Bill > HR5942

This bill, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2018, aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for racial and ethnic minorities, women, individuals with limited English proficiency, and other underserved populations. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Data collection and reporting requirements to improve the availability and use of demographic data on race, ethnicity, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and socioeconomic status across federally-funded health programs. 2. Requirements for culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services, including the provision of language assistance services, staff training, and the development of national standards. 3. Provisions to increase diversity in the health care workforce, such as through scholarship and fellowship programs, career support for non-research health professionals, and research on the impact of workforce diversity. 4. Expansions of health care coverage and access, including eliminating barriers for lawfully present immigrants, improving Medicaid coverage in the territories, and promoting telehealth services. 5. Initiatives to improve health outcomes for women, children, and families, such as programs to prevent maternal mortality, promote healthy pregnancies, and reduce infant mortality. 6. Provisions to address mental health disparities, including research, provider training, and outreach to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. 7. Measures to address high-impact minority diseases like cancer, viral hepatitis, and diabetes, including increased research, screening, and treatment efforts. 8. Expansion of health information technology resources and infrastructure in underserved communities. 9. Strengthened accountability and evaluation mechanisms, including non-discrimination protections and reporting requirements. 10. Initiatives to address social determinants of health and promote environmental justice. Overall, the bill takes a comprehensive, coordinated approach to eliminating health disparities and improving health equity across the United States.

Business and Industry, Education, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5942/all-info