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LOCAL HEALTH Act

12/30/2022, 8:03 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5898

The LOCAL HEALTH Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 5898, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to healthcare services at the local level, particularly in underserved communities.

One of the key provisions of the LOCAL HEALTH Act is the establishment of grants for local health departments to expand their services and reach more residents. These grants would be used to fund initiatives such as mobile health clinics, community health education programs, and telehealth services.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase funding for community health centers, which play a crucial role in providing primary care services to low-income and uninsured individuals. By investing in these centers, the hope is to reduce healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes for all Americans. Furthermore, the LOCAL HEALTH Act includes provisions to support mental health and substance abuse treatment programs at the local level. This is particularly important given the growing opioid epidemic and the need for more resources to address mental health issues in communities across the country. Overall, the LOCAL HEALTH Act seeks to empower local health departments and community health centers to better serve their populations and address the unique healthcare needs of each community. By investing in these local resources, the bill aims to improve access to quality healthcare services and ultimately improve the health and well-being of all Americans.

Congressional Summary of HR 5898

Let Our Cities And Local businesses Help Employees Achieve Long-Term Health Act or the LOCAL HEALTH Act

This bill authorizes private businesses and local governments and agencies to require the use of face masks and take other measures aligned with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, provided that the required measures accommodate individuals with disabilities and include exemptions for sincerely held religious beliefs.

The bill also (1) prohibits a state from establishing or enforcing a law that restricts an authorized measure, and (2) provides immunity to private businesses and local government entities from federal or state claims arising from an authorized measure unless the claim involves negligent behavior or willful misconduct.

Current Status of Bill HR 5898

Bill HR 5898 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 5, 2021. Bill HR 5898 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on November 5, 2021.  Bill HR 5898's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of November 8, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5898

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
26
Democrat Cosponsors
26
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5898

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Civil actions and liability
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Federal preemption
- Health information and medical records
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Immunology and vaccination
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Medical tests and diagnostic methods
- State and local government operations
- Worker safety and health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5898

LOCAL HEALTH Act
LOCAL HEALTH Act
Let Our Cities And Local businesses Help Employees Achieve Long-Term Health Act
To protect covered entities that take measures to comply with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent or mitigate the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, and for other purposes.

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