H.R.2960 - To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program of payments to childrens hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2960 proposes to amend Title III of the Public Health Service Act, specifically reauthorizing the program that provides payments to children's hospitals operating graduate medical education programs. The bill seeks to extend the program's authorization from 2023 to 2030. This extension applies to both the general authorization and specific provisions related to payment calculations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is to ensure the continued financial support for graduate medical education programs within children's hospitals. This continued funding will allow these hospitals to continue training medical professionals specializing in pediatric care. Ultimately, this aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for children.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued funding for children's hospitals' graduate medical education programs.
- Supports the training of future pediatric medical professionals.
- Potentially improves the quality of pediatric healthcare.
- May enhance access to specialized medical care for children.
- Provides stability for hospitals relying on these payments.
Potential Disadvantages
- Does not address potential inefficiencies or inequities in the distribution of funds.
- May not be sufficient to address all the financial challenges faced by children's hospitals.
- Could perpetuate existing disparities if funding formulas are not regularly reviewed.
- The bill does not include any provisions for oversight or accountability.
- No specific metrics are defined to measure the effectiveness of the program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote public health by supporting medical education. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
However, the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare funding. The bill's alignment relies on interpreting the general welfare clause broadly.
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).