Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 120.djvu/2879

 120 STAT. 2848

PUBLIC LAW 109–417—DEC. 19, 2006

‘‘(iii) the functionality of such components; and ‘‘(iv) the capacity and ability of such components to handle increased volume during the response to a public health emergency; ‘‘(B) identify methods to expand and interconnect the regional health information networks funded by the Secretary, the State and regional broadband networks funded through the rural health care support mechanism pilot program funded by the Federal Communications Commission, and other telehealth networks; ‘‘(C) evaluate ways to prepare for, monitor, respond rapidly to, or manage the events of, a public health emergency through the enhanced use of telehealth technologies, including mechanisms for payment or reimbursement for use of such technologies and personnel during public health emergencies; ‘‘(D) identify methods for reducing legal barriers that deter health care professionals from providing telemedicine services, such as by utilizing State emergency health care professional credentialing verification systems, encouraging States to establish and implement mechanisms to improve interstate medical licensure cooperation, facilitating the exchange of information among States regarding investigations and adverse actions, and encouraging States to waive the application of licensing requirements during a public health emergency; ‘‘(E) evaluate ways to integrate the practice of telemedicine within the National Disaster Medical System; and ‘‘(F) promote greater coordination among existing Federal interagency telemedicine and health information technology initiatives. ‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives regarding the findings and recommendations pursuant to subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (1). ‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary in each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.’’. SEC. 203. PUBLIC HEALTH WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENTS.

(a) DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.—Subpart III of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l) is amended by adding at the end the following: 42 USC 254u.

‘‘SEC. 338M. PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—To the extent that funds are appropriated under subsection (e), the Secretary shall establish a demonstration project to provide for the participation of individuals who are eligible for the Loan Repayment Program described in section 338B and who agree to complete their service obligation in a State health department that provides a significant amount of service to health professional shortage areas or areas at risk of a public health emergency, as determined by the Secretary, or in a local or tribal

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