Senator Frist Introduces
Health Disparities Bill
February 20, 2004 - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
(R-Tenn.) Feb. 12 introduced the "Closing the Health
Care Gap Act" (S.
2091). The bill seeks to address the gaps in health care
quality between minority and non-minority groups by authorizing
and broadening the authority of the Office of Minority Health
within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Office is directed to establish a strategic plan to address
health disparities and increase awareness of disparities among
health care providers, health plans, and the public.
Additionally, the legislation reauthorizes and increases
the authorized funding levels for the diversity training programs
under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, which includes
the Centers of Excellence, Health Careers Opportunity Program,
faculty loan repayment, and Scholarships for Disadvantaged
Students. The bill also addresses overall health care quality
by directing various agencies and departments to establish
uniform, quality measures for all federal health programs.
Upon introduction, Sen. Frist stated his intention to make
passage of the legislation a high priority.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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