[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7213 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 518
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7213
[Report No. 118-620]
To amend the Public Health Service Act to [enhance activities of the
National Institutes of Health with respect to research on autism
spectrum disorder and enhance programs relating to autism / reauthorize
certain programs with respect to autism spectrum disorder?], and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 1, 2024
Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself and Mr. Cuellar) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
July 30, 2024
Additional sponsors: Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Molinaro,
Ms. Kuster, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Kean of New Jersey, Mr.
Soto, Mr. Kiley, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Davis of North Carolina, Ms.
Matsui, Mr. Stauber, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Spanberger,
Mr. Harder of California, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Moore of Utah, Ms. Slotkin,
Ms. Omar, Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kim of New Jersey, Ms. Blunt
Rochester, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Salazar, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Harris, Mr. Van
Drew, Mrs. Miller of West Virginia, Mr. Graves of Louisiana, Mr. Larson
of Connecticut, Ms. Waters, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Panetta, Mrs.
Peltola, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Pappas, Ms. Adams, Mr. Kelly of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Van Orden, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Stevens, Ms. Budzinski,
Mr. Bilirakis, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Tokuda, Ms. Pettersen, Mr. Courtney,
Mr. Landsman, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Pocan, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Williams of New York,
Mr. Meuser, and Mr. Crow
July 30, 2024
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House
on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on
February 1, 2024]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to [enhance activities of the
National Institutes of Health with respect to research on autism
spectrum disorder and enhance programs relating to autism / reauthorize
certain programs with respect to autism spectrum disorder?], 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 ``Autism Collaboration,
Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2024'' or the
``Autism CARES Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES.
(a) Expansion of Activities.--Paragraph (1) of section 409C(a) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(a)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) Expansion of activities.--The Director of NIH (in
this section referred to as the `Director'), in coordination
and consultation with the Administrator of the Administration
for Community Living, and other agencies as appropriate,
shall--
``(A) subject to the availability of
appropriations, expand, intensify, and coordinate the
activities of the National Institutes of Health with
respect to research on autism spectrum disorder,
including--
``(i) basic and clinical research in fields
including pathology, developmental
neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics,
pharmacology, nutrition, immunology,
neuroimmunology, neurobehavioral development,
endocrinology, gastroenterology, toxicology,
speech, language and hearing science,
psychiatry, psychology, developmental
behavioral pediatrics, and gerontology; and
``(ii) research on interventions to
maximize outcomes for individuals with autism
spectrum disorder; and
``(B) ensure that research referred to in
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) investigates the causes (including
possible environmental causes), diagnosis or
ruling out, early and ongoing detection,
prevention, intervention, services, supports
across the lifespan for autistic individuals
and caregivers, and treatment for autism
spectrum disorder and co-occurring conditions,
including dissemination and implementation of
clinical care, supports, interventions, and
treatments; and
``(ii) reflects the entire population of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder,
including the full range of cognitive,
communicative, behavioral, and adaptive
functioning, as well as co-occurring conditions
and needs for support and services, including
care necessary for physical safety.''.
(b) Centers of Excellence.--Section 409C(b) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``prevention, and treatment'' and
inserting ``prevention, services, and treatment'';
(B) by striking ``including the fields'' and
inserting ``including in the fields''; and
(C) by striking ``behavioral psychology, and
clinical psychology'' and inserting ``behavioral
psychology, clinical psychology, and gerontology'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``not less than five
centers'' and inserting ``not fewer than six centers''; and
(3) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``period of not to
exceed'' and inserting ``period not to exceed''.
(c) Public Input.--Section 409C(d) of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 284g(d)) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Public Input.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall under subsection
(a)(1) provide for means through which the public can obtain
information on the existing and planned programs and activities
of the National Institutes of Health with respect to autism
spectrum disorder and through which the Director can receive
comments from the public regarding such programs and
activities.
``(2) Opportunities.--Such public input opportunities may
include encouraging the centers under subsection (b)(1) to
establish an external advisory board or adopting a
comprehensive plan to ensure individuals with various
backgrounds and perspectives are represented, among other
activities. Such opportunities should consider including, as
appropriate, individuals, family members, and caregivers of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder who represent the
entire population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder,
including the full range of cognitive, communicative,
behavioral, and adaptive functioning, to better inform research
findings and future studies.''.
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS RELATING TO AUTISM.
(a) Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program.--
Section 399AA of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``and causes'' and
inserting ``causes, and life course''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2024'' and inserting
``2029''.
(b) Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention.--Section
399BB of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``subsequent
interventions'' and inserting ``subsequent interventions and
services'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically responsive information'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``promote research'' and inserting
``promote research, which may include community-based
participatory research,''; and
(B) by striking ``screening tools'' each place it
appears and inserting ``screening and diagnostic
tools'';
(4) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``at higher risk''
and inserting ``at increased likelihood'';
(5) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, which may
include such individuals utilizing parents and guardians
trained to provide interventions, services, and supports''
before the semicolon at the end;
(6) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically responsive information'';
(7) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii)--
(A) by striking ``advocates,'' and inserting
``advocates, self-advocates,''; and
(B) by striking ``culturally competent
information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically responsive information'';
(8) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (e) to read as
follows:
``(1) Training.--The Secretary, in coordination with
activities conducted under title V of the Social Security Act,
shall, subject to the availability of appropriations,
strengthen the capacity of existing training programs and
expand existing interdisciplinary training opportunities or
opportunities to increase the number of programs that address
the health and well-being of individuals who have or are at
increased likelihood for autism spectrum disorder and other
neurodevelopmental disabilities across their lifespan.
Activities under the preceding sentence shall include--
``(A) awarding competitive grants or cooperative
agreements to public or nonprofit agencies, including
institutions of higher education, to expand existing or
develop new maternal and child health interdisciplinary
leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related
disabilities programs (similar to the programs
developed under section 501(a)(2) of the Social
Security Act) in States that do not have such a
program;
``(B) ensuring that trainees under such training
programs--
``(i) receive an appropriate balance of
academic, clinical, and community
opportunities;
``(ii) are culturally and linguistically
responsive;
``(iii) are from various backgrounds;
``(iv) demonstrate a capacity to evaluate,
diagnose or rule out, develop, and provide
evidence-based interventions and programs to
individuals with autism spectrum disorder and
other developmental disabilities across their
lifespan; and
``(v) demonstrate an ability to use a
person- and family-centered approach, which may
include collaborating with research centers or
networks to provide training for providers of
respite care (as defined in section 2901);
``(C) ensuring that program sites provide
culturally and linguistically responsive services; and
``(D) encouraging training programs to partner with
appropriate entities to build community capacity.'';
(9) in subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after
September 30, 2024, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall prepare and 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 examining how to
increase the number of developmental-behavioral
pediatricians, including through the developmental
behavioral pediatrician training program.'';
(10) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``promote research'' and inserting
``promote research, including community-based
participatory research,'';
(B) by striking ``physical and behavioral health of
individuals'' and inserting ``physical and behavioral
health, and communication needs, of individuals''; and
(C) by striking ``disseminate information related
to such research and guidelines'' and inserting
``disseminate information relating to such research and
guidelines to improve the quality of life and long-term
outcomes''; and
(11) in subsection (g), by striking ``2024'' and inserting
``2029''.
(c) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.--Section 399CC of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``develop a
summary'' and inserting ``develop and update a
summary'';
(B) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking ``make
recommendations'' and inserting ``make and update
recommendations''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and
inserting the following:
``(5) develop and update a strategic plan for the conduct
of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder research,
including as practicable for services and supports, for
individuals with an autism spectrum disorder across the
lifespan of such individuals and the families of such
individuals, and across the entire population of individuals
with autism spectrum disorder, including the full range of
cognitive, communicative, behavioral, and adaptive functioning,
as well as co-occurring conditions and needs for support and
services, including care necessary for physical safety, which
such plan shall include proposed budgetary requirements and
recommendations to ensure that autism spectrum disorder
research, and services and support activities to the extent
practicable, of the Department of Health and Human Services and
of other Federal departments and agencies are not unnecessarily
duplicative; and
``(6) submit to the Congress and President--
``(A) an annual update on the summary of advances
described in paragraph (2); and
``(B) each update to the strategic plan described
in paragraph (5), including any steps that have already
been taken to implement the recommendations in such
updated strategic plan and progress made in achieving
the goals outlined in such updated strategic plan.'';
and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2024'' and inserting
``2029''.
(d) Reports to Congress.--Section 399DD of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-3) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Autism CARES Act of 2019'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Autism CARES Act of 2024'';
(2) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after September
30, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with
other Federal departments and agencies that serve individuals
with autism spectrum disorder, shall prepare and 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, and make publicly available, including through
posting on the internet website of the Department of Health and
Human Services, a progress report on activities related to
autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Such report shall include activities and research related to
the entire population of individuals with autism spectrum
disorder, including the full range of cognitive, communicative,
behavioral, and adaptive functioning, as well as co-occurring
conditions and needs for support and services, including care
necessary for physical safety.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Update on Young Adults and Youth Transitioning to
Adulthood.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
Autism CARES Act of 2024, the Secretary, in coordination with other
Federal departments and agencies that serve individuals with autism
spectrum disorder, shall prepare and 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 an update to the
report required pursuant to section 6 of the Autism Cares Act of 2014
(Public Law 113-157) concerning young adults with autism spectrum
disorder and the challenges related to the transition from existing
school-based services to those services available during adulthood.
``(d) Professional Judgment Budget.--For each fiscal year through
fiscal year 2029, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in
coordination with other relevant agencies, as appropriate, shall
prepare and submit, directly to the President for review and
transmittal to Congress, after reasonable opportunity for comment, but
without change, by the Secretary and the Interagency Autism
Coordinating Committee established under section 399CC(a), an annual
budget estimate for carrying out the strategic plan developed and
updated under section 399CC(b)(5).''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 399EE of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-4) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``$23,100,000 for each
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting ``$28,100,000
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$50,599,000 for each
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting ``$56,344,000
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``there are authorized
to be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024'' and inserting ``there is authorized to be
appropriated $341,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2029''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend the Public
Health Service Act to enhance and reauthorize activities and
programs relating to autism spectrum disorder, and for other
purposes.''.
Union Calendar No. 518
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7213
[Report No. 118-620]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to [enhance activities of the
National Institutes of Health with respect to research on autism
spectrum disorder and enhance programs relating to autism / reauthorize
certain programs with respect to autism spectrum disorder?], and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
July 30, 2024
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House
on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed