H. R. 2617—1263 
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (H) as 
subparagraphs (E) through (I), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: 
‘‘(D) an assurance that the entity will require relevant 
staff to complete relevant preparedness and response 
trainings, including trainings related to efficient and effec-
tive operation during an incident or event within an 
Incident Command System;’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by subsection (a) 
shall not apply with respect to any cooperative agreement entered 
into prior to the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 2112. SUPPORTING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE 
USE DISORDER SERVICES DURING PUBLIC HEALTH 
EMERGENCIES. 
(a) AUTHORITIES.—Section 501(d) of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa(d)) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (24) and (25) as paragraphs 
(25) and (26), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (23) the following: 
‘‘(24) support the continued access to, or availability of, 
mental health and substance use disorder services during, or 
in response to, a public health emergency declared under section 
319, including in consultation with, as appropriate, the Assist-
ant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the Director 
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the 
heads of other relevant agencies, in preparing for, and 
responding to, a public health emergency;’’. 
(b) STRATEGIC PLAN.—Section 501(l)(4) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa(l)(4)) is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting 
‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(G) specify a strategy to support the continued access 
to, or availability of, mental health and substance use 
disorder services, including to at-risk individuals (as 
defined in section 2802(b)(4)), during, or in response to, 
public health emergencies declared pursuant to section 
319.’’. 
(c) BIENNIAL REPORT CONCERNING ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS.— 
Section 501(m) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
290aa(m)) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as para-
graphs (5) through (8), respectively; 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: 
‘‘(4) a description of the Administration’s activities to sup-
port the continued provision of mental health and substance 
use disorder services, as applicable, in response to public health 
emergencies declared pursuant to section 319;’’; and 
(3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— 
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and 
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: 
‘‘(D) relevant preparedness and response activities;’’. 
(d) ADVISORY COUNCILS.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health
H. R. 2617—1264 
and Substance Use shall issue a report to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Appropria-
tions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representa-
tives, reflecting the feedback of the advisory councils for the Center 
for Substance Abuse Treatment, the Center for Substance Abuse 
Prevention, and the Center for Mental Health Services, pursuant 
to section 502 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa– 
1), with recommendations to improve the continued provision of 
mental health and substance use disorder services during a public 
health emergency declared under section 319 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
247d), and the provision of such services as part of the public 
health and medical response to such an emergency, consistent with 
title XXVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh et seq.), including related 
to the capacity of the mental health and substance use disorder 
workforce and flexibilities provided to awardees of mental health 
and substance use disorder programs. 
(e) GAO REPORT.—Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Com-
merce of the House of Representatives a report on programs and 
activities of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration to support the provision of mental health and sub-
stance use disorder services and related activities during the 
COVID–19 pandemic, including the provision of such services as 
part of the medical and public health response to such pandemic. 
Such report shall— 
(1) examine the role played by the advisory councils 
described in section 502 of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 290aa–1) and the National Mental Health and Substance 
Use Policy Laboratory established under section 501A of such 
Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa–0) in providing technical assistance and 
recommendations to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration to support the response of such agency 
to the public health emergency declared under section 319 
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect 
to COVID–19; 
(2) describe the manner in which existing awardees of 
mental health and substance use disorder programs provided 
and altered delivery of services during such public health emer-
gency, including information on the populations served by such 
awardees and any barriers faced in delivering services; and 
(3) describe activities of the Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Services Administration to support the response to such 
public health emergency, including through technical assist-
ance, provision of services, and any flexibilities provided to 
such existing awardees, and any barriers faced in implementing 
such activities. 
SEC. 2113. TRAUMA CARE REAUTHORIZATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1201 of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 300d) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘analyze,’’ after ‘‘compile,’’; and
H. R. 2617—1265 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘and medically underserved areas’’ 
before the semicolon; 
(B) in paragraph (4), by adding ‘‘and’’ after the semi-
colon; 
(C) by striking paragraph (5); and 
(D) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5); 
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: 
‘‘(b) TRAUMA CARE READINESS AND COORDINATION.—The Sec-
retary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness 
and Response, shall support the efforts of States and consortia 
of States to coordinate and improve emergency medical services 
and trauma care during a public health emergency declared by 
the Secretary pursuant to section 319 or a major disaster or emer-
gency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respec-
tively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act. Such support may include— 
‘‘(1) developing, issuing, and updating guidance, as appro-
priate, to support the coordinated medical triage and evacuation 
to appropriate medical institutions based on patient medical 
need, taking into account regionalized systems of care; 
‘‘(2) disseminating, as appropriate, information on evidence- 
based or evidence-informed trauma care practices, taking into 
consideration emergency medical services and trauma care sys-
tems, including such practices identified through activities con-
ducted under subsection (a) and which may include the identi-
fication and dissemination of performance metrics, as applicable 
and appropriate; and 
‘‘(3) other activities, as appropriate, to optimize a coordi-
nated and flexible approach to the emergency response and 
medical surge capacity of hospitals, other health care facilities, 
critical care, and emergency medical systems.’’. 
(b) GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAUMA CARE
IN RURAL AREAS.— 
Section 1202 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d– 
3) is amended— 
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: 
‘‘GRANTS TO IMPROVE TRAUMA CARE IN RURAL AREAS’’; 
(2) by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award grants to eligible 
entities for the purpose of carrying out research and demonstration 
projects to support the improvement of emergency medical services 
and trauma care in rural areas through the development of innova-
tive uses of technology, training and education, transportation of 
seriously injured patients for the purposes of receiving such emer-
gency medical services, access to prehospital care, evaluation of 
protocols for the purposes of improvement of outcomes and dissemi-
nation of any related best practices, activities to facilitate clinical 
research, as applicable and appropriate, and increasing communica-
tion and coordination with applicable State or Tribal trauma sys-
tems. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive a grant under 
this section, an entity shall be a public or private entity that 
provides trauma care in a rural area. 
‘‘(2) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that will provide
H. R. 2617—1266 
services under the grant in any rural area identified by a 
State under section 1214(d)(1).’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) REPORTS.—An entity that receives a grant under this sec-
tion shall submit to the Secretary such reports as the Secretary 
may require to inform administration of the program under this 
section.’’. 
(c) COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR TRAUMA CENTERS.—Section 1204 
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–6) is amended— 
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: 
‘‘COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR TRAUMA CENTERS’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘that design, implement, and evaluate’’ 
and inserting ‘‘to design, implement, and evaluate new 
or existing’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘emergency care’’ and inserting ‘‘emer-
gency medical’’; and 
(C) by inserting ‘‘, and improve access to trauma care 
within such systems’’ before the period; 
(3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(A) a State or consortia of States; 
‘‘(B) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as defined 
in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act); 
‘‘(C) a consortium of level I, II, or III trauma centers 
designated by applicable State or local agencies within 
an applicable State or region, and, as applicable, other 
emergency services providers; or 
‘‘(D) a consortium or partnership of nonprofit Indian 
Health Service, Indian Tribal, and urban Indian trauma 
centers.’’; 
(4) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘that proposes a pilot project’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘an emergency medical and trauma 
system that—’’ and inserting ‘‘a new or existing emer-
gency medical and trauma system. Such eligible entity 
shall use amounts awarded under this subsection to 
carry out 2 or more of the following activities:’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1) — 
(i) 
by 
striking 
‘‘coordinates’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘Strengthening coordination and communication’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘an approach to emergency medical 
and trauma system access throughout the region, 
including 9–1–1 Public Safety Answering Points and 
emergency 
medical 
dispatch;’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘approaches to improve situational awareness and 
emergency medical and trauma system access.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘includes’’ and inserting ‘‘Providing’’; 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘support patient movement to’’ 
after ‘‘region to’’; and 
(iii) by striking the semicolon and inserting a 
period; 
(D) in paragraph (3)—
H. R. 2617—1267 
(i) 
by 
striking 
‘‘allows 
for’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘Improving’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting a period; 
(E) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘includes a consistent’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Supporting a consistent’’; and 
(F) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) Establishing, implementing, and disseminating, or uti-
lizing existing, as applicable, evidence-based or evidence- 
informed practices across facilities within such emergency med-
ical and trauma system to improve health outcomes, including 
such practices related to management of injuries, and the 
ability of such facilities to surge. 
‘‘(6) Conducting activities to facilitate clinical research, as 
applicable and appropriate.’’; 
(5) in subsection (d)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
‘‘the proposed’’ and inserting ‘‘the applicable emergency 
medical and trauma system’’; 
(ii) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘or Tribal entity’’ 
after ‘‘equivalent State office’’; and 
(iii) in clause (vi), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 
a semicolon; 
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subpara-
graph (C); and 
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: 
‘‘(B) for eligible entities described in subparagraph (C) 
or (D) of subsection (b)(1), a description of, and evidence 
of, coordination with the applicable State Office of Emer-
gency Medical Services (or equivalent State Office) or 
applicable such office for a Tribe or Tribal organization; 
and’’; 
(6) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) 
EFFECTIVE
DATE.—The 
matching 
requirement 
described in paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2025.’’; 
(7) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘population in a medically 
underserved area’’ and inserting ‘‘medically underserved popu-
lation’’; 
(8) in subsection (g)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘described in’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘the system character-
istics that contribute to’’ and inserting ‘‘opportunities for 
improvement, including recommendations for how to 
improve’’; 
(C) by striking paragraph (4); 
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as para-
graphs (4) and (5), respectively; 
(E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking 
‘‘; and’’ and inserting a semicolon; 
(F) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking 
the period and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(G) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) any evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies 
developed or utilized pursuant to subsection (c)(5).’’; and 
(9) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
H. R. 2617—1268 
‘‘(h) DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the completion of the final project under subsection (a), the Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing 
the information contained in each report submitted pursuant to 
subsection (g) and any additional actions planned by the Secretary 
related to regionalized emergency care and trauma systems.’’. 
(d) PROGRAM FUNDING.—Section 1232(a) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–32(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘2010 
through 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘2023 through 2027’’. 
SEC. 2114. ASSESSMENT OF CONTAINMENT AND MITIGATION OF INFEC-
TIOUS DISEASES. 
(a) GAO STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall conduct a study that reviews a geographically diverse sample 
of States and territories that, in response to the COVID–19 pan-
demic, implemented preparedness and response plans that included 
isolation and quarantine recommendations or requirements. Such 
study shall include— 
(1) a review of such State and territorial preparedness 
and response plans in place during the COVID–19 pandemic, 
an assessment of the extent to which such plans facilitated 
or presented challenges to State and territorial responses to 
such public health emergency, including response activities 
relating to isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of 
COVID–19; and 
(2) a description of the technical assistance provided by 
the Federal Government to help States and territories facilitate 
such response activities during responses to relevant public 
health emergencies declared by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health 
Service Act, including the public health emergency with respect 
to COVID–19, and a review of the degree to which such State 
and territorial plans were implemented and subsequently 
revised in response to the COVID–19 pandemic to address 
any challenges. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit a report on the study under subsection (a) to the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate 
and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
Representatives. 
SEC. 2115. CONSIDERATION OF UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN NONCONTIG-
UOUS STATES AND TERRITORIES. 
During any public health emergency declared under section 
319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d), the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services shall conduct quarterly meetings 
or consultations, as applicable or appropriate, with noncontiguous 
States and territories with regard to addressing unique public 
health challenges in such States and territories associated with 
such public health emergency.
H. R. 2617—1269 
Subtitle B—Improving Public Health 
Preparedness and Response Capacity 
CHAPTER 1—IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 
RESPONSES 
SEC. 2201. ADDRESSING FACTORS RELATED TO IMPROVING HEALTH 
OUTCOMES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Part B of title III of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by inserting after section 317U the following: 
‘‘SEC. 317V. ADDRESSING FACTORS RELATED TO IMPROVING HEALTH 
OUTCOMES. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, as appropriate, award 
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for 
the conduct of evidence-based or evidence-informed projects, which 
may include the development of networks to improve health out-
comes by improving the capacity of such entities to address factors 
that contribute to negative health outcomes in communities. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—To be eligible to receive an award 
under this section, an entity shall— 
‘‘(1)(A) be a State, local, or Tribal health department, 
community-based organization, Indian Tribe or Tribal organiza-
tion (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), urban 
Indian organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act), or other public or private entity, as 
the Secretary determines appropriate; or 
‘‘(B) be a consortia of entities described in subparagraph 
(A) or a public-private partnership, including a community 
partnership; 
‘‘(2) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as the Sec-
retary shall require; 
‘‘(3) in the case of an entity other than a community- 
based organization, demonstrate a history of successfully 
working with an established community-based organization to 
address health outcomes; and 
‘‘(4) submit a plan to conduct activities described in sub-
section (a) based on a community needs assessment that takes 
into account community input. 
‘‘(c) USE OF FUNDS.—An entity described in subsection (b) shall 
use funds received under subsection (a), in consultation with State, 
local, and Tribal health departments, community-based organiza-
tions, entities serving medically underserved communities, and 
other entities, as applicable, for one or more of the following pur-
poses: 
‘‘(1) Supporting the implementation, evaluation, and 
dissemination of strategies, through evidence-informed or evi-
dence-based programs and through the support and use of 
public health and health care professionals to address factors 
related to health outcomes. 
‘‘(2) Establishing, maintaining, or improving, in consulta-
tion with State, local, or Tribal health departments, technology
H. R. 2617—1270 
platforms or networks to support, in a manner that is consistent 
with applicable Federal and State privacy law— 
‘‘(A) coordination among appropriate entities, and, as 
applicable and appropriate, activities to improve such 
coordination; 
‘‘(B) information sharing on health and related social 
services; and 
‘‘(C) technical assistance and related support for enti-
ties participating in the platforms or networks. 
‘‘(3) Implementing best practices for improving health out-
comes and reducing disease among underserved populations. 
‘‘(4) Supporting consideration of factors related to health 
outcomes in preparing for, and responding to, public health 
emergencies, through outreach, education, research, and other 
relevant activities. 
‘‘(d) BEST PRACTICES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Sec-
retary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Minority 
Health, the National Coordinator for Health Information Tech-
nology, and the Administrator of the Administration for Community 
Living, may award grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements 
to public or nonprofit private entities, including minority serving 
institutions (defined, for purposes of this subsection, as institutions 
and programs described in section 326(e)(1) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 and institutions described in section 371(a) of such 
Act of 1965), to— 
‘‘(1) identify or facilitate the development of best practices 
to support improved health outcomes for underserved popu-
lations; 
‘‘(2) provide technical assistance, training, and evaluation 
assistance to award recipients under subsection (a); 
‘‘(3) disseminate best practices, including to award recipi-
ents under subsection (a); and 
‘‘(4) leverage, establish, or operate regional centers to 
develop, evaluate, and disseminate effective strategies on fac-
tors related to health outcomes, including supporting research 
and training related to such strategies. 
‘‘(e) AWARD PERIODS.—The Secretary shall issue awards under 
this section for periods of not more than 5 years and may issue 
extensions of such award periods for an additional period of up 
to 3 years. 
‘‘(f) REPORT.—Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Com-
merce of the House of Representatives a report that includes 
information on activities funded under this section. Such report 
shall include a description of— 
‘‘(1) changes in the capacity of public health entities to 
address factors related to health outcomes in communities, 
including any applicable platforms or networks developed or 
utilized to coordinate health and related social services and 
any changes in workforce capacity or capabilities; 
‘‘(2) improvements in health outcomes and in reducing 
health disparities in medically underserved communities; 
‘‘(3) activities conducted to support consideration of factors 
related to health outcomes in preparing for, and responding 
to, public health emergencies, through outreach, education, and 
other relevant activities;
H. R. 2617—1271 
‘‘(4) communities and populations served by recipients of 
awards under subsection (a); 
‘‘(5) activities supported under subsection (e); and 
‘‘(6) other relevant activities and outcomes, as determined 
by the Secretary. 
‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—To carry out this 
section, there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. Of the amounts appropriated 
under this subsection for a fiscal year, 5 percent shall be reserved 
for awards under subsection (a) to Indian Tribes and Tribal 
organizations (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), urban Indian 
organizations (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act), and Tribal health departments.’’; and 
(2) by striking section 330D (42 U.S.C. 254c–4). 
(b) GAO STUDY AND REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of 
the United States shall submit to the Committee on Health, Edu-
cation, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Energy and 
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representa-
tives a report on the program authorized under section 317V of 
the Public Health Service Act, as added by subsection (a), including 
a review of the outcomes and effectiveness of the program and 
coordination with other programs in the Department of Health 
and Human Services with similar goals to ensure that there was 
no unnecessary duplication of efforts. 
CHAPTER 2—IMPROVING STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL 
PUBLIC HEALTH DATA 
SEC. 2211. MODERNIZING STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL BIOSURVEIL-
LANCE CAPABILITIES AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE DATA. 
Section 319D of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d– 
4) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(3)— 
(A) in the matter that precedes subparagraph (A), by 
striking ‘‘. Activities’’ and all that follows through ‘‘include’’ 
and inserting ‘‘, by’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ‘‘, infectious dis-
ease outbreaks,’’ after ‘‘bioterrorism’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘, and local’’ and inserting ‘‘, 
local, and Tribal’’; and 
(II) by adding ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and 
inserting ‘‘;’’; and 
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘, deidentified’’ before ‘‘informa-
tion’’; and 
(ii) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘The Sec-
retary shall ensure that the activities carried out 
pursuant to the previous sentence are conducted in 
a manner that protects personal privacy, to the extent
H. R. 2617—1272 
required by applicable Federal and State information 
privacy or security law, at a minimum.’’; 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘modernize,’’ after ‘‘establish,’’; 
(ii) 
by 
inserting 
‘‘that 
is 
deidentified, 
as 
applicable,’’ after ‘‘share data and information’’; 
(iii) by inserting ‘‘, to the extent practicable’’ before 
the period of the second sentence; and 
(iv) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘The Sec-
retary shall ensure that the activities carried out 
pursuant to this paragraph are conducted in a manner 
that protects personal privacy, to the extent required 
by applicable Federal and State information privacy 
or security law, at a minimum.’’; 
(B) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A)— 
(I) in clause (iii), by adding ‘‘and’’ after the 
semicolon; 
(II) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and 
inserting a period; and 
(III) by striking clause (v); and 
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘, and make 
recommendations to improve the quality of data col-
lected pursuant to subparagraph (A) to ensure com-
plete, accurate, and timely sharing of such data, as 
appropriate, across such elements as described in 
subparagraph (A)’’ after ‘‘under subparagraph (A)’’; 
(C) in paragraph (5)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A)— 
(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
striking ‘‘and operating’’ and inserting ‘‘, operating, 
and updating, as appropriate,’’; 
(II) in clause (iii)— 
(aa) by inserting ‘‘that is deidentified, as 
applicable,’’ after ‘‘analyses’’; and 
(bb) by inserting ‘‘in accordance with 
applicable Federal and State privacy and secu-
rity law’’ before the semicolon at the end; 
(III) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(IV) in clause (v), by striking the period and 
inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(V) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(vi) in collaboration with State, local, and Tribal 
public health officials, integrate and update applicable 
existing public health data systems and networks of 
the Department of Health and Human Services to 
reflect technological advancements, consistent with sec-
tion 2823, as applicable.’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (B)— 
(I) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘and 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the PREVENT 
Pandemics Act,’’ after ‘‘Innovation Act of 2019,’’; 
(II) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and other rep-
resentatives as the Secretary determines appro-
priate’’ and inserting ‘‘experts in State-based public
H. R. 2617—1274 
emergency, and improve coordination and collaboration 
with State, local, and Tribal public health officials, 
clinical laboratories, and other entities with expertise 
in public health surveillance.’’; and 
(E) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(9) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(A) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 
supplant, in whole or in part, State, local, or Tribal activi-
ties or responsibilities related to public health surveillance. 
‘‘(B) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 
alter the authority of the Secretary with respect to the 
types of data the Secretary may receive through systems 
supported or established under this section.’’; 
(4) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A)— 
(I) by inserting ‘‘deidentified’’ before ‘‘data, 
information’’; and 
(II) by inserting ‘‘, in consultation with such 
State or consortium of States’’ before the semi-
colon; 
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘, including 
any public-private partnerships or other partnerships 
entered into to improve such capacity’’ before the semi-
colon; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) NON-DUPLICATION
OF
EFFORT.—The Secretary shall 
ensure that activities carried out under an award under this 
subsection do not unnecessarily duplicate efforts of other agen-
cies and offices within the Department of Health and Human 
Services.’’; 
(5) by striking subsection (e); 
(6) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), 
as subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), respectively; 
(7) by striking subsection (h), as redesignated by paragraph 
(6), and inserting the following: 
‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated— 
‘‘(1) to carry out subsection (a), $25,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and 
‘‘(2) to carry out subsections (b), (c), and (d), $136,800,000 
for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023.’’; and 
(8) by striking ‘‘tribal’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘Tribal’’. 
SEC. 2212. GENOMIC SEQUENCING, ANALYTICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH 
SURVEILLANCE OF PATHOGENS. 
(a) GUIDANCE SUPPORTING GENOMIC SEQUENCING OF PATHO-
GENS COLLABORATION.—The Secretary of Health and Human Serv-
ices (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), in consultation 
with the heads of other Federal departments or agencies, as appro-
priate, shall issue guidance to support collaboration relating to 
genomic sequencing of pathogens, including the use of new and 
innovative approaches and technology for the detection, character-
ization, and sequencing of pathogens, to improve public health 
surveillance and preparedness and response activities, consistent 
with section 2824 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by
H. R. 2617—1275 
subsection (b). Such guidance shall address the secure sharing, 
for public health surveillance purposes, of specimens of such patho-
gens, between appropriate entities and public health authorities, 
consistent with the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) 
of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 
(42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note), as applicable, and in a manner that 
protects personal privacy to the extent required by applicable pri-
vacy law, at a minimum, and the appropriate use of sequence 
data derived from such specimens. 
(b) GENOMIC SEQUENCING PROGRAM.—Title XXVIII of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh et seq.) is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 2824. GENOMIC SEQUENCING, ANALYTICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH 
SURVEILLANCE OF PATHOGENS PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) GENOMIC SEQUENCING, ANALYTICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH 
SURVEILLANCE
OF PATHOGENS PROGRAM.—The Secretary, acting 
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
tion and in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes 
of Health and heads of other departments and agencies, as appro-
priate, shall strengthen and expand activities related to genomic 
sequencing of pathogens, including through new and innovative 
approaches and technology for the detection, characterization, and 
sequencing of pathogens, analytics, and public health surveillance, 
including— 
‘‘(1) continuing and expanding activities, which may include 
existing genomic sequencing activities related to advanced 
molecular detection, to— 
‘‘(A) identify and respond to emerging infectious disease 
threats; and 
‘‘(B) identify the potential use of genomic sequencing 
technologies, advanced computing, and other advanced 
technology to inform surveillance activities and incorporate 
the use of such technologies, as appropriate, into related 
activities; 
‘‘(2) providing technical assistance and guidance to State, 
Tribal, local, and territorial public health departments to 
increase the capacity of such departments to perform genomic 
sequencing of pathogens, including recipients of funding under 
section 2821; 
‘‘(3) carrying out activities to enhance the capabilities of 
the public health workforce with respect to pathogen genomics, 
epidemiology, and bioinformatics, including through training; 
and 
‘‘(4) continuing and expanding activities, as applicable, with 
public and private entities, including relevant departments and 
agencies, laboratories, academic institutions, and industry. 
‘‘(b) PARTNERSHIPS.—For the purposes of carrying out the activi-
ties described in subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the 
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may 
award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to entities, 
including academic and other laboratories, with expertise in 
genomic sequencing for public health purposes, including new and 
innovative approaches to, and related technology for, the detection, 
characterization, and sequencing of pathogens. 
‘‘(c) CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.—
H. R. 2617—1276 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall, as appropriate, 
award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public 
health agencies for the establishment or operation of centers 
of excellence to promote innovation in pathogen genomics and 
molecular epidemiology to improve the control of and response 
to pathogens that may cause a public health emergency. Such 
centers shall, as appropriate— 
‘‘(A) identify and evaluate the use of genomics, or other 
related technologies that may advance public health 
preparedness and response; 
‘‘(B) improve the identification, development, and use 
of tools for integrating and analyzing genomic and epi-
demiologic data; 
‘‘(C) assist with genomic surveillance of, and response 
to, infectious diseases, including analysis of pathogen 
genomic data; 
‘‘(D) conduct applied research to improve public health 
surveillance of, and response to, infectious diseases through 
innovation in pathogen genomics and molecular epidemi-
ology; and 
‘‘(E) develop and provide training materials for experts 
in the fields of genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, 
epidemiology, and other fields, as appropriate. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—To be eligible for an award under 
paragraph (1), an entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application containing such information as the Secretary may 
require, including a description of how the entity will partner, 
as applicable, with academic institutions or a consortium of 
academic partners that have relevant expertise, such as micro-
bial genomics, molecular epidemiology, or the application of 
bioinformatics or statistics.’’. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of the PREVENT Pandemics Act, and 90 days 
following expenditure of all funds under section 2402 of the Amer-
ican Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2), the Director 
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall submit 
a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen-
sions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
of the House of Representatives outlining how funds awarded under 
such section 2402 were expended as of the date of such report. 
SEC. 2213. SUPPORTING STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 
DATA. 
(a) DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DATA STANDARDS.—Section 
2823(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh– 
33(a)(2)) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘In carrying out’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘shall, as appropriate and’’ and inserting 
‘‘shall, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of the PREVENT Pandemics Act,’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(B) NO DUPLICATIVE EFFORTS.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the requirements 
of this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with 
the Office of the National Coordinator for Health 
Information Technology, may use input gathered
H. R. 2617—1277 
(including input and recommendations gathered from 
the Health Information Technology Advisory Com-
mittee), and materials developed, prior to the date 
of enactment of the PREVENT Pandemics Act. 
‘‘(ii) DESIGNATION OF STANDARDS.—Consistent with 
sections 13111 and 13112 of the HITECH Act, the 
data and technology standards designated pursuant 
to this paragraph shall align with the standards and 
implementation specifications previously adopted by 
the Secretary pursuant to section 3004, as applicable. 
‘‘(C) PRIVACY AND SECURITY.—Nothing in this para-
graph shall be construed as modifying applicable Federal 
or State information privacy or security law.’’. 
(b) STUDY ON LABORATORY INFORMATION STANDARDS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Office of the National Coordinator 
for Health Information Technology shall conduct a study to 
review the use of standards for electronic ordering and reporting 
of laboratory test results. 
(2) AREAS OF CONCENTRATION.—In conducting the study 
under paragraph (1), the Office of the National Coordinator 
for Health Information Technology shall— 
(A) determine the extent to which clinical laboratories 
are using standards for electronic ordering and reporting 
of laboratory test results; 
(B) assess trends in laboratory compliance with stand-
ards for ordering and reporting laboratory test results and 
the effect of such trends on the interoperability of labora-
tory data with public health data systems; 
(C) identify challenges related to collection and 
reporting of demographic and other data elements with 
respect to laboratory test results; 
(D) identify any challenges associated with using or 
complying with standards and reporting laboratory test 
results with data elements identified in standards for elec-
tronic ordering and reporting of such results; and 
(E) review other relevant areas determined appropriate 
by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health 
Information Technology. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Office of the National Coordinator for 
Health Information Technology shall submit to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and 
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report concerning the findings of the study con-
ducted under paragraph (1). 
(c) DATA USE AGREEMENTS.— 
(1) INTERAGENCY
DATA
USE
AGREEMENTS
WITHIN
THE 
DEPARTMENT
OF
HEALTH
AND
HUMAN
SERVICES
FOR
PUBLIC 
HEALTH EMERGENCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and Human 
Services (referred to in this subsection as the ‘‘Secretary’’) 
shall, as appropriate, facilitate the development of, or 
updates to, memoranda of understanding, data use agree-
ments, 
or 
other 
applicable 
interagency 
agreements 
regarding appropriate access, exchange, and use of public 
health data between the Centers for Disease Control and