[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6153-S6155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PREEMIE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 503, S. 3029.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 3029) to revise and extend the Prematurity
Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver
Infants Early Act (PREEMIE Act).
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,
which had been reported from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting clause
and insert in lieu thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prematurity Research
Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early
Reauthorization Act of 2018'' or the ``PREEMIE
Reauthorization Act of 2018''.
SEC. 2. RESEARCH RELATING TO PRETERM LABOR AND DELIVERY AND
THE CARE, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOMES OF PRETERM
AND LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS.
Section 2 of the Prematurity Research Expansion and
Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (42
U.S.C. 247b-4f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``clinical,
biological, social, environmental, genetic, and behavioral
factors relating'' and inserting ``factors relating to
prematurity, such as clinical, biological, social,
environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors, and other
determinants that contribute to health disparities and are
related''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking `` concerning the
progress and any results of studies conducted under paragraph
(1)'' and inserting ``regarding activities and studies
conducted under paragraph (1), including any applicable
analyses of preterm birth. Such report shall be posted on the
Internet website of the Department of Health and Human
Services.'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey.--The
Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
shall--
``(1) continue systems for the collection of maternal-
infant clinical and biomedical information, including
electronic health records, electronic databases, and
biobanks, to link with the Pregnancy Risk Assessment
Monitoring System (PRAMS) and other epidemiological studies
of prematurity in order to track, to the extent practicable,
all pregnancy outcomes and prevent preterm birth; and
``(2) provide technical assistance, as appropriate, to
support States in improving the collection of information
pursuant to this subsection.''; and
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``except for subsection
(c), $1,880,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''
and inserting ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023''.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDER EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
SERVICES.
Section 399Q of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g-5) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``conduct demonstration projects'' and
inserting ``conduct activities, which may include
demonstration projects''; and
(B) by striking ``for babies born preterm'' and inserting
``mothers of infants born preterm, and infants born preterm,
as appropriate''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``under the demonstration project'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``programs to test and evaluate various strategies to
provide'' and inserting ``programs, including those to test
and evaluate strategies, which, in collaboration with States,
localities, tribes, and community organizations, support the
provision of'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F) as
subparagraphs (C) through (G), respectively;
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A), the following:
``(B) evidence-based strategies to prevent preterm birth
and associated outcomes;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by inserting
``, and the risks of non-medically indicated deliveries
before full term'' before the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated--
(I) in clause (ii), by inserting ``intake'' before the
semicolon;
(II) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(III) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (vii); and
(IV) by inserting after clause (iii), the following:
``(iv) screening for and treatment of substance use
disorders;
``(v) screening for and treatment of maternal depression;
``(vi) maternal immunization; and'';
(vi) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by adding
``and'' after the semicolon;
(vii) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
``; and'' and inserting a period; and
(viii) by striking subparagraph (G), as so redesignated;
and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, as well as
prevention of a future preterm birth'' before the semicolon.
SEC. 4. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH.
Section 104(b) of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (42
U.S.C. 247b-4f note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``and recommendations to the Secretary concerning the
following activities'' and inserting ``, recommendations, or
information to the Secretary as may be necessary to improve
activities and programs to reduce severe maternal morbidity,
maternal mortality, infant mortality, and preterm birth,
which may include recommendations, advice, or information
related to the following'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and improving the
health status of pregnant women and infants'' and inserting
``, preterm birth, and improving the health status of
pregnant women and infants, and information on cost-
effectiveness and outcomes of such programs'';
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``Implementation of
the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) Implementation of Healthy People objectives related
to maternal and infant health.
``(E) Strategies to reduce racial, ethnic, geographic, and
other health disparities in birth
[[Page S6154]]
outcomes, including by increasing awareness of Federal
programs related to appropriate access to, or information
regarding, prenatal care to address risk factors for preterm
labor and delivery.
``(F) Strategies, including the implementation of such
strategies, to address gaps in Federal research, programs,
and education efforts related to the prevention of severe
maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, infant mortality, and
other adverse birth outcomes.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraph
(4) as paragraph (3); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2018,
and every 2 years thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall--
``(A) publish a report summarizing activities and
recommendations of the Advisory Committee since the
publication of the previous report;
``(B) submit such report to the Secretary and the
appropriate Committees of Congress; and
``(C) post such report on the Internet website of the
Department of Health and Human Services.''.
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services, in collaboration with other departments, as
appropriate, may establish an interagency working group in
order to improve coordination of programs and activities to
prevent preterm birth, infant mortality, and related adverse
birth outcomes.
(b) Duties.--The working group established under subsection
(a) shall--
(1) identify gaps, unnecessary duplication, and
opportunities for improved coordination in Federal programs
and activities related to preterm birth and infant mortality;
(2) assess the extent to which the goals and metrics of
relevant programs and activities within the Department of
Health and Human Services, and, as applicable, those in other
departments, are aligned; and
(3) assess the extent to which such programs are
coordinated across agencies within such Department; and
(4) make specific recommendations, as applicable, to reduce
or minimize gaps and unnecessary duplication, and improve
coordination of goals, programs, and activities across
agencies within such Department.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the working group is established under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House
of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the
working group under subsection (b) and the specific
recommendations to improve Federal programs at the Department
of Health and Human Services under subsection (b)(4).
Mr. FLAKE. I ask unanimous consent that the Alexander amendment at
the desk be agreed to; that the committee-reported substitute amendment
be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third
time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made
and laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment (No. 4016) was agreed to as follows:
(Purpose: To modify provisions relating to the interagency working
group)
On page 16, line 22, insert ``, in collaboration with other
departments, as appropriate,'' after ``Services''.
Beginning on page 16, line 24, strike ``within'' and all
that follows through ``Services'' on page 17, line 1.
On page 17, line 11, insert ``, and, as applicable, those
in other departments,'' after ``Services''.
The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was
agreed to.
The bill (S. 3029), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading, was read the third time, and passed as follows:
S. 3029
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 ``Prematurity Research
Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early
Reauthorization Act of 2018'' or the ``PREEMIE
Reauthorization Act of 2018''.
SEC. 2. RESEARCH RELATING TO PRETERM LABOR AND DELIVERY AND
THE CARE, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOMES OF PRETERM
AND LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS.
Section 2 of the Prematurity Research Expansion and
Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (42
U.S.C. 247b-4f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``clinical,
biological, social, environmental, genetic, and behavioral
factors relating'' and inserting ``factors relating to
prematurity, such as clinical, biological, social,
environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors, and other
determinants that contribute to health disparities and are
related''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking `` concerning the
progress and any results of studies conducted under paragraph
(1)'' and inserting ``regarding activities and studies
conducted under paragraph (1), including any applicable
analyses of preterm birth. Such report shall be posted on the
Internet website of the Department of Health and Human
Services.'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey.--The
Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
shall--
``(1) continue systems for the collection of maternal-
infant clinical and biomedical information, including
electronic health records, electronic databases, and
biobanks, to link with the Pregnancy Risk Assessment
Monitoring System (PRAMS) and other epidemiological studies
of prematurity in order to track, to the extent practicable,
all pregnancy outcomes and prevent preterm birth; and
``(2) provide technical assistance, as appropriate, to
support States in improving the collection of information
pursuant to this subsection.''; and
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``except for subsection
(c), $1,880,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''
and inserting ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023''.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDER EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
SERVICES.
Section 399Q of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g-5) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``conduct demonstration projects'' and
inserting ``conduct activities, which may include
demonstration projects''; and
(B) by striking ``for babies born preterm'' and inserting
``mothers of infants born preterm, and infants born preterm,
as appropriate''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``under the demonstration project'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``programs to test and evaluate various strategies to
provide'' and inserting ``programs, including those to test
and evaluate strategies, which, in collaboration with States,
localities, tribes, and community organizations, support the
provision of'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F) as
subparagraphs (C) through (G), respectively;
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A), the following:
``(B) evidence-based strategies to prevent preterm birth
and associated outcomes;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by inserting
``, and the risks of non-medically indicated deliveries
before full term'' before the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated--
(I) in clause (ii), by inserting ``intake'' before the
semicolon;
(II) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(III) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (vii); and
(IV) by inserting after clause (iii), the following:
``(iv) screening for and treatment of substance use
disorders;
``(v) screening for and treatment of maternal depression;
``(vi) maternal immunization; and'';
(vi) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by adding
``and'' after the semicolon;
(vii) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
``; and'' and inserting a period; and
(viii) by striking subparagraph (G), as so redesignated;
and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, as well as
prevention of a future preterm birth'' before the semicolon.
SEC. 4. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH.
Section 104(b) of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (42
U.S.C. 247b-4f note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``and recommendations to the Secretary concerning the
following activities'' and inserting ``, recommendations, or
information to the Secretary as may be necessary to improve
activities and programs to reduce severe maternal morbidity,
maternal mortality, infant mortality, and preterm birth,
which may include recommendations, advice, or information
related to the following'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and improving the
health status of pregnant women and infants'' and inserting
``, preterm birth, and improving the health status of
pregnant women and infants, and information on cost-
effectiveness and outcomes of such programs'';
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``Implementation of
the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) Implementation of Healthy People objectives related
to maternal and infant health.
``(E) Strategies to reduce racial, ethnic, geographic, and
other health disparities in birth outcomes, including by
increasing awareness of Federal programs related to
appropriate access to, or information regarding, prenatal
care to address risk factors for preterm labor and delivery.
[[Page S6155]]
``(F) Strategies, including the implementation of such
strategies, to address gaps in Federal research, programs,
and education efforts related to the prevention of severe
maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, infant mortality, and
other adverse birth outcomes.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraph
(4) as paragraph (3); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2018,
and every 2 years thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall--
``(A) publish a report summarizing activities and
recommendations of the Advisory Committee since the
publication of the previous report;
``(B) submit such report to the Secretary and the
appropriate Committees of Congress; and
``(C) post such report on the Internet website of the
Department of Health and Human Services.''.
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services, in collaboration with other departments, as
appropriate, may establish an interagency working group in
order to improve coordination of programs and activities to
prevent preterm birth, infant mortality, and related adverse
birth outcomes.
(b) Duties.--The working group established under subsection
(a) shall--
(1) identify gaps, unnecessary duplication, and
opportunities for improved coordination in Federal programs
and activities related to preterm birth and infant mortality;
(2) assess the extent to which the goals and metrics of
relevant programs and activities within the Department of
Health and Human Services, and, as applicable, those in other
departments, are aligned; and
(3) assess the extent to which such programs are
coordinated across agencies within such Department; and
(4) make specific recommendations, as applicable, to reduce
or minimize gaps and unnecessary duplication, and improve
coordination of goals, programs, and activities across
agencies within such Department.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the working group is established under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House
of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the
working group under subsection (b) and the specific
recommendations to improve Federal programs at the Department
of Health and Human Services under subsection (b)(4).
____________________