664; Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5103(d)(3), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 606; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, §3401(10), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 386.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly set out as a note under section 295k of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 105–392.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294o, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §777, as added Pub. L. 102–408, title I, §102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 2052, authorized grants and contracts for improvement of training in geriatrics, prior to the general amendment of this part by Pub. L. 105–392.

Another prior section 294o, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §742, as added Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–129, §2(b), 77 Stat. 172; amended Oct. 22, 1965, Pub. L. 89–290, §4(c), 79 Stat. 1057; Nov. 2, 1966, Pub. L. 89–709, §3(e), 80 Stat. 1103; Nov. 3, 1966, Pub. L. 89–751, §5(b), 80 Stat. 1232; Aug. 16, 1968, Pub. L. 90–490, title I, §121(b), 82 Stat. 778; July 9, 1971, Pub. L. 92–52, §1(a), 85 Stat. 144; Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–157, title I, §105(a), (f)(2), 85 Stat. 449, 451; Aug. 23, 1974, Pub. L. 93–385, §2(a), 88 Stat. 741; Apr. 22, 1976, Pub. L. 94–278, title XI, §1105(a), 90 Stat. 416; Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title I, §101(e), title IV, §§404, 406(d), 90 Stat. 2244, 2267, 2268; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVII, §2734, 95 Stat. 920; Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(g), 99 Stat. 534; Nov. 6, 1990, Pub. L. 101–527, §5(c), 104 Stat. 2323, provided for authorization of appropriations for purpose of making Federal contributions into student loan funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408. See section 292y of this title.

A prior section 762 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295a of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–129.

Another prior section 762 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295a of this title prior to the general amendment of part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 91–696.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(10)(A), substituted "Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions" for "Committee on Labor and Human Resources" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(10)(B)(i), substituted "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services" for "Health Care Financing Administration".

Subsec. (b)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(10)(B)(ii), (iii), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) to (6) as (5) to (7), respectively.

Subsecs. (i) to (l). Pub. L. 116–136, §3401(10)(C), (D), added subsec. (i), redesignated subsec. (l) as (j), and struck out former subsecs. (i) to (k) which related to requirement regarding reports, final report, and termination of the Council, respectively.

2010—Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 111–148 added pars. (3) to (5).

2002—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 107–251 substituted "2003" for "2002".

1998—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–392, §104(b)(1), substituted "2002" for "1995".

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–392, §104(b)(2), substituted "2002" for "1995".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–392, §104(b)(3), added subsec. (l).

1992—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–531 substituted "voluntarily" for "voluntary".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Jan. 3, 2001.

Reference to Chief Medical Director of Department of Veterans Affairs deemed to refer to Under Secretary for Health of Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 302(e) of Pub. L. 102–405, set out as a note under section 305 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–531 effective immediately after enactment of Pub. L. 102–408, see section 313(c) of Pub. L. 102–531, set out as a note under section 292y of this title.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

Funding for Council on Graduate Medical Education

Pub. L. 112–74, div. F, title II, §215, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1085, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, discretionary funds made available in this Act [div. F of Pub. L. 112–74, see Tables for classification] may be used to continue operating the Council on Graduate Medical Education established by section 301 of Public Law 102–408 [now section 762 of act July 1, 1944, which is classified to this section]."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 111–117, div. D, title II, §216, Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3259.

Pub. L. 111–8, div. F, title II, §216, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 782.

Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title II, §217, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2187.

Pub. L. 109–149, title II, §219, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2861.

Pub. L. 108–447, div. F, title II, §218, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3141.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title II, §219, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 255.

1 So in original. Probably should be "travel time,".

§294p. Training for health care providers

(a) Grant program

The Secretary shall establish a program to award grants to accredited schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, and nursing, and other health professional training programs for the training of health care professionals to improve the provision of prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care for racial and ethnic minority populations, including with respect to perceptions and biases that may affect the approach to, and provision of, care.

(b) Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant under subsection (a), an entity described in such subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Reporting requirements

(1) Periodic grantee reports

Each entity awarded a grant under this section shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report on the status of activities conducted using the grant, including a description of the impact of such training on patient outcomes, as applicable.

(2) Report to Congress

Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the activities conducted using grants under subsection (a) and any best practices identified and disseminated under subsection (d).

(d) Best practices

The Secretary may identify and disseminate best practices for the training described in subsection (a).

(e) Authorization of appropriations

To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §763, as added Pub. L. 117–103, div. P, title I, §132, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 795.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294p, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §763, as added Pub. L. 106–310, div. A, title III, §301(b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1111, related to pediatric rheumatologists, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 117–103, div. P, title I, §132, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 795.

Another prior section 294p, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §778, as added Pub. L. 102–408, title I, §102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 2054, authorized grants and contracts to assist provision of health care in rural areas, prior to the general amendment of this part by Pub. L. 105–392.

Another prior section 294p, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §743, as added Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–129, §2(b), 77 Stat. 172; amended Oct. 22, 1965, Pub. L. 89–290, §4(d), 79 Stat. 1057; Nov. 3, 1966, Pub. L. 89–751, §5(c)(2), (3), 80 Stat. 1233; Aug. 16, 1968, Pub. L. 90–490, title I, §121(c), 82 Stat. 778; July 9, 1971, Pub. L. 92–52, §1(b), 85 Stat. 144; Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–157, title I, §105(e)(2), (f)(2), 85 Stat. 451; Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §§405, 406(e), 90 Stat. 2267, 2268; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVII, §2736, 95 Stat. 920; Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(i), 99 Stat. 536; Nov. 4, 1988, Pub. L. 100–607, title VI, §603(d), 102 Stat. 3125, related to distribution of assets from loan funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408. See section 292x of this title.

A prior section 763 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 294b of this title prior to the general amendment of part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–392.

Another prior section 763 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295b of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–129.

Another prior section 763 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 295b of this title prior to the general amendment of former part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 91–696.

§294q. National Health Care Workforce Commission

(a) Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to establish a National Health Care Workforce Commission that—

(1) serves as a national resource for Congress, the President, States, and localities;

(2) communicates and coordinates with the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Education on related activities administered by one or more of such Departments;

(3) develops and commissions evaluations of education and training activities to determine whether the demand for health care workers is being met;

(4) identifies barriers to improved coordination at the Federal, State, and local levels and recommend ways to address such barriers; and

(5) encourages innovations to address population needs, constant changes in technology, and other environmental factors.

(b) Establishment

There is hereby established the National Health Care Workforce Commission (in this section referred to as the "Commission").

(c) Membership

(1) Number and appointment

The Commission shall be composed of 15 members to be appointed by the Comptroller General, without regard to section 1004 of title 5.

(2) Qualifications

(A) In general

The membership of the Commission shall include individuals—

(i) with national recognition for their expertise in health care labor market analysis, including health care workforce analysis; health care finance and economics; health care facility management; health care plans and integrated delivery systems; health care workforce education and training; health care philanthropy; providers of health care services; and other related fields; and

(ii) who will provide a combination of professional perspectives, broad geographic representation, and a balance between urban, suburban, rural, and frontier representatives.

(B) Inclusion

(i) In general

The membership of the Commission shall include no less than one representative of—

(I) the health care workforce and health professionals;

(II) employers, including representatives of small business and self-employed individuals;

(III) third-party payers;

(IV) individuals skilled in the conduct and interpretation of health care services and health economics research;

(V) representatives of consumers;

(VI) labor unions;

(VII) State or local workforce investment boards; and

(VIII) educational institutions (which may include elementary and secondary institutions, institutions of higher education, including 2 and 4 year institutions, or registered apprenticeship programs).

(ii) Additional members

The remaining membership may include additional representatives from clause (i) and other individuals as determined appropriate by the Comptroller General of the United States.

(C) Majority non-providers

Individuals who are directly involved in health professions education or practice shall not constitute a majority of the membership of the Commission.

(D) Ethical disclosure

The Comptroller General shall establish a system for public disclosure by members of the Commission of financial and other potential conflicts of interest relating to such members. Members of the Commission shall be treated as employees of Congress for purposes of applying subchapter I of chapter 131 of title 5. Members of the Commission shall not be treated as special government employees under title 18.

(3) Terms

(A) In general

The terms of members of the Commission shall be for 3 years except that the Comptroller General shall designate staggered terms for the members first appointed.

(B) Vacancies

Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office. A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(C) Initial appointments

The Comptroller General shall make initial appointments of members to the Commission not later than September 30, 2010.

(4) Compensation

While serving on the business of the Commission (including travel time), a member of the Commission shall be entitled to compensation at the per diem equivalent of the rate provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of tile 1 5, and while so serving away from home and the member's regular place of business, a member may be allowed travel expenses, as authorized by the Chairman of the Commission. Physicians serving as personnel of the Commission may be provided a physician comparability allowance by the Commission in the same manner as Government physicians may be provided such an allowance by an agency under section 5948 of title 5, and for such purpose subsection (i) of such section shall apply to the Commission in the same manner as it applies to the Tennessee Valley Authority. For purposes of pay (other than pay of members of the Commission) and employment benefits, rights, and privileges, all personnel of the Commission shall be treated as if they were employees of the United States Senate. Personnel of the Commission shall not be treated as employees of the Government Accountability Office for any purpose.

(5) Chairman, Vice Chairman

The Comptroller General shall designate a member of the Commission, at the time of appointment of the member, as Chairman and a member as Vice Chairman for that term of appointment, except that in the case of vacancy of the chairmanship or vice chairmanship, the Comptroller General may designate another member for the remainder of that member's term.

(6) Meetings

The Commission shall meet at the call of the chairman, but no less frequently than on a quarterly basis.

(d) Duties

(1) Recognition, dissemination, and communication

The Commission shall—

(A) recognize efforts of Federal, State, and local partnerships to develop and offer health care career pathways of proven effectiveness;

(B) disseminate information on promising retention practices for health care professionals; and

(C) communicate information on important policies and practices that affect the recruitment, education and training, and retention of the health care workforce.

(2) Review of health care workforce and annual reports

In order to develop a fiscally sustainable integrated workforce that supports a high-quality, readily accessible health care delivery system that meets the needs of patients and populations, the Commission, in consultation with relevant Federal, State, and local agencies, shall—

(A) review current and projected health care workforce supply and demand, including the topics described in paragraph (3);

(B) make recommendations to Congress and the Administration concerning national health care workforce priorities, goals, and policies;

(C) by not later than October 1 of each year (beginning with 2011), submit a report to Congress and the Administration containing the results of such reviews and recommendations concerning related policies; and

(D) by not later than April 1 of each year (beginning with 2011), submit a report to Congress and the Administration containing a review of, and recommendations on, at a minimum one high priority area as described in paragraph (4).

(3) Specific topics to be reviewed

The topics described in this paragraph include—

(A) current health care workforce supply and distribution, including demographics, skill sets, and demands, with projected demands during the subsequent 10 and 25 year periods;

(B) health care workforce education and training capacity, including the number of students who have completed education and training, including registered apprenticeships; the number of qualified faculty; the education and training infrastructure; and the education and training demands, with projected demands during the subsequent 10 and 25 year periods;

(C) the education loan and grant programs in titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq. and 296 et seq.), with recommendations on whether such programs should become part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq 2 );

(D) the implications of new and existing Federal policies which affect the health care workforce, including Medicare and Medicaid graduate medical education policies, titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq. and 296 et seq.), the National Health Service Corps (with recommendations for aligning such programs with national health workforce priorities and goals), and other health care workforce programs, including those supported through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), and any other Federal health care workforce programs;

(E) the health care workforce needs of special populations, such as minorities, rural populations, medically underserved populations, gender specific needs, individuals with disabilities, and geriatric and pediatric populations with recommendations for new and existing Federal policies to meet the needs of these special populations; and

(F) recommendations creating or revising national loan repayment programs and scholarship programs to require low-income, minority medical students to serve in their home communities, if designated as medical underserved community.3

(4) High priority areas

(A) In general

The initial high priority topics described in this paragraph include each of the following:

(i) Integrated health care workforce planning that identifies health care professional skills needed and maximizes the skill sets of health care professionals across disciplines.

(ii) An analysis of the nature, scopes of practice, and demands for health care workers in the enhanced information technology and management workplace.

(iii) An analysis of how to align Medicare and Medicaid graduate medical education policies with national workforce goals.

(iv) An analysis of, and recommendations for, eliminating the barriers to entering and staying in primary care, including provider compensation.

(v) The education and training capacity, projected demands, and integration with the health care delivery system of each of the following:

(I) Nursing workforce capacity at all levels.

(II) Oral health care workforce capacity at all levels.

(III) Mental and behavioral health care workforce capacity at all levels.

(IV) Allied health and public health care workforce capacity at all levels.

(V) Emergency medical service workforce capacity, including the retention and recruitment of the volunteer workforce, at all levels.

(VI) The geographic distribution of health care providers as compared to the identified health care workforce needs of States and regions.

(B) Future determinations

The Commission may require that additional topics be included under subparagraph (A). The appropriate committees of Congress may recommend to the Commission the inclusion of other topics for health care workforce development areas that require special attention.

(5) Grant program

The Commission shall—

(A) review implementation progress reports on, and report to Congress about, the State Health Care Workforce Development Grant program established in section 294r of this title;

(B) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and in coordination with the Department of Education and other relevant Federal agencies, make recommendations to the fiscal and administrative agent under section 294r(b) of this title for grant recipients under section 294r of this title;

(C) assess the implementation of the grants under such section; and

(D) collect performance and report information, including identified models and best practices, on grants from the fiscal and administrative agent under such section and distribute this information to Congress, relevant Federal agencies, and to the public.

(6) Study

The Commission shall study effective mechanisms for financing education and training for careers in health care, including public health and allied health.

(7) Recommendations

The Commission shall submit recommendations to Congress, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services about improving safety, health, and worker protections in the workplace for the health care workforce.

(8) Assessment

The Commission shall assess and receive reports from the National Center for Health Care Workforce Analysis established under section 761(b) of the Public Service Health Act [42 U.S.C. 294n(b)] (as amended by section 5103).4

(e) Consultation with Federal, State, and local agencies, Congress, and other organizations

(1) In general

The Commission shall consult with Federal agencies (including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Commerce, Agriculture, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency), Congress, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, and, to the extent practicable, with State and local agencies, Indian tribes, voluntary health care organizations, professional societies, and other relevant public-private health care partnerships.

(2) Obtaining official data

The Commission, consistent with established privacy rules, may secure directly from any department or agency of the Executive Branch information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this section.

(3) Detail of Federal Government employees

An employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement. The detail of such an employee shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status.

(f) Director and staff; experts and consultants

Subject to such review as the Comptroller General of the United States determines to be necessary to ensure the efficient administration of the Commission, the Commission may—

(1) employ and fix the compensation of an executive director that shall not exceed the rate of basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule and such other personnel as may be necessary to carry out its duties (without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service);

(2) seek such assistance and support as may be required in the performance of its duties from appropriate Federal departments and agencies;

(3) enter into contracts or make other arrangements, as may be necessary for the conduct of the work of the Commission (without regard to section 6101 of title 41);

(4) make advance, progress, and other payments which relate to the work of the Commission;

(5) provide transportation and subsistence for persons serving without compensation; and

(6) prescribe such rules and regulations as the Commission determines to be necessary with respect to the internal organization and operation of the Commission.

(g) Powers

(1) Data collection

In order to carry out its functions under this section, the Commission shall—

(A) utilize existing information, both published and unpublished, where possible, collected and assessed either by its own staff or under other arrangements made in accordance with this section, including coordination with the Bureau of Labor Statistics;

(B) carry out, or award grants or contracts for the carrying out of, original research and development, where existing information is inadequate, and

(C) adopt procedures allowing interested parties to submit information for the Commission's use in making reports and recommendations.

(2) Access of the Government Accountability Office to information

The Comptroller General of the United States shall have unrestricted access to all deliberations, records, and data of the Commission, immediately upon request.

(3) Periodic audit

The Commission shall be subject to periodic audit by an independent public accountant under contract to the Commission.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

(1) Request for appropriations

The Commission shall submit requests for appropriations in the same manner as the Comptroller General of the United States submits requests for appropriations. Amounts so appropriated for the Commission shall be separate from amounts appropriated for the Comptroller General.

(2) Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(3) Gifts and services

The Commission may not accept gifts, bequeaths, or donations of property, but may accept and use donations of services for purposes of carrying out this section.

(i) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Health care workforce

The term "health care workforce" includes all health care providers with direct patient care and support responsibilities, such as physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, primary care providers, preventive medicine physicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, and other oral healthcare professionals, allied health professionals, doctors of chiropractic, community health workers, health care paraprofessionals, direct care workers, psychologists and other behavioral and mental health professionals (including substance abuse prevention and treatment providers), social workers, physical and occupational therapists, certified nurse midwives, podiatrists, the EMS workforce (including professional and volunteer ambulance personnel and firefighters who perform emergency medical services), licensed complementary and alternative medicine providers, integrative health practitioners, public health professionals, and any other health professional that the Comptroller General of the United States determines appropriate.

(2) Health professionals

The term "health professionals" includes—

(A) dentists, dental hygienists, primary care providers, specialty physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists and other behavioral and mental health professionals (including substance abuse prevention and treatment providers), social workers, physical and occupational therapists, optometrists, ophthalmologists,5 public health professionals, clinical pharmacists, allied health professionals, doctors of chiropractic, community health workers, school nurses, certified nurse midwives, podiatrists, licensed complementary and alternative medicine providers, the EMS workforce (including professional and volunteer ambulance personnel and firefighters who perform emergency medical services), and integrative health practitioners;

(B) national representatives of health professionals;

(C) representatives of schools of medicine, osteopathy, nursing, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, chiropractic, allied health, educational programs for public health professionals, behavioral and mental health professionals (as so defined), social workers, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, optometrists, ophthalmologists,5 oral health care industry dentistry and dental hygiene, and physician assistants;

(D) representatives of public and private teaching hospitals, and ambulatory health facilities, including Federal medical facilities; and

(E) any other health professional the Comptroller General of the United States determines appropriate.

(Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5101, title X, §10501(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 592, 993; Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §512(y), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1716; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(239), (c)(40), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4332, 4359.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(C), (D), is act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, 58 Stat. 682. Titles VII and VIII of the Act are classified generally to this subchapter and subchapter VI (§296 et seq.) of this chapter, respectively. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(C), (D), is Pub. L. 89–329, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1219, which is classified generally to chapter 28 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(D), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of Title 29 and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 29 and Tables.

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(D), is Pub. L. 88–210, Dec. 18, 1963, 77 Stat. 403, as amended generally by Pub. L. 109–270, §1(b), Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 683, which is classified generally to chapter 44 (§2301 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2301 of Title 20 and Tables.

Section 5103, referred to in subsec. (d)(8), means section 5103 of Pub. L. 111–148.

Level V of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is set out in section 5316 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Codification

In subsec. (f)(3), "section 6101 of title 41" substituted for "section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Section was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 294q to 294q–3 were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

Section 294q, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §744, formerly §745, as added Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–129, §2(b), 77 Stat. 173; amended Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–157, title I, §105(f)(2), 85 Stat. 451; renumbered §744, Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §406(a)(2), 90 Stat. 2268, related to administrative provisions. See section 292u of this title.

Section 294q–1, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §745, as added Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(h)(2), 99 Stat. 535, related to student loan information to be furnished to students. See section 292v of this title.

Section 294q–2, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §746, as added Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(h)(2), 99 Stat. 536, related to procedures for appeal of terminations of agreements with schools. See section 292w of this title.

Section 294q–3, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §747, formerly §745, as added and renumbered §747, Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title II, §209(a)(4), (h)(1), 99 Stat. 532, 535, defined "school of pharmacy".

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(239), substituted "section 1004 of title 5." for "section 5 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)."

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 117–286, §4(c)(40), substituted "subchapter I of chapter 131 of title 5." for "title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978."

2014—Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "other health care workforce programs, including those supported through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act," for "other health care workforce programs, including those supported through the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.),".

2010—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(i)(II). Pub. L. 111–148, §10501(a)(1), inserted ", including representatives of small business and self-employed individuals" after "employers".

Subsec. (d)(4)(A)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 111–148, §10501(a)(2), added cl. (iv) and redesignated former cl. (iv) as (v).

Subsec. (i)(2)(A), (C). Pub. L. 111–148, §10501(a)(3), which directed insertion of "optometrists, ophthalmologists," after "occupational therapists," in subpar. (B) of subsec. (i)(2), was executed by making the insertion in subpars. (A) and (C). The words "occupational therapists," do not appear in subpar. (B).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of Title 29, Labor.

Purpose

Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5001, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 588, provided that: "The purpose of this title [see Tables for classification] is to improve access to and the delivery of health care services for all individuals, particularly low income, underserved, uninsured, minority, health disparity, and rural populations by—

"(1) gathering and assessing comprehensive data in order for the health care workforce to meet the health care needs of individuals, including research on the supply, demand, distribution, diversity, and skills needs of the health care workforce;

"(2) increasing the supply of a qualified health care workforce to improve access to and the delivery of health care services for all individuals;

"(3) enhancing health care workforce education and training to improve access to and the delivery of health care services for all individuals; and

"(4) providing support to the existing health care workforce to improve access to and the delivery of health care services for all individuals."

Definitions

Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5002(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 588, provided that: "In this title [see Tables for classification]:

"(1) Allied health professional.—The term 'allied health professional' means an allied health professional as defined in section 799B(5) of the Public Heath Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295p(5)) who—

"(A) has graduated and received an allied health professions degree or certificate from an institution of higher education; and

"(B) is employed with a Federal, State, local or tribal public health agency, or in a setting where patients might require health care services, including acute care facilities, ambulatory care facilities, personal residences, and other settings located in health professional shortage areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations, as recognized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(2) Health care career pathway.—The term 'healthcare career pathway' means a rigorous, engaging, and high quality set of courses and services that—

"(A) includes an articulated sequence of academic and career courses, including 21st century skills;

"(B) is aligned with the needs of healthcare industries in a region or State;

"(C) prepares students for entry into the full range of postsecondary education options, including registered apprenticeships, and careers;

"(D) provides academic and career counseling in student-to-counselor ratios that allow students to make informed decisions about academic and career options;

"(E) meets State academic standards, State requirements for secondary school graduation and is aligned with requirements for entry into postsecondary education, and applicable industry standards; and

"(F) leads to 2 or more credentials, including—

"(i) a secondary school diploma; and

"(ii) a postsecondary degree, an apprenticeship or other occupational certification, a certificate, or a license.

"(3) Institution of higher education.—The term 'institution of higher education' has the meaning given the term in sections 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002).

"(4) Low income individual, state workforce investment board, and local workforce investment board.—

"(A) Low-income individual.—The term 'low-income individual' has the meaning given that term in [former] section 101 of the Workforce investment [sic] Act of 1998 ([former] 29 U.S.C. 2801).

"(B) State workforce investment board; local workforce investment board.—The terms 'State workforce investment board' and 'local workforce investment board', [sic] refer to a State workforce investment board established under [former] section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 ([former] 29 U.S.C. 2821) and a local workforce investment board established under [former] section 117 of such Act ([former] 29 U.S.C. 2832), respectively.

"(5) Postsecondary education.—The term 'postsecondary education' means—

"(A) a 4-year program of instruction, or not less than a 1-year program of instruction that is acceptable for credit toward an associate or a baccalaureate degree, offered by an institution of higher education; or

"(B) a certificate or registered apprenticeship program at the postsecondary level offered by an institution of higher education or a non-profit educational institution.

"(6) Registered apprenticeship program.—The term 'registered apprenticeship program' means an industry skills training program at the postsecondary level that combines technical and theoretical training through structure on the job learning with related instruction (in a classroom or through distance learning) while an individual is employed, working under the direction of qualified personnel or a mentor, and earning incremental wage increases aligned to enhance job proficiency, resulting in the acquisition of a nationally recognized and portable certificate, under a plan approved by the Office of Apprenticeship or a State agency recognized by the Department of Labor."

1 So in original. Probably should be "title".

2 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

3 So in original.

4 See References in Text note below.

5 See 2010 Amendment note below.

§294r. State health care workforce development grants

(a) Establishment

There is established a competitive health care workforce development grant program (referred to in this section as the "program") for the purpose of enabling State partnerships to complete comprehensive planning and to carry out activities leading to coherent and comprehensive health care workforce development strategies at the State and local levels.

(b) Fiscal and administrative agent

The Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the "Administration") shall be the fiscal and administrative agent for the grants awarded under this section. The Administration is authorized to carry out the program, in consultation with the National Health Care Workforce Commission (referred to in this section as the "Commission"), which shall review reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation activities of the grant program, including—

(1) administering the grants;

(2) providing technical assistance to grantees; and

(3) reporting performance information to the Commission.

(c) Planning grants

(1) Amount and duration

A planning grant shall be awarded under this subsection for a period of not more than one year and the maximum award may not be more than $150,000.

(2) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a planning grant, an entity shall be an eligible partnership. An eligible partnership shall be a State workforce investment board, if it includes or modifies the members to include at least one representative from each of the following: health care employer, labor organization, a public 2-year institution of higher education, a public 4-year institution of higher education, the recognized State federation of labor, the State public secondary education agency, the State P–16 or P–20 Council if such a council exists, and a philanthropic organization that is actively engaged in providing learning, mentoring, and work opportunities to recruit, educate, and train individuals for, and retain individuals in, careers in health care and related industries.

(3) Fiscal and administrative agent

The Governor of the State receiving a planning grant has the authority to appoint a fiscal and an administrative agency for the partnership.

(4) Application

Each State partnership desiring a planning grant shall submit an application to the Administrator of the Administration at such time and in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Administrator may reasonable 1 require. Each application submitted for a planning grant shall describe the members of the State partnership, the activities for which assistance is sought, the proposed performance benchmarks to be used to measure progress under the planning grant, a budget for use of the funds to complete the required activities described in paragraph (5), and such additional assurance and information as the Administrator determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the grant program requirements.

(5) Required activities

A State partnership receiving a planning grant shall carry out the following:

(A) Analyze State labor market information in order to create health care career pathways for students and adults, including dislocated workers.

(B) Identify current and projected high demand State or regional health care sectors for purposes of planning career pathways.

(C) Identify existing Federal, State, and private resources to recruit, educate or train, and retain a skilled health care workforce and strengthen partnerships.

(D) Describe the academic and health care industry skill standards for high school graduation, for entry into postsecondary education, and for various credentials and licensure.

(E) Describe State secondary and postsecondary education and training policies, models, or practices for the health care sector, including career information and guidance counseling.

(F) Identify Federal or State policies or rules to developing 2 a coherent and comprehensive health care workforce development strategy and barriers and a plan to resolve these barriers.

(G) Participate in the Administration's evaluation and reporting activities.

(6) Performance and evaluation

Before the State partnership receives a planning grant, such partnership and the Administrator of the Administration shall jointly determine the performance benchmarks that will be established for the purposes of the planning grant.

(7) Match

Each State partnership receiving a planning grant shall provide an amount, in cash or in kind, that is not less that 15 percent of the amount of the grant, to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The matching requirement may be provided from funds available under other Federal, State, local or private sources to carry out the activities.

(8) Report

(A) Report to administration

Not later than 1 year after a State partnership receives a planning grant, the partnership shall submit a report to the Administration on the State's performance of the activities under the grant, including the use of funds, including matching funds, to carry out required activities, and a description of the progress of the State workforce investment board in meeting the performance benchmarks.

(B) Report to Congress

The Administration shall submit a report to Congress analyzing the planning activities, performance, and fund utilization of each State grant recipient, including an identification of promising practices and a profile of the activities of each State grant recipient.

(d) Implementation grants

(1) In general

The Administration shall—

(A) competitively award implementation grants to State partnerships to enable such partnerships to implement activities that will result in a coherent and comprehensive plan for health workforce development that will address current and projected workforce demands within the State; and

(B) inform the Commission and Congress about the awards made.

(2) Duration

An implementation grant shall be awarded for a period of no more than 2 years, except in those cases where the Administration determines that the grantee is high performing and the activities supported by the grant warrant up to 1 additional year of funding.

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible for an implementation grant, a State partnership shall have—

(A) received a planning grant under subsection (c) and completed all requirements of such grant; or

(B) completed a satisfactory application, including a plan to coordinate with required partners and complete the required activities during the 2 year period of the implementation grant.

(4) Fiscal and administrative agent

A State partnership receiving an implementation grant shall appoint a fiscal and an administration agent for the implementation of such grant.

(5) Application

Each eligible State partnership desiring an implementation grant shall submit an application to the Administration at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Administration may reasonably require. Each application submitted shall include—

(A) a description of the members of the State partnership;

(B) a description of how the State partnership completed the required activities under the planning grant, if applicable;

(C) a description of the activities for which implementation grant funds are sought, including grants to regions by the State partnership to advance coherent and comprehensive regional health care workforce planning activities;

(D) a description of how the State partnership will coordinate with required partners and complete the required partnership activities during the duration of an implementation grant;

(E) a budget proposal of the cost of the activities supported by the implementation grant and a timeline for the provision of matching funds required;

(F) proposed performance benchmarks to be used to assess and evaluate the progress of the partnership activities;

(G) a description of how the State partnership will collect data to report progress in grant activities; and

(H) such additional assurances as the Administration determines to be essential to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

(6) Required activities

(A) In general

A State partnership that receives an implementation grant may reserve not less than 60 percent of the grant funds to make grants to be competitively awarded by the State partnership, consistent with State procurement rules, to encourage regional partnerships to address health care workforce development needs and to promote innovative health care workforce career pathway activities, including career counseling, learning, and employment.

(B) Eligible partnership duties

An eligible State partnership receiving an implementation grant shall—

(i) identify and convene regional leadership to discuss opportunities to engage in statewide health care workforce development planning, including the potential use of competitive grants to improve the development, distribution, and diversity of the regional health care workforce; the alignment of curricula for health care careers; and the access to quality career information and guidance and education and training opportunities;

(ii) in consultation with key stakeholders and regional leaders, take appropriate steps to reduce Federal, State, or local barriers to a comprehensive and coherent strategy, including changes in State or local policies to foster coherent and comprehensive health care workforce development activities, including health care career pathways at the regional and State levels, career planning information, retraining for dislocated workers, and as appropriate, requests for Federal program or administrative waivers;

(iii) develop, disseminate, and review with key stakeholders a preliminary statewide strategy that addresses short- and long-term health care workforce development supply versus demand;

(iv) convene State partnership members on a regular basis, and at least on a semiannual basis;

(v) assist leaders at the regional level to form partnerships, including technical assistance and capacity building activities;

(vi) collect and assess data on and report on the performance benchmarks selected by the State partnership and the Administration for implementation activities carried out by regional and State partnerships; and

(vii) participate in the Administration's evaluation and reporting activities.

(7) Performance and evaluation

Before the State partnership receives an implementation grant, it and the Administrator shall jointly determine the performance benchmarks that shall be established for the purposes of the implementation grant.

(8) Match

Each State partnership receiving an implementation grant shall provide an amount, in cash or in kind that is not less than 25 percent of the amount of the grant, to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The matching funds may be provided from funds available from other Federal, State, local, or private sources to carry out such activities.

(9) Reports

(A) Report to administration

For each year of the implementation grant, the State partnership receiving the implementation grant shall submit a report to the Administration on the performance of the State of the grant activities, including a description of the use of the funds, including matched funds, to complete activities, and a description of the performance of the State partnership in meeting the performance benchmarks.

(B) Report to Congress

The Administration shall submit a report to Congress analyzing implementation activities, performance, and fund utilization of the State grantees, including an identification of promising practices and a profile of the activities of each State grantee.

(e) Authorization for appropriations

(1) Planning grants

There are authorized to be appropriated to award planning grants under subsection (c) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.

(2) Implementation grants

There are authorized to be appropriated to award implementation grants under subsection (d), $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 111–148, title V, §5102, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 599.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294r, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §751, as added Nov. 4, 1988, Pub. L. 100–607, title VI, §604, 102 Stat. 3126, which related to establishment of a loan repayment program for allied health personnel, was omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

Another prior section 294r, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §748, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(a), 90 Stat. 2279; amended Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(f), 91 Stat. 391; Dec. 19, 1977, Pub. L. 95–215, §3, 91 Stat. 1504; Sept. 29, 1979, Pub. L. 96–76, title II, §206(a), 93 Stat. 583, which related to traineeships for students in schools of public health, was renumbered section 792 of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 295h–1b of this title, and was subsequently omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of terms used in this section, see section 5002(a) of Pub. L. 111–148, set out as a note under section 294q of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be "reasonably".

2 So in original. Probably should be "develop".

§294s. Rural maternal and obstetric care training demonstration

(a) In general

The Secretary shall award grants to accredited schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, and nursing, and other appropriate health professional training programs, to establish a training demonstration program to support—

(1) training for physicians, medical residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, certified nurse midwives, relevant home visiting workforce professionals and paraprofessionals, or other professionals who meet relevant State training and licensing requirements, as applicable, to reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by improving prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care in rural community-based settings; and

(2) developing recommendations for such training programs.

(b) Application

To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Activities

(1) Training for health care professionals

A recipient of a grant under subsection (a)—

(A) shall use the grant funds to plan, develop, and operate a training program to provide prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care in rural areas; and

(B) may use the grant funds to provide additional support for the administration of the program or to meet the costs of projects to establish, maintain, or improve faculty development, or departments, divisions, or other units necessary to implement such training.

(2) Training program requirements

The recipient of a grant under subsection (a) shall ensure that training programs carried out under the grant are evidence-based and address improving prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care in rural areas, and such programs may include training on topics such as—

(A) maternal mental health, including perinatal depression and anxiety;

(B) substance use disorders;

(C) social determinants of health that affect individuals living in rural areas; and

(D) improving the provision of prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care for racial and ethnic minority populations, including with respect to perceptions and biases that may affect the approach to, and provision of, care.

(d) Evaluation and report

(1) Evaluation

(A) In general

The Secretary shall evaluate the outcomes of the demonstration program under this section.

(B) Data submission

Recipients of a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary performance metrics and other related data in order to evaluate the program for the report described in paragraph (2).

(2) Report to Congress

Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes—

(A) an analysis of the effects of the demonstration program under this section on the quality, quantity, and distribution of maternal health care services, including prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care services, and the demographics of the recipients of those services;

(B) an analysis of maternal and infant health outcomes (including quality of care, morbidity, and mortality) before and after implementation of the program in the communities served by entities participating in the demonstration; and

(C) recommendations on whether the demonstration program should be continued.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §764, as added Pub. L. 117–103, div. P, title I, §144, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 800.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 764 of act July 1, 1944, is classified to section 294t of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294s, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §749, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(a), 90 Stat. 2280; amended Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(f), 91 Stat. 391, Pub. L. 96–88, title III, §301(a)(1), title V, §507, 93 Stat. 677, 692, which related to traineeships for students in other graduate programs, was renumbered section 791A of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 295h–1a of this title, and was subsequently omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

§294t. Programs to promote mental health among the health professional workforce

(a) Programs to promote mental health among health care professionals

(1) In general

The Secretary shall award grants or contracts to health care entities, including entities that provide health care services, such as hospitals, community health centers, and rural health clinics, or to medical professional associations, to establish or enhance evidence-based or evidence-informed programs dedicated to improving mental health and resiliency for health care professionals.

(2) Use of funds

An eligible entity receiving a grant or contract under this subsection shall use funds received through the grant or contract to implement a new program or enhance an existing program to promote mental health among health care professionals, which may include—

(A) improving awareness among health care professionals about risk factors for, and signs of, suicide and mental health or substance use disorders, in accordance with evidence-based or evidence-informed practices;

(B) establishing new, or enhancing existing, evidence-based or evidence-informed programs for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals;

(C) establishing new, or enhancing existing, peer-support programs among health care professionals; or

(D) providing mental health care, follow-up services and care, or referral for such services and care, as appropriate.

(3) Priority

In awarding grants and contracts under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities in health professional shortage areas or rural areas.

(b) Training grants

The Secretary may establish a program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities (or consortia of entities, including entities promoting multidisciplinary approaches) to support the training of health care students, residents, or health care professionals in evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to address mental and substance use disorders and improve mental health and resiliency among health care professionals.

(c) Grant terms

A grant or contract awarded under subsection (a) or (b) shall be for a period of 3 years.

(d) Application submission

An entity seeking a grant or contract under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.

(e) Reporting

An entity awarded a grant or contract under subsection (a) or (b) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant or contract.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

To carry out this section and section 5 of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §764, as added Pub. L. 117–105, §4, Mar. 18, 2022, 136 Stat. 1119.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 5 of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is section 5 of Pub. L. 117–105, Mar. 18, 2022, 136 Stat. 1120, which is not classified to the Code.

Codification

Another section 764 of act July 1, 1944, is classified to section 294s of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 294t, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §751, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2281; amended Dec. 19, 1977, Pub. L. 95–215, §5, 91 Stat. 1506; Nov. 9, 1978, Pub. L. 95–623, §12(c), 92 Stat. 3457; Nov. 10, 1978, Pub. L. 95–626, title I, §113(b), 92 Stat. 3563; July 10, 1979, Pub. L. 96–32, §7(i), 93 Stat. 84, which related to National Health Service Corps Scholarships Program, was renumbered section 338A of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254l of this title.

A prior section 294u, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §752, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2284; amended Nov. 10, 1978, Pub. L. 95–626, title I, §113(b), 92 Stat. 3563; Sept. 29, 1979, Pub. L. 96–76, title II, §202(a), (b), 93 Stat. 582, which related to obligated service under contract, was renumbered section 338B of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254m of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338C of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 100–177.

A prior section 294v, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §753, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2285; amended Dec. 17, 1980, Pub. L. 96–538, title IV, §403, 94 Stat. 3192, which related to private practice, was renumbered section 338C of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254n of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338D of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 100–177.

A prior section 294w, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §754, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2286; amended Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(g), 91 Stat. 391, which related to breach of scholarship contract, was renumbered section 338D of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254o of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338E of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 100–177.

A prior section 294x, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §755, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2287, which related to special grants for former Corps member to enter private practice, was renumbered section 338E of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254p of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338F of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 100–177, and section 338G of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 101–597.

A prior section 294y, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §756, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(b)(1), 90 Stat. 2288, which related to authorization of appropriations, was renumbered section 338F of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254q of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338G of act July 1, 1944, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–177, title II, §§201(2), 203, Dec. 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 992, 999.

A prior section 294y–1, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §757, as added Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(n)(1), 91 Stat. 392; amended Dec. 17, 1980, Pub. L. 96–537, §3(d), 94 Stat. 3174, which related to Indian Health Scholarships, was renumbered section 338G of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 97–35 and transferred to section 254r of this title, and subsequently renumbered section 338I of act July 1, 1944, by Pub. L. 100–177, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–713, title I, §104(b)(1), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4787.

Prior sections 294z to 294cc were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

Section 294z, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §758, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(c), 90 Stat. 2289; amended Aug. 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(h), 91 Stat. 391; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVII, §2737, 95 Stat. 920; Oct. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99–129, title I, §102, title II, §210(a), 99 Stat. 523, 537; Nov. 4, 1988, Pub. L. 100–607, title VI, §§605, 628(9), 629(b)(2), 102 Stat. 3126, 3146, related to scholarships for students of exceptional financial need.

Section 294aa, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §759, as added Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title IV, §408(c), 90 Stat. 2289; amended Nov. 16, 1990, Pub. L. 101–597, title IV, §401(b)[(a)], 104 Stat. 3035, established a Lister Hill scholarship program of grants for family practice of medicine.

Section 294bb, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §760, as added Nov. 6, 1990, Pub. L. 101–527, §6, 104 Stat. 2323, related to grants and other assistance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. See section 293a of this title.

Section 294cc, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §761, as added Nov. 6, 1990, Pub. L. 101–527, §6, 104 Stat. 2325, related to a loan repayment program regarding service on faculties of certain health professions schools. See section 293b of this title.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Dissemination of Best Practices

Pub. L. 117–105, §2, Mar. 18, 2022, 136 Stat. 1118, provided that: "Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2022], the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act [see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title] as the 'Secretary') shall identify and disseminate evidence-based or evidence-informed best practices for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, and for training health care professionals in appropriate strategies to promote their mental health. Such best practices shall include recommendations related to preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals."

Education and Awareness Initiative Encouraging Use of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services by Health Care Professionals

Pub. L. 117–105, §3, Mar. 18, 2022, 136 Stat. 1118, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary [of Health and Human Services], in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including medical professional associations, shall establish a national evidence-based or evidence-informed education and awareness initiative—

"(1) to encourage health care professionals to seek support and care for their mental health or substance use concerns, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders; and

"(2) to address stigma associated with seeking mental health and substance use disorder services.

"(b) Reporting.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2022], the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an update on the activities and outcomes of the initiative under subsection (a), including a description of quantitative and qualitative metrics used to evaluate such activities and outcomes.

"(c) Authorization of Appropriations.—To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024."