Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act
Summary
The Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act aims to enhance the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program by providing technical assistance to eligible entities. This assistance will support them in applying for and administering grants under Section 2008 of the Social Security Act. The Act also mandates the Secretary to hold peer technical assistance conferences and submit reports to Congress on the technical assistance provided.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely improve the effectiveness and reach of the HPOG program. This is achieved by ensuring grantees have the necessary support to manage their projects effectively. The Act allocates $15 million for fiscal year 2026 to carry out the technical assistance provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved grant application process for eligible entities.
- Enhanced project administration through tailored technical assistance.
- Facilitated exchange of best practices among grantees.
- Specific support for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, tribal colleges, universities, and territories.
- Increased accountability through reports to Congress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in providing technical assistance.
- The $15 million allocation may not be sufficient to meet all the needs of eligible entities.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the need to establish technical assistance programs.
- Risk of technical assistance not being effectively tailored to the specific needs of all grantees.
- The act does not address the root causes of healthcare disparities, focusing instead on grant administration.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution (Preamble). It promotes the general welfare by improving healthcare workforce development. The Act falls under Congress's power to legislate on matters related to Social Security, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).