1. U.S. Code
  2. title 42
  3. chapter 6A
  4. subchapter II
  5. part A
  6. § 241

Collapse to view only § 241. Research and investigations generally

§ 241. Research and investigations generally
(a) Authority of SecretaryThe Secretary shall conduct in the Service, and encourage, cooperate with, and render assistance to other appropriate public authorities, scientific institutions, and scientists in the conduct of, and promote the coordination of, research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, and studies relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of physical and mental diseases and impairments of man, including water purification, sewage treatment, and pollution of lakes and streams. In carrying out the foregoing the Secretary is authorized to—
(1) collect and make available through publications and other appropriate means, information as to, and the practical application of, such research and other activities;
(2) make available research facilities of the Service to appropriate public authorities, and to health officials and scientists engaged in special study;
(3) make grants-in-aid to universities, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private institutions, and to individuals for such research projects as are recommended by the advisory council to the entity of the Department supporting such projects and make, upon recommendation of the advisory council to the appropriate entity of the Department, grants-in-aid to public or nonprofit universities, hospitals, laboratories, and other institutions for the general support of their research;
(4) secure from time to time and for such periods as he deems advisable, the assistance and advice of experts, scholars, and consultants from the United States or abroad;
(5) for purposes of study, admit and treat at institutions, hospitals, and stations of the Service, persons not otherwise eligible for such treatment;
(6) make available, to health officials, scientists, and appropriate public and other nonprofit institutions and organizations, technical advice and assistance on the application of statistical methods to experiments, studies, and surveys in health and medical fields;
(7) enter into contracts, including contracts for research in accordance with and subject to the provisions of law applicable to contracts entered into by the military departments under sections 3861 and 4141 of title 10, except that determination, approval, and certification required thereby shall be by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and
(8) adopt, upon recommendations of the advisory councils to the appropriate entities of the Department or, with respect to mental health, the National Advisory Mental Health Council, such additional means as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.
(b) Testing for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and other harmful biological effects; consultation
(1) The Secretary shall conduct and may support through grants and contracts studies and testing of substances for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and other harmful biological effects. In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall consult with entities of the Federal Government, outside of the Department of Health and Human Services, engaged in comparable activities. The Secretary, upon request of such an entity and under appropriate arrangements for the payment of expenses, may conduct for such entity studies and testing of substances for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and other harmful biological effects.
(2)
(A) The Secretary shall establish a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation under which program the Secretary shall conduct such research and may support such research by others through grants and contracts.
(B) The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive review of Federal programs of research on the biological effects of ionizing radiation.
(3) The Secretary shall conduct and may support through grants and contracts research and studies on human nutrition, with particular emphasis on the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease and on the maintenance and promotion of health, and programs for the dissemination of information respecting human nutrition to health professionals and the public. In carrying out activities under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for the coordination of such of these activities as are performed by the different divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services and shall consult with entities of the Federal Government, outside of the Department of Health and Human Services, engaged in comparable activities. The Secretary, upon request of such an entity and under appropriate arrangements for the payment of expenses, may conduct and support such activities for such entity.
(4) The Secretary shall publish a biennial report which contains—
(A) a list of all substances (i) which either are known to be carcinogens or may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens and (ii) to which a significant number of persons residing in the United States are exposed;
(B) information concerning the nature of such exposure and the estimated number of persons exposed to such substances;
(C) a statement identifying (i) each substance contained in the list under subparagraph (A) for which no effluent, ambient, or exposure standard has been established by a Federal agency, and (ii) for each effluent, ambient, or exposure standard established by a Federal agency with respect to a substance contained in the list under subparagraph (A), the extent to which, on the basis of available medical, scientific, or other data, such standard, and the implementation of such standard by the agency, decreases the risk to public health from exposure to the substance; and
(D) a description of (i) each request received during the year involved—(I) from a Federal agency outside the Department of Health and Human Services for the Secretary, or(II) from an entity within the Department of Health and Human Services to any other entity within the Department,
to conduct research into, or testing for, the carcinogenicity of substances or to provide information described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (C), and (ii) how the Secretary and each such other entity, respectively, have responded to each such request.
(5) The authority of the Secretary to enter into any contract for the conduct of any study, testing, program, research, or review, or assessment under this subsection shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
(c) Diseases not significantly occurring in United States
(d) Protection of privacy of individuals who are research subjects
(1)
(A) If a person is engaged in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or other research, in which identifiable, sensitive information is collected (including research on mental health and research on the use and effect of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs), the Secretary, in coordination with other agencies, as applicable—
(i) shall issue to such person a certificate of confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals who are the subjects of such research if the research is funded wholly or in part by the Federal Government; and
(ii) may, upon application by a person engaged in research, issue to such person a certificate of confidentiality to protect the privacy of such individuals if the research is not so funded.
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), any person to whom a certificate is issued under subparagraph (A) to protect the privacy of individuals described in such subparagraph shall not disclose or provide to any other person not connected with the research the name of such an individual or any information, document, or biospecimen that contains identifiable, sensitive information about such an individual and that was created or compiled for purposes of the research.
(C) The disclosure prohibition in subparagraph (B) shall not apply to disclosure or use that is—
(i) required by Federal, State, or local laws, excluding instances described in subparagraph (D);
(ii) necessary for the medical treatment of the individual to whom the information, document, or biospecimen pertains and made with the consent of such individual;
(iii) made with the consent of the individual to whom the information, document, or biospecimen pertains; or
(iv) made for the purposes of other scientific research that is in compliance with applicable Federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects in research.
(D) Any person to whom a certificate is issued under subparagraph (A) to protect the privacy of an individual described in such subparagraph shall not, in any Federal, State, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding, disclose or provide the name of such individual or any such information, document, or biospecimen that contains identifiable, sensitive information about the individual and that was created or compiled for purposes of the research, except in the circumstance described in subparagraph (C)(iii).
(E) Identifiable, sensitive information protected under subparagraph (A), and all copies thereof, shall be immune from the legal process, and shall not, without the consent of the individual to whom the information pertains, be admissible as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding.
(F) Identifiable, sensitive information collected by a person to whom a certificate has been issued under subparagraph (A), and all copies thereof, shall be subject to the protections afforded by this section for perpetuity.
(G) The Secretary shall take steps to minimize the burden to researchers, streamline the process, and reduce the time it takes to comply with the requirements of this subsection.
(2) The Secretary shall coordinate with the heads of other applicable Federal agencies to ensure that such departments have policies in place with respect to the issuance of a certificate of confidentiality pursuant to paragraph (1) and other requirements of this subsection.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the access of an individual who is a subject of research to information about himself or herself collected during such individual’s participation in the research.
(4)
(A) through which an individual is identified; or
(B) for which there is at least a very small risk, as determined by current scientific practices or statistical methods, that some combination of the information, a request for the information, and other available data sources could be used to deduce the identity of an individual.
(e) Preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality
(f) Exemption of certain biomedical information from disclosure
(1) The Secretary may exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5 biomedical information that is about an individual and that is gathered or used during the course of biomedical research if—
(A) an individual is identified; or
(B) there is at least a very small risk, as determined by current scientific practices or statistical methods, that some combination of the information, the request, and other available data sources could be used to deduce the identity of an individual.
(2)
(A) Each determination of the Secretary under paragraph (1) to exempt information from disclosure shall be made in writing and accompanied by a statement of the basis for the determination.
(B) Each such determination and statement of basis shall be available to the public, upon request, through the Office of the Chief FOIA Officer of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit a research participant’s access to information about such participant collected during the participant’s participation in the research.
(g) Inapplicability of Federal information policy
(h) Availability of substances and living organisms for biomedical and behavioral research
(1) The Secretary may make available to individuals and entities, for biomedical and behavioral research, substances and living organisms. Such substances and organisms shall be made available under such terms and conditions (including payment for them) as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(2) Where research substances and living organisms are made available under paragraph (1) through contractors, the Secretary may direct such contractors to collect payments on behalf of the Secretary for the costs incurred to make available such substances and organisms and to forward amounts so collected to the Secretary, in the time and manner specified by the Secretary.
(3) Amounts collected under paragraph (2) shall be credited to the appropriations accounts that incurred the costs to make available the research substances and living organisms involved, and shall remain available until expended for carrying out activities under such accounts.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 301, 58 Stat. 691; July 3, 1946, ch. 538, § 7(a), (b), 60 Stat. 423; June 16, 1948, ch. 481, § 4(e), (f), 62 Stat. 467; June 24, 1948, ch. 621, § 4(e), (f), 62 Stat. 601; June 25, 1948, ch. 654, § 1, 62 Stat. 1017; July 3, 1956, ch. 510, § 4, 70 Stat. 490; Pub. L. 86–798, Sept. 15, 1960, 74 Stat. 1053; Pub. L. 87–838, § 2, Oct. 17, 1962, 76 Stat. 1073; Pub. L. 89–115, § 3, Aug. 9, 1965, 79 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 90–174, § 9, Dec. 5, 1967, 81 Stat. 540; Pub. L. 91–513, title I, § 3(a), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1241; Pub. L. 91–515, title II, § 292, Oct. 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 1308; Pub. L. 92–218, § 6(a)(2), Dec. 23, 1971, 85 Stat. 785; Pub. L. 92–423, § 7(b), Sept. 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 687; Pub. L. 93–282, title I, § 122(b), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 132; Pub. L. 93–348, title I, § 104(a)(1), July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 346; Pub. L. 93–352, title I, § 111, July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 360; Pub. L. 94–278, title I, § 111, Apr. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 405; Pub. L. 95–622, title II, §§ 261, 262, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3434; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, § 509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 99–158, § 3(a)(5), Nov. 20, 1985, 99 Stat. 879; Pub. L. 99–570, title IV, § 4021(b)(2), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–124; Pub. L. 99–660, title I, § 104, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3751; Pub. L. 100–607, title I, § 163(1), (2), Nov. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 3062; Pub. L. 103–43, title XX, § 2009, June 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 213; Pub. L. 109–450, § 3(a), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3341; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title II, §§ 2012(a), 2013, 2035, 2043, Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1049, 1050, 1062, 1074; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, § 1702(j)(1)(A), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2159; Pub. L. 117–103, div. P, title I, § 141(a), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 797.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 241

§ 242. Studies and investigations on use and misuse of narcotic drugs and other drugs; annual report to Attorney General; cooperation with States
(a) In carrying out the purposes of section 241 of this title with respect to drugs the use or misuse of which might result in drug abuse or dependency, the studies and investigations authorized therein shall include the use and misuse of narcotic drugs and other drugs. Such studies and investigations shall further include the quantities of crude opium, coca leaves, and their salts, derivatives, and preparations, and other drugs subject to control under the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.] and Controlled Substances Import and Export Act [21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.], together with reserves thereof, necessary to supply the normal and emergency medicinal and scientific requirements of the United States. The results of studies and investigations of the quantities of narcotic drugs or other drugs subject to control under such Acts, together with reserves of such drugs, that are necessary to supply the normal and emergency medicinal and scientific requirements of the United States, shall be reported not later than the first day of April of each year to the Attorney General, to be used at his discretion in determining manufacturing quotas or importation requirements under such Acts.
(b) The Surgeon General shall cooperate with States for the purpose of aiding them to solve their narcotic drug problems and shall give authorized representatives of the States the benefit of his experience in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of narcotic addicts to the end that each State may be encouraged to provide adequate facilities and methods for the care and treatment of its narcotic addicts.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 302, 58 Stat. 692; Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 701(j), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1282.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242

§ 242a. Repealed. Pub. L. 106–310, div. B, title XXXII, § 3201(b)(1), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1190

CITE AS: 42 USC 242a

§ 242b. General authority respecting research, evaluations, and demonstrations in health statistics, health services, and health care technology
(a) Scope of activities
(b) Additional authority; scope of activities
To implement subsection (a) and section 242k of this title, the Secretary may, in addition to any other authority which under other provisions of this chapter or any other law may be used by him to implement such subsection, do the following:
(1) Utilize personnel and equipment, facilities, and other physical resources of the Department of Health and Human Services, permit appropriate (as determined by the Secretary) entities and individuals to utilize the physical resources of such Department, provide technical assistance and advice, make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and individuals, and, when appropriate, enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals.
(2) Admit and treat at hospitals and other facilities of the Service persons not otherwise eligible for admission and treatment at such facilities.
(3) Secure, from time to time and for such periods as the Secretary deems advisable but in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, the assistance and advice of consultants from the United States or abroad. The Secretary may for the purpose of carrying out the functions set forth in sections 242c,1
1 See References in Text note below.
242k, and 242n 1 of this title, obtain (in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, but without regard to the limitation in such section on the number of days or the period of service) for each of the centers the services of not more than fifteen experts who have appropriate scientific or professional qualifications.
(4) Acquire, construct, improve, repair, operate, and maintain laboratory, research, and other necessary facilities and equipment, and such other real or personal property (including patents) as the Secretary deems necessary; and acquire, without regard to section 8141 of title 40, by lease or otherwise, through the Administrator of General Services, buildings or parts of buildings in the District of Columbia or communities located adjacent to the District of Columbia.
(c) Coordination of activities through units of Department
(1) The Secretary shall coordinate all health services research, evaluations, and demonstrations, all health statistical and epidemiological activities, and all research, evaluations, and demonstrations respecting the assessment of health care technology undertaken and supported through units of the Department of Health and Human Services. To the maximum extent feasible such coordination shall be carried out through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Center for Health Statistics.
(2) The Secretary shall coordinate the health services research, evaluations, and demonstrations, the health statistical and (where appropriate) epidemiological activities, and the research, evaluations, and demonstrations respecting the assessment of health care technology authorized by this chapter through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Center for Health Statistics.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 304, as added July 28, 1955, ch. 417, § 3, 69 Stat. 382; amended Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 871, title V, § 502, 70 Stat. 930; Pub. L. 90–174, § 3(a), Dec. 5, 1967, 81 Stat. 534; Pub. L. 91–296, title IV, § 401(b)(1)(A), June 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 352; Pub. L. 91–515, title II, §§ 201(a)–(c), 202, 203, Oct. 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 1301–1303; Pub. L. 93–45, title I, § 102, June 18, 1973, 87 Stat. 91; Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 103, July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 362; Pub. L. 95–623, §§ 3, 7, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3443, 3451; Pub. L. 96–32, § 5(a)–(c), July 10, 1979, 93 Stat. 82; Pub. L. 97–35, title IX, § 918, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 565; Pub. L. 98–551, § 5(c), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2819; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6103(e)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2205; Pub. L. 103–183, title V, § 501(b), Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2237; Pub. L. 106–129, § 2(b)(2), Dec. 6, 1999, 113 Stat. 1670; Pub. L. 107–206, title I, § 804(c), Aug. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 874.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242b

§ 242c. Appointment and authority of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(a) In general
(b) FunctionsThe Secretary, acting through the Director, shall—
(1) implement and exercise applicable authorities and responsibilities provided for in this chapter or other applicable law related to the investigation, detection, identification, prevention, or control of diseases or conditions to preserve and improve public health domestically and globally and address injuries and occupational and environmental hazards, as appropriate;
(2) be responsible for the overall direction of the CDC and for the establishment and implementation of policies related to the management and operation of programs and activities within the CDC;
(3) coordinate and oversee the operation of centers, institutes, and offices within the CDC;
(4) support, in consultation with the heads of such centers, institutes, and offices, program coordination across such centers, institutes, and offices, including through priority setting reviews and the development of strategic plans, to reduce unnecessary duplication and encourage collaboration between programs;
(5) oversee the development, implementation, and updating of the strategic plan established pursuant to subsection (c);
(6) ensure that appropriate strategic planning, including the use of performance metrics, is conducted by such centers, institutes, and offices to facilitate and improve CDC programs and activities; 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by “and”.
(7) communicate, including through convening annual meetings, with public and private entities regarding relevant public health programs and activities, and, as applicable, the strategic plan established pursuant to subsection (c).
(c) Strategic plan
(1) In general
(2) RequirementsThe CDC Strategic Plan shall—
(A) identify strategic priorities and objectives related to—
(i) preventing, reducing, and eliminating the spread of communicable and noncommunicable diseases or conditions, and addressing injuries, and occupational and environmental hazards;
(ii) supporting the efforts of State, local, and Tribal health departments to prevent and reduce the prevalence of the diseases or conditions under clause (i);
(iii) containing, mitigating, and ending disease outbreaks;
(iv) enhancing global and domestic public health capacity, capabilities, and preparedness, including public health data, surveillance, workforce, and laboratory capacity and safety; and
(v) other priorities, as established by the Director;
(B) describe the capacity and capabilities necessary to achieve the priorities and objectives under subparagraph (A), and progress towards achieving such capacity and capabilities, as appropriate; and
(C) include a description of how the CDC Strategic Plan incorporates—
(i) strategic communications;
(ii) partnerships with private sector entities, and State, local, and Tribal health departments, and other public sector entities, as appropriate; and
(iii) coordination with other agencies and offices of the Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate.
(3) Use of plans
(d) Appearances before Congress
(1) In generalEach fiscal year, the Director shall appear before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives at hearings on topics such as—
(A) support for State, local, and Tribal public health preparedness and responses to any recent or ongoing public health emergency, including—
(i) any objectives, activities, or initiatives that have been carried out, or are planned, by the Director to prepare for, or respond to, the public health emergency, including relevant strategic communications or partnerships and any gaps or challenges identified in such objectives, activities, or initiatives;
(ii) any objectives and planned activities for the upcoming fiscal year to address gaps in, or otherwise improve, State, local, and Tribal public health preparedness; and
(iii) other potential all-hazard threats that the Director is preparing to address;
(B) activities related to public health and functions of the Director described in subsection (b); and
(C) updates on other relevant activities supported or conducted by the CDC, or in collaboration or coordination with the heads of other Federal departments, agencies, or stakeholders, as appropriate.
(2) Clarifications
(A) Waiver authority
(B) Scope of requirements
(3) Closed hearings
(e) Other transactions
(1) In general
(2) Written determination
(3) Guidelines
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 305, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2101(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5706.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242c

§ 242c–1. Advisory committee to the Director
(a) In general
(b) Functions and activities
The Advisory Committee may—
(1) make recommendations to the Director regarding ways to prioritize the activities of the agency in alignment with the CDC Strategic Plan required under section 242c(c) of this title;
(2) advise on ways to achieve or improve performance metrics in relation to the CDC Strategic Plan, and other relevant metrics, as appropriate;
(3) provide advice and recommendations on the development of the CDC Strategic Plan, and any subsequent updates, as appropriate;
(4) advise on grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other transactions, as applicable;
(5) provide other advice to the Director, as requested, to fulfill duties under sections 241 and 243 of this title; and
(6) appoint subcommittees.
(c) Membership
(1) In general
(2) Ex officio members
Any ex officio members of the Advisory Council 1
1 So in original.
may consist of—
(A) the Secretary;
(B) the Assistant Secretary for Health;
(C) the Director; and
(D) such additional officers or employees of the United States as the Secretary determines necessary for the advisory committee to effectively carry out its functions.
(3) Appointed members
Individuals shall be appointed to the Advisory Committee under paragraph (1) as follows:
(A) Twelve of the members shall be appointed by the Director from among the leading representatives of the health disciplines (including public health, global health, health disparities, biomedical research, public health preparedness, and other fields, as applicable) relevant to the activities of the agency or center, as applicable.
(B) Three of the members may be appointed by the Secretary from the general public and may include leaders in fields of innovation, public policy, public relations, law, economics, or management.
(4) Compensation
(5) Terms of office
(A) In general
(B) Reappointments
(C) Time for appointment
(d) Chair
(e) Meetings
(f) Executive secretary and staff
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 305A, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2102, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5709.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242c-1

§ 242d. Transferred

CITE AS: 42 USC 242d

§ 242e. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 102(a), July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 362

CITE AS: 42 USC 242e

§§ 242f to 242j. Transferred

CITE AS: 42 USC 242f to 242j

§ 242k. National Center for Health Statistics
(a) Establishment; appointment of Director; statistical and epidemiological activities
(b) DutiesIn carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Center,
(1) shall collect statistics on—
(A) the extent and nature of illness and disability of the population of the United States (or of any groupings of the people included in the population), including life expectancy, the incidence of various acute and chronic illnesses, and infant and maternal morbidity and mortality,
(B) the impact of illness and disability of the population on the economy of the United States and on other aspects of the well-being of its population (or of such groupings),
(C) environmental, social, and other health hazards,
(D) determinants of health,
(E) health resources, including physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health professionals by specialty and type of practice and the supply of services by hospitals, extended care facilities, home health agencies, and other health institutions,
(F) utilization of health care, including utilization of (i) ambulatory health services by specialties and types of practice of the health professionals providing such services, and (ii) services of hospitals, extended care facilities, home health agencies, and other institutions,
(G) health care costs and financing, including the trends in health care prices and cost, the sources of payments for health care services, and Federal, State, and local governmental expenditures for health care services, and
(H) family formation, growth, and dissolution;
(2) shall undertake and support (by grant or contract) research, demonstrations, and evaluations respecting new or improved methods for obtaining current data on the matters referred to in paragraph (1);
(3) may undertake and support (by grant or contract) epidemiological research, demonstrations, and evaluations on the matters referred to in paragraph (1); and
(4) may collect, furnish, tabulate, and analyze statistics, and prepare studies, on matters referred to in paragraph (1) upon request of public and nonprofit private entities under arrangements under which the entities will pay the cost of the service provided.
Amounts appropriated to the Secretary from payments made under arrangements made under paragraph (4) shall be available to the Secretary for obligation until expended.
(c) Statistical and epidemiological compilations and surveys
(d) Technical aid to States and localities
(e) Cooperative Health Statistics SystemFor the purpose of producing comparable and uniform health information and statistics, there is established the Cooperative Health Statistics System. The Secretary, acting through the Center, shall—
(1) coordinate the activities of Federal agencies involved in the design and implementation of the System;
(2) undertake and support (by grant or contract) research, development, demonstrations, and evaluations respecting the System;
(3) make grants to and enter into contracts with State and local health agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of data collection and other activities carried out under the System; and
(4) review the statistical activities of the Department of Health and Human Services to assure that they are consistent with the System.
States participating in the System shall designate a State agency to administer or be responsible for the administration of the statistical activities within the State under the System. The Secretary, acting through the Center, shall prescribe guidelines to assure that statistical activities within States participating in the system 1
1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
produce uniform and timely data and assure appropriate access to such data.
(f) Federal-State cooperation
(g) Collection of health data; data collection forms
(h) Registration area records
(1) There shall be an annual collection of data from the records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in registration areas. The data shall be obtained only from and restricted to such records of the States and municipalities which the Secretary, in his discretion, determines possess records affording satisfactory data in necessary detail and form. The Secretary shall encourage States and registration areas to obtain detailed data on ethnic and racial populations, including subpopulations of Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders with significant representation in the State or registration area. Each State or registration area shall be paid by the Secretary the Federal share of its reasonable costs (as determined by the Secretary) for collecting and transcribing (at the request of the Secretary and by whatever method authorized by him) its records for such data.
(2) There shall be an annual collection of data from a statistically valid sample concerning the general health, illness, and disability status of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. Specific topics to be addressed under this paragraph, on an annual or periodic basis, shall include the incidence of illness and accidental injuries, prevalence of chronic diseases and impairments, disability, physician visits, hospitalizations, and the relationship between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and health characteristics.
(i) Technical assistance in effective use of statistics
(j) Coordination of health statistical and epidemiological activitiesIn carrying out the requirements of
(1) establishing standardized means for the collection of health information and statistics under laws administered by the Secretary;
(2) developing, in consultation with the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, and maintaining the minimum sets of data needed on a continuing basis to fulfill the collection requirements of subsection (b)(1);
(3) after consultation with the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, establishing standards to assure the quality of health statistical and epidemiological data collection, processing, and analysis;
(4) in the case of proposed health data collections of the Department which are required to be reviewed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under section 3509 2
2 See References in Text note below.
of title 44, reviewing such proposed collections to determine whether they conform with the minimum sets of data and the standards promulgated pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3), and if any such proposed collection is found not to be in conformance, by taking such action as may be necessary to assure that it will conform to such sets of data and standards, and
(5) periodically reviewing ongoing health data collections of the Department, subject to review under such section 3509,2 to determine if the collections are being conducted in accordance with the minimum sets of data and the standards promulgated pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) and, if any such collection is found not to be in conformance, by taking such action as may be necessary to assure that the collection will conform to such sets of data and standards not later than the ninetieth day after the date of the completion of the review of the collection.
(k) National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics; establishment; membership; term of office; compensation; functions; consultations of Secretary with Committee and professional advisory groups
(1) There is established in the Office of the Secretary a committee to be known as the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the “Committee”) which shall consist of 18 members.
(2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of health statistics, electronic interchange of health care information, privacy and security of electronic information, population-based public health, purchasing or financing health care services, integrated computerized health information systems, health services research, consumer interests in health information, health data standards, epidemiology, and the provision of health services. Members of the Committee shall be appointed for terms of 4 years.
(3) Of the members of the Committee—
(A) 1 shall be appointed, not later than 60 days after August 21, 1996, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives after consultation with the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;
(B) 1 shall be appointed, not later than 60 days after August 21, 1996, by the President pro tempore of the Senate after consultation with the Minority Leader of the Senate; and
(C) 16 shall be appointed by the Secretary.
(4) Members of the Committee shall be compensated in accordance with section 210(c) of this title.
(5) The Committee—
(A) shall assist and advise the Secretary—
(i) to delineate statistical problems bearing on health and health services which are of national or international interest;
(ii) to stimulate studies of such problems by other organizations and agencies whenever possible or to make investigations of such problems through subcommittees;
(iii) to determine, approve, and revise the terms, definitions, classifications, and guidelines for assessing health status and health services, their distribution and costs, for use (I) within the Department of Health and Human Services, (II) by all programs administered or funded by the Secretary, including the Federal-State-local cooperative health statistics system referred to in subsection (e), and (III) to the extent possible as determined by the head of the agency involved, by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and other Federal agencies concerned with health and health services;
(iv) with respect to the design of and approval of health statistical and health information systems concerned with the collection, processing, and tabulation of health statistics within the Department of Health and Human Services, with respect to the Cooperative Health Statistics System established under subsection (e), and with respect to the standardized means for the collection of health information and statistics to be established by the Secretary under subsection (j)(1);
(v) to review and comment on findings and proposals developed by other organizations and agencies and to make recommendations for their adoption or implementation by local, State, national, or international agencies;
(vi) to cooperate with national committees of other countries and with the World Health Organization and other national agencies in the studies of problems of mutual interest;
(vii) to issue an annual report on the state of the Nation’s health, its health services, their costs and distributions, and to make proposals for improvement of the Nation’s health statistics and health information systems; and
(viii) in complying with the requirements imposed on the Secretary under part C of title XI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.];
(B) shall study the issues related to the adoption of uniform data standards for patient medical record information and the electronic exchange of such information;
(C) shall report to the Secretary not later than 4 years after August 21, 1996, recommendations and legislative proposals for such standards and electronic exchange; and
(D) shall be responsible generally for advising the Secretary and the Congress on the status of the implementation of part C of title XI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.].
(6) In carrying out health statistical activities under this part, the Secretary shall consult with, and seek the advice of, the Committee and other appropriate professional advisory groups.
(7) Not later than 1 year after August 21, 1996, and annually thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the Congress, and make public, a report regarding the implementation of part C of title XI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.]. Such report shall address the following subjects, to the extent that the Committee determines appropriate:
(A) The extent to which persons required to comply with part C of title XI of the Social Security Act are cooperating in implementing the standards adopted under such part.
(B) The extent to which such entities are meeting the security standards adopted under such part and the types of penalties assessed for noncompliance with such standards.
(C) Whether the Federal and State Governments are receiving information of sufficient quality to meet their responsibilities under such part.
(D) Any problems that exist with respect to implementation of such part.
(E) The extent to which timetables under such part are being met.
(l) Data specific to particular ethnic and racial populations
(m) Grants for assembly and analysis of data on ethnic and racial populations
(1) The Secretary, acting through the Center, may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for—
(A) the conduct of special surveys or studies on the health of ethnic and racial populations or subpopulations;
(B) analysis of data on ethnic and racial populations and subpopulations; and
(C) research on improving methods for developing statistics on ethnic and racial populations and subpopulations.
(2) The Secretary, acting through the Center, may provide technical assistance, standards, and methodologies to grantees supported by this subsection in order to maximize the data quality and comparability with other studies.
(3) Provisions of section 242m(d) of this title do not apply to surveys or studies conducted by grantees under this subsection unless the Secretary, in accordance with regulations the Secretary may issue, determines that such provisions are necessary for the conduct of the survey or study and receives adequate assurance that the grantee will enforce such provisions.
(4)
(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary, acting through the Center, shall collect data on Hispanics and major Hispanic subpopulation groups and American Indians, and for developing special area population studies on major Asian American and Pacific Islander populations.
(B) The provisions of subparagraph (A) shall be effective with respect to a fiscal year only to the extent that funds are appropriated pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (n), and only if the amounts appropriated for such fiscal year pursuant to each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (n) equal or exceed the amounts so appropriated for fiscal year 1997.
(n) Authorization of appropriations
(1) For health statistical and epidemiological activities undertaken or supported under subsections (a) through (l), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2003.
(2) For activities authorized in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (m), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003. Of such amounts, the Secretary shall use not more than 10 percent for administration and for activities described in subsection (m)(2).
(3) For activities authorized in subsection (m)(4), there are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2002.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 306, as added Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 105, July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 365; amended Pub. L. 95–623, §§ 5, 8(a), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3445, 3453; Pub. L. 97–35, title IX, § 920, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 97–414, § 8(b), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 100–177, title I, §§ 104, 105(a), Dec. 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 988; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6103(e)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2206; Pub. L. 101–527, § 7(a), (b)(1), (c), Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2327, 2328; Pub. L. 102–54, § 13(q)(1)(A)(i), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 278; Pub. L. 103–183, title V, § 501(a), (d), Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2237, 2238; Pub. L. 104–191, title II, § 263, Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2031; Pub. L. 105–340, title II, § 201, Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3193; Pub. L. 105–392, title II, § 201(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3585.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242k

§ 242l. International cooperation
(a) Cooperative endeavors
The Secretary may participate with other countries in cooperative endeavors in—
(1) biomedical research, health care technology, and the health services research and statistical analysis authorized under section 242k of this title and subchapter VII; and
(2) biomedical research, health care services, health care research, or other related activities in furtherance of the activities, objectives or goals authorized under the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008.
(b) Authority of Secretary; building construction prohibition
In connection with the cooperative endeavors authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary may—
(1) make such use of resources offered by participating foreign countries as he may find necessary and appropriate;
(2) establish and maintain fellowships in the United States and in participating foreign countries;
(3) make grants to public institutions or agencies and to nonprofit private institutions or agencies in the United States and in participating foreign countries for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the fellowships authorized by paragraph (2);
(4) make grants or loans of equipment and materials, for use by public or nonprofit private institutions or agencies, or by individuals, in participating foreign countries;
(5) participate and otherwise cooperate in any international meetings, conferences, or other activities concerned with biomedical research, health services research, health statistics, or health care technology;
(6) facilitate the interchange between the United States and participating foreign countries, and among participating foreign countries, of research scientists and experts who are engaged in experiments or programs of biomedical research, health services research, health statistical activities, or health care technology activities, and in carrying out such purpose may pay per diem compensation, subsistence, and travel for such scientists and experts when away from their places of residence at rates not to exceed those provided in section 5703(b) 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently;
(7) procure, in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants;
(8) enter into contracts with individuals for the provision of services (as defined in section 104 of part 37 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (48 CFR 37.104)) in participating foreign countries, which individuals may not be deemed employees of the United States for the purpose of any law administered by the Office of Personnel Management;
(9) provide such funds by advance or reimbursement to the Secretary of State, as may be necessary, to pay the costs of acquisition, lease, construction, alteration, equipping, furnishing or management of facilities outside of the United States; and
(10) in consultation with the Secretary of State, through grant or cooperative agreement, make funds available to public or nonprofit private institutions or agencies in foreign countries in which the Secretary is participating in activities described under subsection (a) to acquire, lease, construct, alter, or renovate facilities in those countries.
(c) Benefits for overseas assignees
(d) Strategies to improve injection safety
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 307, formerly § 308, as added Pub. L. 86–610, § 3, July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 364; renumbered § 307 and amended Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 106, July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 367; Pub. L. 97–35, title IX, § 921, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6103(e)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2206; Pub. L. 102–531, title III, § 310, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3503; Pub. L. 103–183, title VII, § 702, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2239; Pub. L. 108–25, title III, § 306, May 27, 2003, 117 Stat. 739; Pub. L. 110–293, title II, § 205, July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2943.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242l

§ 242m. General provisions respecting effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of health services
(a) Reports to Congress and President; preparation; review by Office of Management and Budget
(1) Not later than March 15 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the President and Congress the following reports:
(A) A report on health care costs and financing. Such report shall include a description and analysis of the statistics collected under section 242k(b)(1)(G) of this title.
(B) A report on health resources. Such report shall include a description and analysis, by geographical area, of the statistics collected under section 242k(b)(1)(E) of this title.
(C) A report on the utilization of health resources. Such report shall include a description and analysis, by age, sex, income, and geographic area, of the statistics collected under section 242k(b)(1)(F) of this title.
(D) A report on the health of the Nation’s people. Such report shall include a description and analysis, by age, sex, income, and geographic area, of the statistics collected under section 242k(b)(1)(A) of this title.
(2) The reports required in paragraph (1) shall be prepared through the National Center for Health Statistics.
(3) The Office of Management and Budget may review any report required by paragraph (1) of this subsection before its submission to Congress, but the Office may not revise any such report or delay its submission beyond the date prescribed for its submission, and may submit to Congress its comments respecting any such report.
(b) Grants or contracts; applications, submittal; application peer review group, findings and recommendations; necessity of favorable recommendation; appointments
(1) No grant or contract may be made under section 242b, 242k, or 242l of this title unless an application therefor has been submitted to the Secretary in such form and manner, and containing such information, as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe and unless a peer review group referred to in paragraph (2) has recommended the application for approval.
(2)
(A) Each application submitted for a grant or contract under section 242k of this title in an amount exceeding $50,000 of direct costs and for a health services research, evaluation, or demonstration project, or for a grant under section 242k(m) of this title, shall be submitted to a peer review group for an evaluation of the technical and scientific merits of the proposals made in each such application. The Director of the National Center for Health Statistics shall establish such peer review groups as may be necessary to provide for such an evaluation of each such application.
(B) A peer review group to which an application is submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall report its finding and recommendations respecting the application to the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Center for Health Statistics, in such form and manner as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe. The Secretary may not approve an application described in such subparagraph unless a peer review group has recommended the application for approval.
(C) The Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Center for Health Statistics, shall make appointments to the peer review groups required in subparagraph (A) from among persons who are not officers or employees of the United States and who possess appropriate technical and scientific qualifications, except that peer review groups regarding grants under section 242k(m) of this title may include appropriately qualified such officers and employees.
(c) Development and dissemination of statistics
(d) Information; publication restrictions
(e) Payment procedures; advances or reimbursement; installments; conditions; reductions
(1) Payments of any grant or under any contract under section 242b, 242k, or 242l of this title may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments and on such conditions, as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of such section.
(2) The amounts otherwise payable to any person under a grant or contract made under section 242b, 242k, or 242l of this title shall be reduced by—
(A) amounts equal to the fair market value of any equipment or supplies furnished to such person by the Secretary for the purpose of carrying out the project with respect to which such grant or contract is made, and
(B) amounts equal to the pay, allowances, traveling expenses, and related personnel expenses attributable to the performance of services by an officer or employee of the Government in connection with such project, if such officer or employee was assigned or detailed by the Secretary to perform such services,
but only if such person requested the Secretary to furnish such equipment or supplies, or such services, as the case may be.
(f) Contracts without regard to section 3324 of title 31 and section 6101 of title 41
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 308, as added Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 107(a), July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 368; amended Pub. L. 94–273, § 7(2), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 95–83, title I, § 104, Aug. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 95–623, §§ 2, 6(d), 8(b), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3443, 3451, 3455; Pub. L. 97–35, title IX, §§ 917(a), (b), 919(a)(2)(B), 922, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 564, 565, 567; Pub. L. 97–414, § 8(c), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 98–551, § 7, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2820; Pub. L. 100–177, title I, §§ 106(a), 107, 108, Dec. 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 988–990; Pub. L. 100–690, title II, § 2612, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4235; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6103(e)(4), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2206; Pub. L. 101–527, § 7(b)(2), (d), Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2328; Pub. L. 103–183, title V, § 501(c), Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2237; Pub. L. 105–392, title IV, § 401(d), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3587.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242m

§ 242n. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6103(d)(1)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2205

CITE AS: 42 USC 242n

§ 242o. Health conferences; publication of health educational information
(a) A conference of the health authorities in and among the several States shall be called annually by the Secretary. Whenever in his opinion the interests of the public health would be promoted by a conference, the Secretary may invite as many of such health authorities and officials of other State or local public or private agencies, institutions, or organizations to confer as he deems necessary or proper. Upon the application of health authorities of five or more States it shall be the duty of the Secretary to call a conference of all State health authorities joining in the request. Each State represented at any conference shall be entitled to a single vote. Whenever at any such conference matters relating to mental health are to be discussed, the mental health authorities of the respective States shall be invited to attend.
(b) From time to time the Secretary shall issue information related to public health, in the form of publications or otherwise, for the use of the public, and shall publish weekly reports of health conditions in the United States and other countries and other pertinent health information for the use of persons and institutions concerned with health services.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 310, formerly §§ 309, 310, as added Pub. L. 93–353, title I, § 107(a), July 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 371; renumbered § 310, Pub. L. 95–623, § 6(a), (b), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3447.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242o

§ 242p. National disease prevention data profile
(a) The Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, shall submit to Congress on March 15, 1990, and on March 15 of every third year thereafter, a national disease prevention data profile in order to provide a data base for the effective implementation of this Act and to increase public awareness of the prevalence, incidence, and any trends in the preventable causes of death and disability in the United States. Such profile shall include at a minimum—
(1) mortality rates for preventable diseases;
(2) morbidity rates associated with preventable diseases;
(3) the physical determinants of health of the population of the United States and the relationship between these determinants of health and the incidence and prevalence of preventable causes of death and disability; and
(4) the behavioral determinants of health of the population of the United States including, but not limited to, smoking, nutritional and dietary habits, exercise, and alcohol consumption, and the relationship between these determinants of health and the incidence and prevalence of preventable causes of death and disability.
(b) In preparing the profile required by subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, shall comply with all relevant provisions of sections 242k and 242m of this title.
(Pub. L. 95–626, title IV, § 404, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3591; Pub. L. 100–177, title I, § 106(b), Dec. 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 989.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242p

§ 242q. Task Force on Aging Research; establishment and duties
(a) Establishment
(b) Duties
With respect to aging research (as defined in section 242q–4 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title), the Task Force each fiscal year shall—
(1) make recommendations to the Secretary specifying the particular projects of research, or the particular categories of research, that should be conducted or supported by the Secretary;
(2) of the projects specified under paragraph (1), make recommendations to the Secretary of the projects that should be given priority in the provision of funds; and
(3) make recommendations to the Secretary of the amount of funds that should be appropriated for such research.
(c) Provision of information to public
(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 301, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2768.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q

§ 242q–1. Membership
(a) Composition
The Task Force shall be composed of—
(1) the Assistant Secretary for Health;
(2) the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service;
(3) the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation;
(4) the Director of the National Institute on Aging, and the Directors of such other agencies of the National Institutes of Health as the Secretary determines to be appropriate;
(5) the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging;
(6) the Commissioner of Food and Drugs;
(7) the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(8) the Administrator of the the 1
1 So in original.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
(9) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services;
(10) the Commissioner of Social Security;
(11) the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;
(12) two Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House in consultation with the Minority Leader, and two members of the Senate appointed by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Minority Leader, not more than one of whom from each body shall be members of the same political party; and
(13)
(A) a nonprofit group representing older Americans;
(B) a private voluntary health organization concerned with the health problems affecting older Americans; and
(C) a nonprofit organization concerned with research related to the health and independence of older Americans.
(b) Chair
(c) Quorum
(d) Meetings
(e) Compensation and expenses
(1) Compensation
(2) Expenses
(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 302, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2769; Pub. L. 102–321, title I, § 161, July 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, § 302(e)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1985; Pub. L. 106–129, § 2(b)(2), Dec. 6, 1999, 113 Stat. 1670; Pub. L. 108–173, title IX, § 900(e)(6)(D), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2373.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q-1

§ 242q–2. Administrative staff and support

The Secretary, acting through either the Assistant Secretary for Health or the Director of the National Institute on Aging, shall appoint an Executive Secretary for the Task Force and shall provide the Task Force with such administrative staff and support as may be necessary to enable the Task Force to carry out subsections (b) and (c) of section 242q of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 303, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2770.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q-2

§ 242q–3. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–482, title I, § 104(b)(3)(B), Jan. 15, 2007, 120 Stat. 3694

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q-3

§ 242q–4. Definitions
For purposes of sections 242q to 242q–5 of this title:
(1) Aging research
(A) The term “aging research” means research on the aging process and on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders, and complications related to aging, including menopause. Such research includes research on such treatments, and on medical devices and other medical interventions regarding such diseases, disorders, and complications, that can assist individuals in avoiding institutionalization and prolonged hospitalization and in otherwise increasing the independence of the individuals.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “independence”, with respect to diseases, disorders, and complications of aging, means the functional ability of individuals to perform activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living without assistance or supervision.
(2) Secretary
(3) Task Force
(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 304, formerly § 305, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2770; renumbered § 304, Pub. L. 109–482, title I, § 104(b)(3)(B), Jan. 15, 2007, 120 Stat. 3694.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q-4

§ 242q–5. Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out sections 242q to 242q–5 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 1993.

(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 305, formerly § 306, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2770; renumbered § 305, Pub. L. 109–482, title I, § 104(b)(3)(B), Jan. 15, 2007, 120 Stat. 3694.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242q-5

§ 242r. Improvement and publication of data on food-related allergic responses
(a) In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall improve (including by educating physicians and other health care providers) the collection of, and publish as it becomes available, national data on—
(1) the prevalence of food allergies;
(2) the incidence of clinically significant or serious adverse events related to food allergies; and
(3) the use of different modes of treatment for and prevention of allergic responses to foods.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 108–282, title II, § 207, Aug. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 910.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242r

§ 242s. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Women’s Health
(a) Establishment
(b) Purpose
The Director of the Office shall—
(1) report to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the current level of the Centers’ activity regarding women’s health conditions across, where appropriate, age, biological, sociocultural (including among American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives), and geographical contexts, in all aspects of the Centers’ work, including prevention programs, public and professional education, services, and treatment;
(2) establish short-range and long-range goals and objectives within the Centers for women’s health and, as relevant and appropriate, coordinate with other appropriate offices on activities within the Centers that relate to prevention, research, education and training, service delivery, and policy development, for issues of particular concern to women;
(3) identify projects in women’s health that should be conducted or supported by the Centers;
(4) consult with health professionals, nongovernmental organizations, consumer organizations, women’s health professionals, and other individuals and groups, as appropriate, on the policy of the Centers with regard to women; and
(5) serve as a member of the Department of Health and Human Services Coordinating Committee on Women’s Health (established under section 237a(b)(4) of this title).
(c) Definition
As used in this section, the term “women’s health conditions”, with respect to women of all age, ethnic, and racial groups, means diseases, disorders, and conditions—
(1) unique to, significantly more serious for, or significantly more prevalent in women; and
(2) for which the factors of medical risk or type of medical intervention are different for women, or for which there is reasonable evidence that indicates that such factors or types may be different for women.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 310A, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title III, § 3509(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 533; amended Pub. L. 117–103, div. P, title I, § 141(b), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 797.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242s

§ 242t. CDC surveillance and data collection for child, youth, and adult trauma
(a) Data collection
(b) Timing
(c) Data from rural areas
(d) Data from tribal areas
(e) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 115–271, title VII, § 7131, Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 4046.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242t

§ 242u. Improving State, local, and Tribal information sharing
(a) In general
The Secretary may, in consultation with State, local, and Tribal public health officials, carry out activities to improve the availability of appropriate and applicable public health data related to communicable diseases, and information sharing between, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and such State, local, and Tribal public health officials, which may include such data from—
(1) health care providers and facilities;
(2) public health and clinical laboratories;
(3) health information exchanges and health information networks; and
(4) State, local, and Tribal health departments.
(b) Content, form, and manner
(c) Decreased burden
(d) Exemption of certain public health data from disclosure
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5 public health data that are gathered under this section if—
(1) an individual is identified through such data; or
(2) there is at least a very small risk, as determined by current scientific practices or statistical methods, that some combination of the information, the request, and other available data sources or the application of technology could be used to deduce the identity of an individual.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 310B, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2213(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5737.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242u

§ 242v. Foreign talent recruitment programs
(a) Intramural research
(1) In general
(2) Exemption
(b) Extramural research
(c) Consistency
(Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2321, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5765.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242v

§ 242v–1. Securing identifiable, sensitive information and addressing other national security risks related to research
(a) In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and other national security experts, as appropriate, shall ensure that biomedical research conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health and other relevant agencies and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services is conducted or supported in a manner that appropriately considers national security risks, including national security implications related to research involving the sequencing of human genomic information, and collection, analysis, or storage of identifiable, sensitive information, as defined in section 241(d)(4) of this title, and the potential misuse of such data. Not later than 2 years after December 29, 2022, the Secretary shall ensure that the National Institutes of Health and other relevant agencies and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the heads of agencies and national security experts, including the Office of the National Security within the Department of Health and Human Services—
(1) develop a comprehensive framework and policies for assessing and managing such national security risks that includes, or review and update, as appropriate, the current (as of the date of review) such framework and policies to include—
(A) criteria for how and when to conduct risk assessments for projects that may have national security implications;
(B) security controls and training for researchers or entities, including peer reviewers, that manage or have access to such data that may present national security risks; and
(C) methods to incorporate risk mitigation in the process for funding such projects that may have national security implications and monitor associated research activities following issuance of an award, including changes in the terms and conditions related to the use of such funds, as appropriate;
(2) not later than 1 year after the framework and policies are developed or reviewed and updated, as applicable, under paragraph (1), develop and implement controls to ensure that—
(A) researchers or entities involved in projects reviewed under the framework and relevant policies, including such projects that manage or have access to sensitive, identifiable information, have complied with the requirements of paragraph (1) and ongoing requirements with such paragraph;
(B) consideration of funding for projects that may have national security implications takes into account the extent to which the country in which the proposed research will be conducted or supported poses a risk to the integrity of the United States biomedical research enterprise; and
(C) data access committees reviewing data access requests for projects that may have national security risks, as appropriate, include members with expertise in current and emerging national security threats, in order to make appropriate decisions, including related to access to such identifiable, sensitive information; and
(3) not later than 2 years after the framework and relevant policies are developed or reviewed and updated, as applicable, under paragraph (1), update data access and sharing policies related to human genomic data, as applicable, based on current and emerging national security threats.
(b) Congressional briefing
(Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2322, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5765.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242v-1

§ 242v–2. Protecting America’s biomedical research enterprise
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the heads of other relevant departments and agencies, and in consultation with research institutions and research advocacy organizations or other relevant experts, as appropriate, shall—
(1) identify ways to improve the protection of intellectual property and other proprietary information, as well as identifiable, sensitive information of participants in biomedical research and development, from national security risks and other applicable threats, including the identification of gaps in policies and procedures in such areas related to biomedical research and development supported by the Department of Health and Human Services, and make recommendations to institutions of higher education or other entities that have traditionally received Federal funding for biomedical research to protect such information;
(2) identify or develop strategies to prevent, mitigate, and address national security risks and threats in biomedical research and development supported by the Federal Government, including such threats associated with foreign talent programs, by countries seeking to exploit United States technology and other proprietary information as it relates to such biomedical research and development, and make recommendations for additional policies and procedures to protect such information;
(3) identify national security risks and potential misuse of proprietary information, and identifiable, sensitive information of biomedical research participants and other applicable risks, including with respect to peer review, and make recommendations for additional policies and procedures to protect such information;
(4) develop a framework to identify areas of biomedical research and development supported by the Federal Government that are emerging areas of interest for state actors and would compromise national security if they were to be subjected to undue foreign influence; and
(5) regularly review recommendations or policies developed under this section and make additional recommendations or updates, as appropriate.
(b) Report to President and to Congress
(Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2324, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5767.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242v-2

§ 242v–3. Report on progress to address undue foreign influenceNot later than 1 year after December 29, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the House of Representatives, in a manner that does not compromise national security, a report on actions taken by the Secretary—
(1) to address cases of noncompliance with disclosure requirements or research misconduct related to foreign influence, including—
(A) the number of potential noncompliance cases investigated by the National Institutes of Health or reported to the National Institutes of Health by a research institution, including relating to undisclosed research support, undisclosed conflicts of interest or other conflicts of commitment, and peer review violations;
(B) the number of cases referred to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of National Security of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other law enforcement agencies;
(C) a description of enforcement actions taken for noncompliance related to undue foreign influence; and
(D) any other relevant information; and
(2) to prevent, address, and mitigate instances of noncompliance with disclosure requirements or research misconduct related to foreign influence.
(Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2326, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5769.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 242v-3