117 HR 4294 IH: Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2021 U.S. House of Representatives 2021-06-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4294IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 30, 2021Ms. Wilson of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities to improve their preparedness for power outages.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2021.

2.

Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages

The Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 319C–3 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3c) the following new section:

319C–4.

Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages

(a)

Grants

The Secretary may award grants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities to improve their preparedness for power outages, including during and after a natural disaster.(b)

Use of funds

The preparedness activities funded through a grant under this section may include—(1)the purchase of a backup power source, such as a generator, and any related equipment; and(2)the creation of a regional resource directory on disaster and post-disaster preparedness for power outages.(c)

Preference

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities that—(1)are located in areas that—(A)have a high proportion of—(i)elderly residents; or(ii)individuals who are enrolled in a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (or under a waiver of such plan); and(B)have a high risk of hurricanes or other natural disasters; and(2)have not been cited for a substantive Federal, State, or local violation.(d)

Authorization of appropriations

To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary.

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