[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3041 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3041
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for and support liver
illness visibility, education, and research, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 21, 2021
Ms. Duckworth introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for and support liver
illness visibility, education, and research, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Liver Illness Visibility, Education,
and Research Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Liver cancer is among the fastest-growing cause of
cancer death in the United States and among the leading causes
of cancer deaths globally.
(2) The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
of the National Cancer Institute estimated that there will be
42,230 new liver cancer diagnoses in the year 2021, and
approximately 30,200 individuals will die from the disease.
(3) Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among
the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
(4) The most vulnerable Asian Americans are those who are
foreign-born, low-income, and living in ethnic enclaves.
(5) Asian and Pacific Islander men and women are nearly
twice as likely to develop liver cancer compared to the non-
Hispanic White population.
(6) Among the Asian and Pacific Islander population, the
higher incidence rate of liver cancer is partially explained by
higher incidence rates of hepatitis B and diabetes
comorbidities which are shown to increase an individual's risk
of developing liver cancer.
(7) The most common causes of liver cancer include
hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.
(8) Hepatitis B is a primary risk factor for developing
liver cancer, and approximately 15 to 25 percent of those
chronically infected with hepatitis B develop cirrhosis, liver
failure, or liver cancer.
(9) More than half of all individuals with hepatitis B in
the United States are Asian American or Pacific Islander,
though this group accounts for only 6 percent of the population
of the United States.
(10) Among African immigrants in the United States, the
prevalence of hepatitis B infection is approximately 1 in 12,
and African immigrants make up 12 percent of those with chronic
hepatitis B infection in the United States.
(11) Among Hispanic/Latino communities, liver cancer
incidence and death rates are twice as high compared to the
non-Hispanic White population.
(12) Hispanics/Latinos are 70 percent more likely to die
from viral hepatitis than non-Hispanic Whites.
SEC. 3. LIVER CANCER AND DISEASE RESEARCH.
Subpart 1 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``SEC. 417H. LIVER CANCER AND DISEASE RESEARCH.
``(a) Expansion and Coordination of Activities.--The Director of
the Institute shall expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of
the Institute with respect to research on liver cancer and other liver
diseases.
``(b) Programs for Liver Cancer.--In carrying out subsection (a),
the Director of the Institute shall provide for an expansion and
intensification of the conduct and support of--
``(1) basic research concerning the etiology and causes of
liver cancer;
``(2) clinical research and related activities concerning
the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of liver
cancer;
``(3) control programs with respect to liver cancer, in
accordance with section 412, including community-based programs
designed to assist members of medically underserved populations
(including women), low-income populations, or minority groups;
and
``(4) information and education programs with respect to
liver cancer, in accordance with section 413.
``(c) Inter-Institute Working Group.--The Director of the Institute
shall establish an inter-institute working group to coordinate research
agendas focused on finding treatments and cures for liver cancer and
other liver diseases, including hepatitis B and nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis.
``(d) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants and enter
into cooperative agreements with entities for the purpose of
expanding, conducting, and supporting research on--
``(A) conditions known to increase an individual's
risk of developing a major liver disease, such as liver
cancer, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty
liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and
cirrhosis of the liver; and
``(B) early detection and diagnostic measures for
such a disease, including the study of molecular
pathology and biomarkers for early detection.
``(2) Experimental treatment and prevention.--In the case
of an entity that is a hospital or a health care facility, the
Secretary may award a grant or enter into a cooperative
agreement with such an entity for the purpose of supporting an
experimental treatment or prevention program for liver cancer
carried out by such entity.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--For purposes of
carrying out this subsection, there is authorized to be
appropriated $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through
2027.''.
SEC. 4. LIVER CANCER AND DISEASE PREVENTION, AWARENESS, AND PATIENT
TRACKING GRANTS.
Subpart I of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``SEC. 330O. LIVER CANCER AND DISEASE PREVENTION, AWARENESS, AND
PATIENT TRACKING GRANTS.
``(a) Prevention Initiative Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may
award grants and enter into cooperative agreements with
entities for the purpose of expanding and supporting--
``(A) prevention activities (including providing
screenings, vaccinations, or other preventative
interventions) for conditions known to increase an
individual's risk of developing a major liver disease,
such as liver cancer, hepatitis B, hepatitis C,
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver;
``(B) activities relating to detection and
provision of guidance for individuals at high risk for
contracting liver cancer and other liver diseases; and
``(C) viral hepatitis surveillance to provide for
timely and accurate information regarding progress to
eliminate viral hepatitis.
``(2) Report.--An entity that receives a grant or
cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) shall submit to the
Secretary, at a time specified by the Secretary, a report
describing each activity carried out pursuant to such paragraph
and evaluating the effectiveness of such activity in promoting
prevention and treatment of liver cancer and other liver
diseases.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--For purposes of
carrying out this subsection, there is authorized to be
appropriated $90,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through
2027.
``(b) Awareness Initiative Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may
award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of raising
awareness for liver cancer and other liver diseases, which may
include the production, dissemination, and distribution of
informational materials targeted towards communities and
populations with a higher risk for developing liver cancer and
other liver diseases.
``(2) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under paragraph (1), an entity shall submit to the Secretary an
application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require, including a
description of how the entity, in disseminating information on
liver cancer and other liver diseases pursuant to paragraph
(1), will--
``(A) with respect to any community or population,
consult with members of such community or population
and provide such information in a manner that is
culturally and linguistically appropriate for such
community or population;
``(B) highlight the range of preventative measures
and treatments available for liver cancer and other
liver diseases;
``(C) integrate information on available hepatitis
B and hepatitis C testing programs into any liver
cancer presentations carried out by the entity; and
``(D) address communities and populations with a
higher risk for contracting liver cancer and other
liver diseases.
``(3) Preference.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall give preference to entities that--
``(A) work with a federally-qualified health
center;
``(B) are community-based organizations; or
``(C) serve communities and populations with a
higher risk for contracting liver cancer and other
liver diseases.
``(4) Report.--An entity that receives a grant under
paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary, at a time
specified by the Secretary, a report describing each activity
carried out pursuant to such paragraph and evaluating the
effectiveness of such activity in raising awareness for liver
cancer and other liver diseases.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--For purposes of
carrying out this subsection, there is authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through
2027.''.
SEC. 5. HEPATITIS B RESEARCH.
The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall, in
collaboration with the Director of the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, issue targeted calls for hepatitis B research
proposals focused on key research questions identified by the research
community and discussed in peer-reviewed research journal articles.
SEC. 6. CHANGES RELATING TO NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND
DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES.
(a) Change of Name of National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases.--
(1) In general.--Subpart 3 of part C of title IV of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c et seq.) is amended
in the subpart heading by striking ``National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases'' and inserting
``National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and
Liver Diseases''.
(2) Treatment of director of national institute of diabetes
and digestive and kidney diseases.--The individual serving as
the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases as of the date of enactment of
this Act may continue to serve as the Director of the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases
commencing as of that date.
(3) References.--Any reference to the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or the Director of
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, in any law, regulation, document, record, or other
paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and
Liver Diseases, or the Director of the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases,
respectively.
(4) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 401(b)(3) of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 281(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``The
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases.'' and inserting ``The National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases.''.
(B) Section 409A(a) of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 284e(a)) is amended by striking ``the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases'' and inserting ``the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases''.
(b) Purpose of the Institute.--Section 426 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c) is amended--
(1) by striking ``National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases'' and inserting ``National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver
Diseases''; and
(2) by striking ``and kidney, urologic, and hematologic
diseases'' and inserting ``kidney, urologic, and hematologic
diseases, and liver diseases''.
(c) Data Systems and Information Clearinghouses.--Section 427 of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c-1) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) The Director of the Institute shall (1) establish the
National Liver Diseases Data System for the collection, storage,
analysis, retrieval, and dissemination of data derived from patient
populations with liver diseases, including, where possible, data
involving general populations for the purpose of detection of
individuals with a risk of developing liver diseases, and (2) establish
the National Liver Diseases Information Clearinghouse to facilitate and
enhance knowledge and understanding of liver diseases on the part of
health professionals, patients, and the public through the effective
dissemination of information.''.
(d) Reestablishment of Liver Disease Research Branch Within
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition as Division of Liver
Diseases.--
(1) In general.--The Liver Disease Research Branch within
the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition of the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (referred to in this subsection as the ``Liver Disease
Research Branch'') is hereby redesignated and promoted as the
Division of Liver Diseases, which shall be within the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver
Diseases, as redesignated by subsection (a), as a separate
division from the other divisions within such Institute.
(2) Division director.--Section 428 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c-2) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``division
directors for diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic
diseases, digestive diseases and nutrition, and kidney,
urologic, and hematologic diseases'' and inserting
``division directors for diabetes, endocrinology, and
metabolic diseases, digestive diseases and nutrition,
kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, and liver
diseases'';
(B) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``and a Division Director for
Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases''
and inserting ``a Division Director for Kidney,
Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases, and a
Division Director for Liver Diseases''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and
kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases''
and inserting ``kidney, urologic, and
hematologic diseases, and liver diseases''; and
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``and the Division Director for
Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases''
and inserting ``the Division Director for
Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases, and
the Division Director for Liver Diseases''; and
(ii) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and
kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases''
and inserting ``kidney, urologic, and
hematologic diseases, and liver diseases''.
(3) Treatment of director of liver disease research
branch.--The individual serving as the Director of the Liver
Disease Research Branch as of the date of enactment of this Act
may continue to serve as the Division Director for Liver
Diseases commencing as of that date.
(4) Transfer of authorities.--The Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall delegate to the Division Director for
Liver Diseases all duties and authorities that were vested in
the Director of the Liver Disease Research Branch as of the day
before the date of enactment of this Act.
(5) References.--Any reference to the Liver Disease
Research Branch, or the Director of the Liver Disease Research
Branch, in any law, regulation, document, record, or other
paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to
the Division of Liver Diseases, or the Division Director for
Liver Diseases, respectively.
(e) Interagency Coordinating Committees.--Section 429(a) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c-3(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and kidney, urologic,
and hematologic diseases'' and inserting ``kidney, urologic,
and hematologic diseases, and liver diseases''; and
(2) in the matter following paragraph (2), by striking
``and a Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases Coordinating
Committee'' and inserting ``a Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic
Diseases Coordinating Committee, and a Liver Diseases
Coordinating Committee''.
(f) Advisory Boards.--Section 430 of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285c-4) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``and the National
Kidney and Urologic Diseases Advisory Board'' and inserting
``the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Advisory Board, and
the Liver Diseases Advisory Board''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i)--
(A) by striking ``the Director of the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases'' and inserting ``the Director of the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver
Diseases''; and
(B) by striking ``and the Division Director of the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases'' and inserting ``and the Division Director of
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive,
Kidney, and Liver Diseases''.
(g) Research and Training Centers.--Section 431 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c-5) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) The Director of the Institute shall provide for the
development or substantial expansion of centers for research in liver
diseases. Each center developed or expanded under this subsection--
``(1) shall utilize the facilities of a single institution,
or be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions,
meeting such research qualifications as may be prescribed by
the Secretary;
``(2) shall develop and conduct basic and clinical research
into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention,
control, and treatment of liver diseases and related
functional, congenital, metabolic, or other complications
resulting from such diseases;
``(3) shall encourage research into and programs for--
``(A) providing information for patients with such
diseases and complications and the families of such
patients, physicians and others who care for such
patients, and the general public;
``(B) model programs for cost effective and
preventive patient care; and
``(C) training physicians and scientists in
research on such diseases and complications; and
``(4) may perform research and participate in
epidemiological studies and data collection relevant to liver
diseases in order to disseminate such research, studies, and
data to the health care profession and to the public.''.
(h) Advisory Council Subcommittees.--Section 432 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c-6) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and a subcommittee on kidney, urologic,
and hematologic diseases'' and inserting ``a subcommittee on
kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, and a subcommittee
on liver diseases''; and
(2) by striking ``and kidney, urologic, and hematologic
diseases'' and inserting ``kidney, urologic, and hematologic
diseases, and liver diseases''.
<all>
Liver Illness Visibility, Education, and Research Act of 2021
#3041 | S Congress #117
Policy Area: Health
Subjects:
Last Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (10/21/2021)
Bill Text Source: Congress.gov
Summary and Impacts
Original Text