[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1283 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1283
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for arthritis
research and public health, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 1, 2007
Ms. Eshoo (for herself, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Allen, Mr. Bartlett of
Maryland, Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr. Butterfield, Mrs. Capps, Mr.
Conyers, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Mr. Doyle, Mr.
Farr, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Gerlach, Mr. Gordon of Tennessee,
Mr. Graves, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kucinich, Mr.
Langevin, Mr. Lantos, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. McDermott, Mr. McNulty, Mrs.
Maloney of New York, Mr. Matheson, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr.
Moore of Kansas, Mr. Platts, Mr. Ramstad, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Reyes, Mr.
Ross, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schiff, Mrs. Schmidt, Ms. Schwartz, Mr.
Sessions, Mrs. Tauscher, Mr. Towns, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Wu,
Mrs. Boyda of Kansas, Mr. Carney, Ms. Clarke, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Tom
Davis of Virginia, Mr. Delahunt, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. LoBiondo,
Mr. McGovern, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Tierney, Ms. Watson, Mr. Holt, Mr.
McHugh, and Mr. Wolf) introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for arthritis
research and public health, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arthritis Prevention, Control, and
Cure Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are among the
most common chronic conditions in the United States. There are
more than 100 different forms of arthritis, which affect
joints, the tissues which surround the joint, and other
connective tissue. Two of the most common forms are
osteoarthritis, which affects approximately 21,000,000
Americans, and rheumatoid arthritis.
(2) Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases cause severe and
chronic pain, swollen tissue, ligament and joint destruction,
deformities, permanent disability, and death. Arthritis and
other rheumatic diseases erode patients' quality of life and
can diminish their mental health, impose significant
limitations on their daily activities, and disrupt the lives of
their family members and caregivers.
(3) One out of every 5 or 46 million adults in the United
States suffers from arthritis. The number of individuals in the
United States with arthritis will grow as the number of older
Americans continues to increase dramatically in the next few
decades.
(4) By 2030, nearly 67,000,000 or 25 percent of the
projected United States adult population will have arthritis,
and arthritis will limit the daily activities of nearly
25,000,000 individuals. These estimates may be conservative as
they do not account for the current trends in obesity, which
may contribute to future cases of osteoarthritis.
(5) According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the total costs attributable to arthritis and other
rheumatic conditions in the United States in 2003 was
approximately $128,000,000,000. This equaled 1.2 percent of the
2003 United States gross domestic product. $80,800,000,000 of
such costs consisted of direct costs for medical care, and
$47,000,000,000 consisted of indirect costs for lost earnings.
National medical costs attributable to arthritis grew by 24
percent between 1997 and 2003. This rise in medical costs
resulted from an increase in the number of people with
arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
(6) Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases affect all types
of people of the United States, not just older individuals.
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases disproportionately
affect women in the United States. 8,700,000 young adults ages
18 through 44 have arthritis, and millions of others are at
risk for developing the disease.
(7) Nearly 300,000 children in the United States, or 3
children out of every 1,000, have some form of arthritis or
other rheumatic disease. It is the sense of the Congress that
the substantial morbidity associated with pediatric arthritis
warrants a greater Federal investment in research to identify
new and more effective treatments for these diseases.
(8) Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are the leading
cause of disability among adults in the United States. Over 40
percent, or nearly 19,000,000, adults with arthritis are
limited in their activities because of their arthritis. In
addition to activity limitations, 31 percent or 8,200,000 of
working age adults with arthritis report being limited in work
activities due to arthritis.
(9) Obese adults are up to 4 times more likely to develop
knee osteoarthritis than normal weight adults. Excess body
weight is also associated with worse progression of arthritis,
contributing to functional limitation, mobility problems, and
disability. About 35 percent of adults with arthritis are obese
compared to only 21 percent of those without arthritis.
(10) Arthritis results in 744,000 hospitalizations and
36,500,000 outpatient care visits every year.
(11) In 1975, the National Arthritis Act of 1974 (Public
Law 93-640) was enacted to promote basic and clinical arthritis
research, establish multipurpose arthritis centers, and expand
clinical knowledge in the field of arthritis. The Act was
successfully implemented, and continued funding of arthritis-
related research has led to important advances in arthritis
control, treatment, and prevention.
(12) Early diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate management
of arthritis can control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Weight control and exercise can demonstrably lower health risks
from arthritis, as can other forms of patient education,
training, and self-management. The genetics of arthritis are
being actively investigated. New, innovative, and increasingly
effective drug therapies, joint replacements, and other
therapeutic options are being developed.
(13) While research has identified many effective
interventions against arthritis, such interventions are broadly
underutilized. That underutilization leads to unnecessary loss
of life, health, and quality of life, as well as avoidable or
unnecessarily high health care costs. Increasing physical
activity, losing excess weight, and participating in self-
management education classes have been shown to reduce pain,
improve functional limitations and mental health, and reduce
disability among persons with arthritis. Some self-management
programs have been proven to reduce arthritis pain by 20
percent and physician visits by 40 percent. Despite this fact,
less than 1 percent of the people in the United States with
arthritis participate in such programs, and self-management
courses are not offered in all areas of the United States.
(14) Rheumatologists are internists or pediatric sub-
specialists who are uniquely qualified by an additional 2 to 4
years of training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment
of rheumatic conditions. Typically, rheumatologists act as
consultants, but also often act as managers, relying on the
help of many skilled professionals, including nurses, physical
and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
Many rheumatologists conduct research to determine the cause
and effective treatment of disabling and sometimes fatal
rheumatic diseases.
(15) Recognizing that the Nation requires a public health
approach to arthritis, the Department of Health and Human
Services established important national goals related to
arthritis in its Healthy People 2010 initiative. Moreover,
various Federal and non-Federal stakeholders have worked
cooperatively to develop a comprehensive National Arthritis
Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy.
(16) Greater efforts and commitments are needed from
Congress, the States, providers, and patients to achieve the
goals of Healthy People 2010, implement a national public
health strategy consistent with the National Arthritis Action
Plan, and lessen the burden of arthritis on citizens of the
United States.
SEC. 3. ENHANCING THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ARTHRITIS OF
THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION THROUGH
THE NATIONAL ARTHRITIS ACTION PLAN.
Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243
et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 314 the following:
``SEC. 315. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ARTHRITIS ACTION PLAN.
``The Secretary shall develop and implement a National Arthritis
Action Plan that consists of--
``(1) the Federal arthritis prevention and control
activities, as described in section 315A;
``(2) the State arthritis control and prevention programs,
as described in section 315B;
``(3) the comprehensive arthritis action grant program, as
described in section 315C; and
``(4) a national arthritis education and outreach program,
as described in section 315D.
``SEC. 315A. FEDERAL ARTHRITIS PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall, directly, or
through a grant to an eligible entity, conduct, support, and promote
the coordination of research, investigations, demonstrations, training,
and studies relating to the control, prevention, and surveillance of
arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The activities of the Secretary under
subsection (a) shall include--
``(1) the collection, publication, and analysis of data on
the prevalence and incidence of arthritis and other rheumatic
diseases;
``(2) the development of uniform data sets for public
health surveillance and clinical quality improvement
activities;
``(3) the identification of evidence-based and cost-
effective best practices for the prevention, diagnosis,
management, and care of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases;
``(4) research, including research on behavioral
interventions to prevent arthritis and on other evidence-based
best practices relating to arthritis prevention, diagnosis,
management, and care; and
``(5) demonstration projects, including community-based and
patient self-management programs of arthritis control,
prevention, and care, and similar collaborations with academic
institutions, hospitals, health insurers, researchers, health
professionals, and nonprofit organizations.
``(c) Training and Technical Assistance.--With respect to the
planning, development, and operation of any activity carried out under
subsection (a), the Secretary may provide training, technical
assistance, supplies, equipment, or services, and may assign any
officer or employee of the Department of Health and Human Services to a
State or local health agency, or to any public or nonprofit entity
designated by a State health agency, in lieu of providing grant funds
under this section.
``(d) Arthritis Prevention Research at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention Centers.--The Secretary shall provide additional
grant support for research projects at the Centers for Prevention
Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to encourage
the expansion of research portfolios at the Centers for Prevention
Research to include arthritis-specific research activities related to
the prevention and management of arthritis.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
``SEC. 315B. STATE ARTHRITIS CONTROL AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible
entities to provide support for comprehensive arthritis control and
prevention programs and to enable such entities to provide public
health surveillance, prevention, and control activities related to
arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an entity shall be a State or Indian tribe.
``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such agreements, assurances, and
information as the Secretary may require, including a comprehensive
arthritis control and prevention plan that--
``(1) is developed with the advice of stakeholders from the
public, private, and nonprofit sectors that have expertise
relating to arthritis control, prevention, and treatment that
increase the quality of life and decrease the level of
disability;
``(2) is intended to reduce the morbidity of arthritis,
with priority on preventing and controlling arthritis in at-
risk populations and reducing disparities in arthritis
prevention, diagnosis, management, and quality of care in
underserved populations;
``(3) describes the arthritis-related services and
activities to be undertaken or supported by the entity; and
``(4) is developed in a manner that is consistent with the
National Arthritis Action Plan or a subsequent strategic plan
designated by the Secretary.
``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity shall use amounts received
under a grant awarded under subsection (a) to conduct, in a manner
consistent with the comprehensive arthritis control and prevention plan
submitted by the entity in the application under subsection (c)--
``(1) public health surveillance and epidemiological
activities relating to the prevalence of arthritis and
assessment of disparities in arthritis prevention, diagnosis,
management, and care;
``(2) public information and education programs; and
``(3) education, training, and clinical skills improvement
activities for health professionals, including allied health
personnel.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
``SEC. 315C. COMPREHENSIVE ARTHRITIS ACTION GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants on a
competitive basis to eligible entities to enable such eligible entities
to assist in the implementation of a national strategy for arthritis
control and prevention.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an entity shall be a national public or private nonprofit
entity.
``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such agreements, assurances, and
information as the Secretary may require, including a description of
how funds received under a grant awarded under this section will--
``(1) supplement or fulfill unmet needs identified in the
comprehensive arthritis control and prevention plan of a State
or Indian tribe; and
``(2) otherwise help achieve the goals of the National
Arthritis Action Plan or a subsequent strategic plan designated
by the Secretary.
``(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities submitting
applications proposing to carry out programs for controlling and
preventing arthritis in at-risk populations or reducing disparities in
underserved populations.
``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity shall use amounts received
under a grant awarded under subsection (a) for 1 or more of the
following purposes:
``(1) To expand the availability of physical activity
programs designed specifically for people with arthritis.
``(2) To provide awareness education to patients, family
members, and health care providers, to help such individuals
recognize the signs and symptoms of arthritis, and to address
the control and prevention of arthritis.
``(3) To decrease long-term consequences of arthritis by
making information available to individuals with regard to the
self-management of arthritis.
``(4) To provide information on nutrition education
programs with regard to preventing or mitigating the impact of
arthritis.
``(f) Evaluation.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section shall submit to the Secretary an evaluation of the
operations and activities carried out under such grant that includes an
analysis of increased utilization and benefit of public health programs
relevant to the activities described in the appropriate provisions of
subsection (e).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
``SEC. 315D. NATIONAL ARTHRITIS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate a national
education and outreach program to support, develop, and implement
education initiatives and outreach strategies appropriate for arthritis
and other rheumatic diseases.
``(b) Initiatives and Strategies.--Initiatives and strategies
implemented under the program described in subsection (a) may include
public awareness campaigns, public service announcements, and community
partnership workshops, as well as programs targeted at businesses and
employers, managed care organizations, and health care providers.
``(c) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary--
``(1) may emphasize prevention, early diagnosis, and
appropriate management of arthritis, and opportunities for
effective patient self-management; and
``(2) shall give priority to reaching high-risk or
underserved populations.
``(d) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall consult and collaborate with stake-holders from the public,
private, and nonprofit sectors with expertise relating to arthritis
control, prevention, and treatment.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.''.
SEC. 4. EXPANSION AND COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTES OF HEALTH WITH RESPECT TO RESEARCH ON
ARTHRITIS.
Title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.)
is amended by inserting after section 439 the following:
``SEC. 439A. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATIC DISEASES INTERAGENCY COORDINATING
COMMITTEE.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Interagency Coordinating
Committee (referred to in this section as the `Coordinating
Committee').
``(2) Duties.--The coordinating committee established under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) provide for the improved coordination of the
research activities of all the national research
institutes relating to arthritis and rheumatic
diseases; and
``(B) provide for full and regular communication
and exchange of information necessary to maintain
adequate coordination across all Federal health
programs and activities related to arthritis and
rheumatic diseases.
``(b) Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Interagency Coordinating
Committee.--
``(1) Composition.--The Coordinating Committee shall
consist of members, appointed by the Secretary, of which--
``(A) \2/3\ of such members shall represent
governmental agencies, including--
``(i) the directors of each of the national
research institutes and divisions involved in
research regarding arthritis and rheumatic
diseases (or the directors' respective
designees); and
``(ii) representatives of other Federal
departments and agencies (as determined
appropriate by the Secretary) whose programs
involve health functions or responsibilities
relevant to arthritis and rheumatic diseases,
including the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Health Resources and Services
Administration, and the Food and Drug
Administration; and
``(B) \1/3\ of such members shall be public
members, including a broad cross section of persons
affected by arthritis, researchers, clinicians, and
representatives of voluntary health agencies, who--
``(i) shall serve for a term of 3 years;
and
``(ii) may serve for an unlimited number of
terms if reappointed.
``(2) Chairperson.--
``(A) Appointment.--The Chairperson of the
Coordinating Committee (referred to in this subsection
as the `Chairperson') shall be appointed by and be
directly responsible to the Secretary.
``(B) Duties.--The Chairperson shall--
``(i) serve as the principal advisor to the
Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Health,
and the Director of NIH on matters relating to
arthritis and rheumatic diseases; and
``(ii) provide advice to the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the
heads of other relevant Federal agencies, on
matters relating to arthritis and rheumatic
diseases.
``(3) Administrative support; meetings.--
``(A) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall
provide necessary and appropriate administrative
support to the Coordinating Committee.
``(B) Meetings.--The Coordinating Committee shall
meet on a regular basis as determined by the Secretary,
in consultation with the Chairperson.
``(c) Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Summit.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of
2007, the Coordinating Committee shall convene a summit of
researchers, public health professionals, representatives of
voluntary health agencies, representatives of academic
institutions, and Federal and State policymakers, to provide a
detailed overview of current research activities at the
National Institutes of Health, as well as to discuss and
solicit input related to potential areas of collaboration
between the National Institutes of Health and other Federal
health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and
the Health Resources and Services Administration, related to
research, prevention, and treatment of arthritis and rheumatic
diseases.
``(2) Summit details.--The summit developed under paragraph
(1) shall focus on--
``(A) a broad range of research activities relating
to biomedical, epidemiological, psychosocial, and
rehabilitative issues, including studies of the impact
of the diseases described in paragraph (1) in rural and
underserved communities;
``(B) clinical research for the development and
evaluation of new treatments, including new biological
agents;
``(C) translational research on evidence-based and
cost-effective best practices in the treatment,
prevention, and management of the disease;
``(D) information and education programs for health
care professionals and the public;
``(E) priorities among the programs and activities
of the various Federal agencies regarding such
diseases; and
``(F) challenges and opportunities for scientists,
clinicians, patients, and voluntary organizations.
``(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the
convening of the Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Summit under
subsection (c)(1), the Director of NIH shall prepare and submit a
report to Congress that includes proceedings from the summit and a
description of arthritis research, education, and other activities that
are conducted or supported through the national research institutes.
``(e) Public Information.--The Coordinating Committee shall make
readily available to the public information about the research,
education, and other activities relating to arthritis and other
rheumatic diseases, conducted or supported by the National Institutes
of Health.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.''.
SEC. 5. EXPANSION, INTENSIFICATION, AND INNOVATION OF RESEARCH AND
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIVITIES RELATED TO JUVENILE ARTHRITIS.
(a) Juvenile Arthritis Initiative Through the Director of the
National Institutes of Health.--Part A of title IV of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 404I. JUVENILE ARTHRITIS INITIATIVE THROUGH THE DIRECTOR OF THE
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.
``(a) Expansion and Intensification of Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of NIH, in coordination
with the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and the directors of the
other national research institutes, as appropriate, shall
expand and intensify programs of the National Institutes of
Health with respect to research and related activities
concerning various forms of juvenile arthritis.
``(2) Coordination.--The directors referred to in paragraph
(1) shall jointly coordinate the programs referred to in such
paragraph and consult with additional Federal officials,
voluntary health associations, medical professional societies,
and private entities as appropriate.
``(b) Planning Grants and Contracts for Innovative Research in
Juvenile Arthritis.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a)(1) the
Director of NIH shall award planning grants or contracts for
the establishment of new research programs, or enhancement of
existing research programs, that focus on juvenile arthritis.
``(2) Research.--
``(A) Types of research.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall encourage research that
focuses on genetics, on the development of biomarkers,
and on pharmacological and other therapies.
``(B) Priority.--In awarding planning grants or
contracts under paragraph (1), the Director of NIH may
give priority to collaborative partnerships, which may
include academic health centers, private sector
entities, and nonprofit organizations.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2012 to carry out this section. Such authorization shall
be in addition to any authorization of appropriations under any other
provision of law to carry out juvenile arthritis activities or other
arthritis-related research.''.
(b) Public Health and Surveillance Activities Related to Juvenile
Arthritis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.--Part B of
title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 320A the following:
``SEC. 320B. SURVEILLANCE AND RESEARCH REGARDING JUVENILE ARTHRITIS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may award grants to and
enter into cooperative agreements with public or nonprofit private
entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on
juvenile arthritis.
``(b) Technical Assistance.--In awarding grants and entering into
agreements under subsection (a), the Secretary may provide direct
technical assistance in lieu of cash.
``(c) Coordination With NIH.--The Secretary shall ensure that
epidemiological and other types of information obtained under
subsection (a) is made available to the National Institutes of Health.
``(d) Creation of a National Juvenile Arthritis Patient Registry.--
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and in collaboration with a national voluntary
health organization with experience serving the juvenile arthritis
population as well as the full spectrum of arthritis-related
conditions, shall support the development of a National Juvenile
Arthritis Patient Registry to collect specific data for follow-up
studies regarding the prevalence and incidence of juvenile arthritis,
as well as capturing information on evidence-based health outcomes
related to specific therapies and interventions.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
section.''.
SEC. 6. INVESTMENT IN TOMORROW'S PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGISTS.
(a) In General.--Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 280h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 399Z-1. INVESTMENT IN TOMORROW'S PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGISTS.
``(a) Enhanced Support.--In order to ensure an adequate future
supply of pediatric rheumatologists, the Secretary, in consultation
with the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services
Administration, shall support activities that provide for--
``(1) an increase in the number and size of institutional
training grants awarded to institutions to support pediatric
rheumatology training; and
``(2) an expansion of public-private partnerships to
encourage academic institutions, private sector entities, and
health agencies to promote educational training and fellowship
opportunities for pediatric rheumatologists.
``(b) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to
carry out this section.''.
(b) Pediatric Loan Repayment Program.--Part Q of title III of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280h et seq.), as amended by
subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399Z-2. PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, may
establish a pediatric rheumatology loan repayment program.
``(b) Program Administration.--Through the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
``(1) enter into contracts with qualified health
professionals who are pediatric rheumatologists under which--
``(A) such professionals agree to provide health
care in an area with a shortage of pediatric
rheumatologists; and
``(B) the Federal Government agrees to repay, for
each year of such service, not more than $25,000 of the
principal and interest of the educational loans of such
professionals; and
``(2) in addition to making payments under paragraph (1) on
behalf of an individual, make payments to the individual for
the purpose of providing reimbursement for tax liability
resulting from the payments made under paragraph (1), in an
amount equal to 39 percent of the total amount of the payments
made for the taxable year involved.
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this
section, the Secretary may reserve, from amounts appropriated
for the Health Resources and Services Administration for the
fiscal year involved, such amounts as the Secretary determines
to be appropriate.
``(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available to
carry out this section shall remain available until the
expiration of the second fiscal year beginning after the fiscal
year for which such amounts were made available.''.
SEC. 7. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS IN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY.
Part G of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 288
et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second section 487F (relating to a
pediatric research loan repayment program) as section 487G;
(2) by inserting after section 487G (as so redesignated)
the following:
``SEC. 487H. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS IN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Director
of NIH, may establish a program to increase the number of career
development awards for health professionals who intend to build careers
in clinical and translational research relating to pediatric
rheumatology.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
section.''.
SEC. 8. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE STUDY OF ARTHRITIS AND THE WORKPLACE.
(a) Study and Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the economic impact of arthritis in the
workplace, and submit a report to the appropriate committees of
Congress containing the results of the study.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
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