§300ff–73. Research, evaluation, and assessment program

(a) Establishment

The Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, shall establish a program to enable independent research to be conducted by individuals and organizations with appropriate expertise in the fields of health, health policy, and economics (particularly health care economics) to develop-

(1) a comparative assessment of the impact and cost-effectiveness of major models for organizing and delivering HIV-related health care, mental health care, early intervention, and support services, that shall include a report concerning patient outcomes, satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and total cumulative cost, and a review of the appropriateness of such models for the delivery of health and support services to infants, children, women, and families with HIV disease;

(2) through a review of private sector financing mechanisms for the delivery of HIV-related health and support services, an assessment of strategies for maintaining private health benefits for individuals with HIV disease and an assessment of specific business practices or regulatory barriers that could serve to reduce access to private sector benefit programs;

(3) an assessment of the manner in which different points-of-entry to the health care system affect the cost, quality, and outcome of the care and treatment of individuals and families with HIV disease; and

(4) a summary report concerning the major and continuing unmet needs in health care, mental health care, early intervention, and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease in urban and rural areas.

(b) Report

Not later than 2 years after August 18, 1990, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and submit, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, a progress report that contains the findings and assessments developed under subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 1995.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXVI, §2673, as added Pub. L. 101–381, title IV, §401, Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat. 619 ; amended Pub. L. 106–129, §2(b)(2), Dec. 6, 1999, 113 Stat. 1670 .)

Amendments

1999-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–129, in introductory provisions, substituted "Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality" for "Agency for Health Care Policy and Research".

Change of Name

Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress.