HR 5763 — National Telehealth Strategy and Data Advancement Act

Summary

National Telehealth Strategy and Data Advancement Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 grants administered by the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth for telehealth networks and telehealth resource centers. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to advance and coordinate federal telehealth efforts by, among other activities, developing a plan to align telehealth initiatives across federal agencies and standardizing certain telehealth grant processes and reporting measures.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html February 05, 2020

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the Public Health Service Act to advance telehealth initiatives by establishing new directives, administrative responsibilities, and funding allocations for telehealth programs.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  The term 'Director' means the Director specified in subsection (d). → The term 'Director' means the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth as established under subsection (c).

  This change clarifies the designation of the Director responsible for telehealth initiatives.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  under section 301 → under subsection (d)

  This modification updates the reference to the relevant section for clarity.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  Health Resources and Services Administration → Office of the Secretary

  This change shifts the responsibility from the Health Resources and Services Administration to the Office of the Secretary for telehealth matters.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  , in a publication of the Health Resources and Services Administration, → on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Health and Human Services, a

  This update changes how information about telehealth is disseminated, requiring it to be available on a public website instead of just a publication.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  The Secretary shall establish, under section 241 of this title, a small health care provider quality improvement grant program. → The Secretary shall-- (A) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act develop a plan for the adoption, advancement, and coordination of telehealth by Federal agencies;

  This establishes a new directive for the Secretary to develop a comprehensive telehealth plan within a specific timeframe.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  '' → (s) Plan and Recommendations To Advance Telehealth.--

  This inserts a new subsection dedicated to the development of a strategic plan for telehealth advancement.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  Health Resources and Services Administration → Office of the Secretary

  This conforming amendment ensures consistency in referencing the correct office responsible for telehealth programs.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  not previously have received a grant under this subsection for the same or a similar project → not previously have received a grant under this subsection (other than a grant for planning activities) for the same or a similar project.

  This change clarifies eligibility criteria for grants, allowing for planning activity grants in certain cases.

• 42 U.S.C. 254c-14

  not more than 5 years → not more than 5 years, and make recommendations to improve access to telehealth, coordination of telehealth by Federal agencies, and health outcomes with respect to the use of telehealth

  This adds requirements for ongoing assessment and recommendations to enhance telehealth access and effectiveness.

Action History

1. February 05, 2020

   Introduced in House

2. February 05, 2020

   Introduced in House

3. February 05, 2020

   Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H767)

4. February 05, 2020

   Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsors

• Greg Gianforte · Primary
• Anna G. Eshoo · Cosponsor
• Jefferson Van Drew · Cosponsor
• Roger Marshall · Cosponsor
• Ted S. Yoho · Cosponsor
• John R. Curtis · Cosponsor
• Alexander X. Mooney · Cosponsor
• Fred Keller · Cosponsor

Subjects