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Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:09 PM

Summary of Bill S 2899

Bill 118 s 2899, also known as the Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023, aims to address health disparities and promote inclusivity for individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent in the United States. The bill recognizes that individuals from the MENA community often face unique challenges in accessing healthcare and experiencing discrimination in the healthcare system.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a task force to study and address health disparities within the MENA community. This task force will be responsible for conducting research, collecting data, and making recommendations to improve health outcomes for individuals of MENA descent. 2. Increasing cultural competency training for healthcare providers to better serve the needs of MENA patients. This training will focus on understanding the cultural nuances and health beliefs of the MENA community to provide more effective and respectful care. 3. Promoting language access services for individuals who speak languages commonly spoken in the MENA region. This will ensure that language barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing necessary healthcare services. 4. Implementing outreach and education programs to raise awareness about the unique health needs of the MENA community and combat stereotypes and discrimination in the healthcare system. Overall, the Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023 seeks to address the specific health challenges faced by individuals of MENA descent and promote inclusivity and equity in the healthcare system. By recognizing and addressing these disparities, the bill aims to improve health outcomes and ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare regardless of their background.

Congressional Summary of S 2899

Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023 or the Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023

This bill includes Middle Easterners and North Africans (MENA) as a distinct population in the statutory definition of racial and ethnic minority group that applies to efforts to reduce health disparities by the Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill also requires HHS to conduct a study on health and related outcomes of MENA populations.

Current Status of Bill S 2899

Bill S 2899 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 21, 2023. Bill S 2899 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on September 21, 2023.  Bill S 2899's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4657-4658) as of September 21, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2899

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2899

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2899

Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023
Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023
Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to include Middle Easterners and North Africans in the statutory definition of a "racial and ethnic minority group", and for other purposes.

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