Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-1659
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
Introduced: 2019-03-08
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Electric power generation and transmission

Energy storage, supplies, demand

Government information and archives

Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Natural disasters

Poverty and welfare assistance

Public utilities and utility rates

Social security and elderly assistance
Latest action: action_date: 2019-03-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-03-08
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of </b><b>2019</b></p> <p>This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to long-term care facilities to help such facilities prepare for power outages during and after natural disasters. Eligible grant activities include the purchase of backup power sources (e.g., generators) and the creation of regional resource directories. </p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1659 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 8, 2019 Ms. Wilson of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities to improve their preparedness for power outages.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2019 . 2. Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages The Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 319C–2 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d–3b ) the following new section: 319C–3. Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages (a) Grants The Secretary may award grants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities to improve their preparedness for power outages, including during and after a natural disaster. (b) Use of funds The preparedness activities funded through a grant under this section may include— (1) the purchase of a backup power source, such as a generator, and any related equipment; and (2) the creation of a regional resource directory on disaster and post-disaster preparedness for power outages. (c) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities that— (1) are located in areas that— (A) have a high proportion of— (i) elderly residents; or (ii) individuals who are enrolled in a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (or under a waiver of such plan); and (B) have a high risk of hurricanes or other natural disasters; and (2) have not been cited for a substantive Federal, State, or local violation. (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary. .