§247b–4b. Developmental disabilities surveillance and research programs
(a) National autism and pervasive developmental disabilities surveillance program
(1) In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the "Secretary"), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make awards of grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities. In making such awards, the Secretary may provide direct technical assistance in lieu of cash.
(2) Eligibility
To be eligible to receive an award under paragraph (1) an entity shall be a public or nonprofit private entity (including health departments of States and political subdivisions of States, and including universities and other educational entities).
(b) Centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology
(1) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish not less than three regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology for the purpose of collecting and analyzing information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of autism and related developmental disabilities.
(2) Recipients of awards for establishment of centers
Centers under paragraph (1) shall be established and operated through the awarding of grants or cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities that conduct research, including health departments of States and political subdivisions of States, and including universities and other educational entities.
(3) Certain requirements
An award for a center under paragraph (1) may be made only if the entity involved submits to the Secretary an application containing such agreements and information as the Secretary may require, including an agreement that the center involved will operate in accordance with the following:
(A) The center will collect, analyze, and report autism and pervasive developmental disabilities data according to guidelines prescribed by the Director, after consultation with relevant State and local public health officials, private sector developmental disability researchers, and advocates for those with developmental disabilities.
(B) The center will assist with the development and coordination of State autism and pervasive developmental disabilities surveillance efforts within a region.
(C) The center will identify eligible cases and controls through its surveillance systems and conduct research into factors which may cause autism and related developmental disabilities.
(D) The center will develop or extend an area of special research expertise (including genetics, environmental exposure to contaminants, immunology, and other relevant research specialty areas).
(c) Clearinghouse
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall carry out the following:
(1) The Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring programs established by this title.1 Through the clearinghouse, such Centers shall serve as the coordinating agency for autism and pervasive developmental disabilities surveillance activities. The functions of such a clearinghouse shall include facilitating the coordination of research and policy development relating to the epidemiology of autism and other pervasive developmental disabilities.
(2) The Secretary shall coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health department officials regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters.
(d) Definition
In this title,1 the term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
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References in Text
This title, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1) and (d), is title I of div. A of
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Children's Health Act of 2000, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.
Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.