Preventing HPV and HPV-associated cancers; reauthorizing Johanna’s law

Section 317P of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b–17) is amended— (1)in subsection (c)(1)— (A)in subparagraph (B), by striking cervical; (B)in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (C)in subparagraph (D) by striking other and all that follows through cancer. and inserting recommended diagnostics for early intervention for, and prevention of, HPV-associated cancers; and; and (D)by adding at the end the following:

(E)the importance of recommended vaccines for prevention of HPV and HPV-associated cancers, including for males;

; and

(2)by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d)

Johanna's Law

(1)

National public awareness campaign

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of health care providers and individuals with respect to gynecologic cancers, HPV, and HPV-associated cancers, and the importance of HPV vaccines in preventing HPV and HPV-associated cancers. (B)

Written materials

Activities under the national campaign under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i)maintaining a supply of written materials that provide information to the public on gynecologic cancers, HPV, and HPV-associated cancers; and (ii)distributing the materials to members of the public upon request. (C)

Public service announcements

Activities under the national campaign under subparagraph (A) shall, in accordance with applicable law and regulations, include publishing materials in digital or print form, public engagement, and developing and placing public service announcements intended to encourage individuals to discuss with their physicians— (i)their risk of gynecologic cancers and HPV-associated cancers; and (ii)the importance of HPV vaccines in preventing HPV and HPV-associated cancers. (D)

Targeted populations

Activities under the national campaign under subparagraph (A) shall include culturally and linguistically competent public service announcements and other forms of communication and public engagement under subparagraph (C) targeted to— (i)specific higher-risk populations of individuals based on race, ethnicity, level of acculturation, and family history, including African-American and Ashkenazi Jewish individuals; (ii)communities with high rates of unvaccinated individuals, including males; (iii)rural communities; (iv)populations affected by increasing rates of oropharynx cancers; (v)health care providers specializing in assisting survivors of sexual assault; and (vi)such other communities as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2)

Consultation

In carrying out the national campaign under this section, the Secretary shall consult with— (A)health care providers; (B)nonprofit organizations (including gynecologic cancer organizations and organizations that represent communities and individuals most affected by HPV-associated cancers and low vaccination rates); (C)State and local public health departments; and (D)elementary and secondary education organizations and institutions of higher education. (3)

Demonstration projects regarding outreach and education strategies

(A)

In general

(i)

Program

The Secretary may carry out a program to award grants or contracts to public or nonprofit private entities for the purpose of carrying out demonstration projects to test, compare, and evaluate different evidence-based outreach and education strategies to increase the awareness and knowledge of women, their families, physicians, nurses, and other key health professionals with respect to gynecologic cancers, including with respect to early warning signs, risk factors, prevention, screening, and treatment options. (ii)

Science-based resources

In making awards under clause (i), the Secretary shall encourage awardees to use science-based resources such as the Inside Knowledge About Gynecologic Cancer education campaign of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (B)

Preferences in awarding grants or contracts

In making awards under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give preference to— (i)applicants with demonstrated expertise in gynecologic cancer education or treatment or in working with groups of women who are at increased risk of gynecologic cancers; and (ii)applicants that, in the demonstration project funded by the grant or contract, will establish linkages between physicians, nurses, other key health professionals, health profession students, hospitals, payers, and State health departments. (C)

Application

To seek a grant or contract under subparagraph (A), an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form, in such manner, and containing such agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this paragraph. (D)

Certain requirements

In making awards under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i)make awards, as practicable, to not fewer than five applicants; and (ii)ensure that information provided through demonstration projects under this paragraph is consistent with the best available medical information. (E)

Report to congress

Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2021, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that— (i)summarizes the activities of demonstration projects under subparagraph (A); (ii)evaluates the extent to which the projects were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of risk factors and early warning signs in the populations to which the projects were directed; and (iii)identifies barriers to early detection and appropriate treatment of such cancers. (4)

Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.