An act to extend for three fiscal years the authorizations of appropriations under section 789 and title XII of the Public Health Service Act relating to emergency medical services, to revise and improve the authorities for assistance under such title XII, to increase the authorizations of appropriations and revise and improve the authorities for assistance under part B of title XI of such Act for sudden infant death syndrome counseling and information projects, and for other purposes.
PL 96-142 (S.497), enacted 12/12/1979

PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
93 STAT. 1067 
Public Law 96-142 
96th Congress 
An Act 
To extend for three fiscal years the authorizations of appropriations under section 
789 and title XII of the Public Health Service Act relating to emergency medical 
services, to revise and improve the authorities for assistance under such title XII, 
to increase the authorizations of appropriations and revise and improve the 
authorities for assistance under part B of title XI of such Act for sudden infant 
death syndrome counseling and information projects, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That whenever in 
this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference 
shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the 
PubUc Health Service Act. 
TITLE I—EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS 
AMENDMENTS 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 101. This title may be cited as the "Emergency Medical 
Services Systems Amendments of 1979". 
Dec. 12, 1979 
[8. 497] 
Public Health 
Service Act, 
amendments. 
Emergency 
Medical Services 
Systems 
Amendments of 
1979. 
42 u s e 201 note. 
TRAINING IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 
SEC. 102. Section 789(gXl) (42 U.S.C. 295g-9(gXl)) is amended by 
inserting before the period a comma and "$5,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1980, $7,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30,1981, and $8,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Septem-
ber 30,1982". 
ASSISTANCE FOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND PLANNING 
SEC. 103. Section 1202(f) (42 U.S.C. 300d-l(f)) is amended to read as 
follows: 
"(f) Priority for making grants or entering into contracts under this 
section shall be afforded to eligible entities applying for such grants 
or contracts under subsection (a) of this section. . 
ASSISTANCE FOR EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT 
SEC. 104. (a) Subsection (b) of section 1204 (42 U.S.C. 300d-3(a)) is 
amended by (1) redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and (2) 
adding after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: 
"(2) The Secretary may make a third grant or enter into a third 
contract under subsection (a) for an emergency medical services 
system i
f
— 
"(A) Federal financial assistance under this Act for emergency 
medical services for the geographical area with respect to which 
such grant or contract would be made or entered into was first 
provided under a grant or contract under this section, or 
93 STAT. 1068 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
"(B) the Secretary determines that the applicant (i) demon-
strates an exceptional need for such grant or contract, and (ii) is 
making substantial progress toward achieving financial support 
to implement the plan described in subsection (d)(l)(B)(ii). 
A third grant or contract under subsection (a) may not be used to 
replace equipment or facilities acquired with a previous grant or 
contract under such subsection.". 
(b)(1) Subsection (b)(1) of such section is amended by striking out "If 
a" and inserting in lieu thereof "Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
if a". 
(2) Subsection (b)(3)(B) of such section (as so redesignated by 
subsection (a) of this section) is amended by striking out "the second 
grant or contract" and inserting in lieu thereof "a grant or contract 
(other than the first grant or contract)". 
(3) Subsection (d)(2) of such section is amended by striking out "A 
second grant or contract" and inserting in lieu thereof "A grant or 
contract (other than the first grant or contract)". 
(4) Subsection (e) of such section is amended by striking out "second 
such grant" and inserting in lieu thereof "last such grant". 
(c) Section 1206(b)(1)(B) (42 U.S.C. 300d-5(b)(l)(B)) is amended by 
inserting before the period at the end "or a third grant or contract 
42 use 300d-3; 
received under section 1204". 
Ante, p. 1067. 
/ 
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 
SEC. 105. (a) Section 1207(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 300d-6(a)(l)) is amended 
b y -
(1) striking out "(a)(1) For" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"(a)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for", 
(2) striking out "and" after "1977", 
(3) striking out "1978; and for the purpose of making payments 
pursuant to grants and contracts under sections 1202, 1203, and 
1204, there are authorized to be appropriated" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "1978,", 
(4) inserting before the period at the end thereof a comma and 
"and $40,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, 
and for each of the next two fiscal years", and 
(5) adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 
"(B) No funds appropriated under subparagraph (A) may be used to 
make payments under a third grant or contract made or entered into 
42 use 300d-3; 
under section 1204. For the purpose of making payments under such 
Ante, p. 1067. 
^ grant or contract, there are authorized to be appropriated 
$6,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1981.". 
(bXl) Paragraph (5XA) of subsection (a) of section 1207 is amended 
by adding at the end the following new sentence: "Of the sums 
appropriated under paragraph (IXA)— 
"(i) at least 1 per centum of the sums appropriated for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1980, at least three-fourths of 1 per 
centum of the sums appropriated for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 1981, and at least one-half of 1 per centum of the 
sums appropriated for the fiscal year ending September 30,1982, 
and 
"(ii) not more than 5 per centum of the sums appropriated for 
any such fiscal year, 
42 use 300d-i; 
shall be used for grants and contracts under section 1202.". 
Ante, p. 1067. 
(£) Paragrah (5XB) of subsection (a) of such section is amended by 
(A) striking out "paragraph (1)" and inserting in lieu thereof "para-
graph (IXA)", (B) striking out "such fiscal years" and inserting in lieu 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
93 STAT. 1069 
thereof "such fiscal year", and (C) striking out "two" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "five". 
(c) Section 1207(b) is amended by inserting before the period at the 42 USC 300d-6. 
end a comma and "$3,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1980, $3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981, and 
$3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1982". 
INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 
SEC. 106. Section 1209(c) (42 U.S.C. 300d-8(c)) is amended by 
inserting "the Federal Emergency Management Agency (established 
pursuant to Reorganization Plan Number 3 of June 19,1978)," after 5 use app. 
"Commission,". 
BURN, POISON, AND TRAUMA INJURIES 
SEC. 107. (a) Section 1221(a) (42 U.S.C. 300d-21(a)) is amended by— 
(1) inserting "and organizational arrangements" after "differ-
ent methods", and 
(2) inserting a comma and "trauma, or poison" after "burns" 
both times it appears. 
Ot)) Section 1221(b) is gmiended by adding at the end the following 
sentence: "No grant or contract under subsection (a) for a program 
relating to poison injuries may be made for an amount in excess of 50 
per centum of the costs of the program for which it is made.". 
(c) Section 1221(c) is amended by— 
Appropriation 
(1) striking out "and" after "1978,", 
authorization. 
(2) inserting before the period a comma and "$6,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, $12,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1981, and $10,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1982", and 
(3) adding at the end the following new sentences: "Not less 
than 50 per centum of the funds appropriated under this subsec-
tion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, shall be 
obligated for grants and contracts under subsection (a) for 
programs relating to poison injuries. Not less than 25 per centum 
of the funds appropriated under this subsection for each of the 
fiscal years ending September 30,1981, and September 30,1982, 
shall be obligated for grants and contracts under subsection (a) 
for progrsims relating to poison injuries and not less than 25 per 
centum of such funds shall be obligated for grants and contracts 
under subsection (a) for programs relating to trauma injuries.". 
(d)(1) The title of part B of title XII is amended by striking out 42 use 300d-2l. 
"BURN INJURIES" and inserting in lieu thereof "BURN, TRAUMA, AND 
POISON INJURIES". 
(2) The heading for section 1221 is amended by striking out "BURN 
INJURIES" and inserting in lieu thereof "BURN, TRAUMA, AND POISON 
INJURIES". 
EFFECTIVE DATE 
SEC. 108. The amendments made by this title to section 789 and title 42 use 295g-9 
XII of the Public Health Service Act shall take effect with respect to ^'ZiJsc 
appropriations made under those provisions for fiscal years begin- ^„^g p io67~ ' 
ning after September 30,1979. 
42 use 300d. 
93 STAT. 1070 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
Sudden Infant 
Death Syndrome 
Amendments of 
1979. 
42 u s e 201 note. 
TITLE II—SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME 
AMENDMENTS 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 201. This title may be cited as the "Sudden Infant Death 
Syndrome Amendments of 1979". 
SUDDEN 
INFANT 
DEATH 
SYNDROME 
PROGRAM 
SEC. 202. Part B of title XI (42 U.S.C. 300c-ll) is amended to read as 
follows: 
"PART B—SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME 
42 u s e 300C-11. 
Grants to and 
contracts with 
public or private 
entities. 
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME COUNSELING, INFORMATION, EDU-
CATIONAL, AND STATISTICAL PROGRAMS; PLANS AND REPORTS 
"SEC 1121. (a)(1) The Secretary, through an identifiable adminis-
trative unit under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary for 
Health, shall carry out a program to develop public information and 
professional educational materials relating to sudden infant death 
syndrome, and to disseminate such information and materials to 
persons providing health care, to public safety officials, and to the 
general public. The Secretary shall administer, through such unit, 
the functions assigned in this section, and shall provide such unit 
with such full-time professional and clerical staff and with the 
services of such consultants and of such management and supporting 
staff as may be necessary for it to carry out such functions effectively. 
"(2) The Secretary shall— 
"(A) develop and implement a system for the periodic reporting 
to the Department, and dissemination by the Department, of 
information collected under grants and contracts made under 
subsection (b)(1) of this section; and 
"(B) carry out coordinated clearinghouse activities on sudden 
infant death syndrome, including the collection and dissemina-
tion to the public, health and educational institutions, profes-
sional organizations, voluntary groups with a demonstrated 
interest in sudden infant death syndrome, and other interested 
parties of information pertaining to sudden infant death syn-
drome and related issues such as death investigation systems, 
personnel training, biomedical research activities, and informa-
tion on the utilization and availability of treatment or preven-
tion procedures and techniques, such as home monitors. 
The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts with public or 
private entities to carry out the information and clearinghouse 
activities required under this subsection. 
"(b)(1) The Secretary is authorized to make grants to public or 
nonprofit private entities, and enter into contracts with public or 
private entities, for projects which include both— 
"(A) the collection, analysis, and furnishing of information 
(derived from post mortem examinations and other means) 
relating to the causes and other appropriate aspects of sudden 
infant death syndrome; and 
"(B) the provision of information and counseling to families 
affected by sudden infant death syndrome. 
"(2) No grant may be made or contract entered into under this 
subsection unless an application therefor has been submitted to and 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
93 STAT. 1071 
approved by the Secretary. Such appUcation shall be in such form, 
submitted in such manner, and contain such information as the 
Secretary shall, by regulation, prescribe. Each application shall— 
"(A) provide that the project for which assistance under this 
subsection is sought will be administered by or under the 
supervision of the applicant; 
"(B) provide for appropriate community representation (in-
cluding appropriate involvement of voluntary groups with a 
demonstrated interest in sudden infant death syndrome) in the 
development and operation of such project; 
"(C) set forth such fiscal controls and fund accounting proce-
dures as may be necessary to assure proper disbursement of and 
accounting for Federal funds paid to the applicant under this 
subsection; and 
"(D) provide for making such reports in such form, at such 
times, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
reasonably require, including such reports as will assist in 
carrying out the provisions of subsection (aX2) of this section. 
"(c)(1) Not later than February 1 of each year after 1979, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Labor and Human 
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce of the House of Representatives a comprehensive report 
on the administration of this part (including funds and positions 
allocated for personnel) and the results obtained from activities 
thereunder, including the extent of allocations made to rural and 
urban areas. The report submitted on or before February 1, 1980, 
shall also set forth a plan to— 
"(A) extend counseling and information services to the fifty 
States and the District of Columbia by July 1,1980; and 
"(B) extend counseling and information services to all posses-
sions and territories of the United States by July 1, 1981. 
"(2) The Secretary shall conduct or provide for the conduct of a 
study on State laws, practices, and systems relating to death investi-
gation and their impact on sudden and unexplained infant deaths, 
and any appropriate means (such as model State laws governing 
death investigations) for improving the quality, frequency, and uni-
formity of the post mortem examinations performed under such laws, 
practices, and systems in the case of sudden and unexplained infant 
deaths. Not later than December 31,1980, the Secretary shall report 
to the Congress the results of such study, including recommendations 
as to any appropriate actions by the Department of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare with respect to the conduct of post mortem 
investigations in all cases of sudden and unexplained infant death 
(including the desirability and feasibility of establishing pilot projects 
for centralized post mortem and specimen examination systems on a 
statewide or regional basis). 
"(d)(1) For the purpose of making grants and contracts under and 
otherwise carrying out this section, there are authorized to be 
appropriated $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975; 
$3,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976; $4,000,000 for 
fiscal year 1977; $3,650,000 for fiscal year 1978; $3,500,000 for fiscal 
year 1979; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $7,000,000 for fiscal 
year 1981. 
"(2) Payments under grants under this section may be made in 
advance or by way of reimbursement, and at such intervals and on 
such conditions, as the Secretary finds necessary. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
Study. 
Report to 
Congress. 
Appropriation 
authorization. 
93 STAT. 1072 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
Equitable 
distribution of 
funds. 
"(3) Contracts under this section may be entered into without 
regard to sections 3648 and 3709 of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 
529; 41 U.S.C. 5). 
"(4) The Secretary shall seek to make equitable distribution of 
funds appropriated under this section among the various regions of 
the country and to ensure that the needs of rural and urban areas are 
appropriately addressed. 
42 use 
300C-12. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
Contents. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME RESEARCH AND RESEARCH REPORTS 
"SEC. 1122. (a) From the sums appropriated to the National 
Institute of Child Health and Human Development under section 441, 
the Secretary shall assure that there are applied to research of the 
type described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection Ob)(l) of this 
section such amounts each year as will be adequate, given the leads 
and findings then available from such research, in order to make 
maximum fesisible progress toward identification of infants at risk of 
sudden infant death syndrome and prevention of sudden infant death 
syndrome. 
"OJXI) Not later than ninety days after the close of the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 1979, and of each fiscal year thereafter, the 
Secretary shall report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee on Labor 
and Human Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Inter-
state and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives specific 
information for such fiscal year on— 
"(A) the (i) number of applications approved by the Secretary 
in the fiscal year reported on for grants and contracts under this 
Act for research which relates specifically to sudden infant death 
syndrome, (ii) total amount requested under such applications, 
(iii) number of such applications for which funds were provided 
in such fiscal year, and (iv) total amount of such funds; and 
"(B) the (i) number of applications approved by the Secretary 
in such fiscal year for grants and contracts under this Act for 
research which relates generally to sudden infant death syn-
drome, including high-risk pregnancy and high-risk infancy 
research which directly relates to sudden infant death syndrome, 
(ii) relationship of the high-risk pregnancy and high-risk infancy 
research to sudden infant death syndrome, (iii) total amount 
requested under such applications, (iv) number of such applica-
tions for which funds were provided in such fiscal year, and (v) 
total amount of such funds. 
"(2) Each report submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection 
shall— 
"(A) contain a summary of the findings of intramural and 
extramural research supported by the National Institute of Child 
Health and Human Development relating to sudden infant death 
syndrome as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such 
paragraph (1), and the plan of such Institute for taking maxi-
mum advantage of such research leads and findings; and 
"(B) provide an estimate of the need for additional funds over 
each of the next five fiscal years for grants and contracts under 
this Act for research activities described in such subparagraphs. 
"(c) Within five days after the Budget is transmitted by the 
President to the Congress for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1980, 
the Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee on 
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on 
PUBLIC LAW 96-142—DEC. 12, 1979 
93 STAT. 1073 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives an 
estimate of the amounts requested for the National Institute of Child 
Health and Human Development and any other Institutes of the 
National Institutes of Health, respectively, for research relating to 
sudden infant death syndrome as described in subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) of subsection (b)(1) of this section, and a comparison of such 
amounts with the amounts requested for the preceding fiscal year.". 
TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS 
MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 301. (a)(1) Subsection (a) of section 340 (42 U.S.C. 256(a)) is 92 Stat. 3567. 
amended by striking out "which provide health services". 
(2) Subsections (c)(1) and (g)(4) of such section are each amended by 
striking out "section 301" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 301, 42 USC 241, 
304, or 305". 
242b, 242c. 
O
b
) The amendments made by subsection (a) of this section shall 42 USC 256 note, 
take effect with respect to appropriations made under section 340 of 
the Public Health Service Act for fiscal years beginning after Septem- Supra. 
ber30,1979. 
Approved December 12, 1979. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 
HOUSE REPORT No. 96-185 accompanying H.R. 3642 (Comm. on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce). 
SENATE REPORT No. 96-102 (Comm. on Labor and Human Resources). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 125 (1979): 
May 9, considered and passed Senate. 
Sept. 28, H.R. 3642 considered and passed House; passage vacated and S. 497, 
amended, passed in lieu. 
Nov. 15, Senate agreed to House amendment with an amendment. 
Nov. 29, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
59-194 O — 81 
70 : QL3