A bill to amend title VII of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for the Office of Rural Health Policy and to establish a National Advisory Committee on Rural Health, and for other purposes.
Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to place the Office of Rural Health Policy in the Office of Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services. Places the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Health at the head of the Office of Rural Health Policy. Requires the Deputy Assistant Secretary to implement a grant program to establish and support rural health research centers located at public and nonprofit entities which will provide an information base and policy analysis capacity on issues of rural health. Authorizes appropriations for such program and for the Office of Rural Health Policy for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Deputy Assistant Secretary to administer the rural health care grant program established under the Public Health Service Act.
Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Congress concerning the provision and financing of health care services in rural areas. Requires the Committee to submit a report to the Secretary and the Congress by October 10 of each year summarizing the Committee's activities and recommendations during the previous year. Authorizes appropriations for such Committee.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.