Public Health Service Act-ENTIRE (Current through P.L. 118–107, Enacted November 21, 2024)
Background
The Public Health Service (PHS) Act, originally passed in 1912, is a comprehensive federal law that establishes and governs the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and authorizes a wide range of public health programs and activities. It has been amended numerous times over the years to address changing health needs and priorities.
Recent Amendments (Public Law 118-107)
The PHS Act was recently amended by Public Law 118-107, which was enacted on November 21, 2024. These amendments include:
- Expansion of Telehealth Services: The amendments expand the use of telehealth for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including coverage for mental health services and expanded access to telehealth in rural and underserved areas.
- Creation of a National Institute for Health Workforce Diversity: The amendments establish a new institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to address the shortage of diversity in the health workforce.
- Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure: The amendments provide funding and support for state and local public health departments to enhance their capabilities in areas such as disease surveillance, emergency response, and health promotion.
- Addressing the Opioid Crisis: The amendments authorize new programs and funding to combat the opioid epidemic, including support for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
- Modernization of the PHS Commissioned Corps: The amendments modernize the pay and benefits system for members of the PHS Commissioned Corps, which is a uniformed service of health professionals who serve in various public health roles.
Implications
The amendments to the PHS Act have significant implications for public health in the United States:
- Improved Access to Healthcare: The expanded telehealth services will make it easier for patients to access care, particularly in underserved areas.
- Increased Workforce Diversity: The new institute for health workforce diversity will help to diversify the healthcare workforce, which can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities.
- Enhanced Public Health Infrastructure: The strengthened public health infrastructure will better prepare states and localities to respond to health emergencies and promote the health of their populations.
- Combating the Opioid Crisis: The additional funding and programs to address the opioid crisis will help to reduce the impact of this devastating epidemic.
- Modernization of the PHS Commissioned Corps: The modernized pay and benefits system will attract and retain qualified health professionals to the PHS Commissioned Corps, strengthening the nation’s public health workforce.
Conclusion
The recent amendments to the PHS Act represent a major step forward in improving public health in the United States. The expanded services, enhanced infrastructure, and new programs will help to ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare, that the health workforce is diverse and well-trained, and that the nation is better prepared to respond to health emergencies and promote the overall health and well-being of its population.
Public Health Service Act-ENTIRE (Current through P.L. 118–107, Enacted November 21, 2024)
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