H.R.1750 - Health Equity and Rare Disease Act of 2025; HEARD Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1750, the Health Equity and Rare Disease Act of 2025 (HEARD Act of 2025), aims to improve research, data collection, and healthcare access for rare diseases disproportionately affecting minority populations. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to expand NIH activities, establish a coordinating committee, and develop comprehensive plans. It also includes provisions for grants to collect data, physician training programs, and increased minority representation in research.
Expected Effects
The HEARD Act is likely to increase funding and focus on rare diseases affecting minority populations, leading to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment options. It will also likely create new programs and initiatives within existing health agencies to address these disparities. The Act will also likely lead to improved data collection and reporting, which could inform future policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased research funding for rare diseases in minority populations.
- Improved data collection and analysis related to these diseases.
- Enhanced training for healthcare professionals to better diagnose and treat rare diseases.
- Greater minority representation in research.
- Improved access to care through telehealth and loan repayment programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in coordinating activities across multiple agencies.
- The effectiveness of the programs depends on proper implementation and oversight.
- May divert resources from other important public health initiatives.
- The definition of 'minority' may be subject to interpretation and debate.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting public health and addressing health disparities. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by supporting research and development related to healthcare. The emphasis on health equity could be interpreted as furthering equal protection under the law, although this is primarily addressed by the 14th Amendment, which applies to states, but informs federal policy.
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).