42 U.S.C. § 239l — Establishment

Page 131 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 239l–1 menting regulations as may be found necessary and appropriate. Initial implementing regula- tions may be interim final regulations. (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 267, as added Pub. L. 108–20, § 2, Apr. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 645.) § 239g. Authorization of appropriations For the purpose of carrying out this part, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2007, to remain available until expended, including administrative costs and costs of provision and payment of benefits. The Secretary’s payment of any benefit under section 239c, 239d, or 239e of this title shall be subject to the availability of appropriations under this section. (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 268, as added Pub. L. 108–20, § 2, Apr. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 645.) § 239h. Relationship to other laws Except as explicitly provided herein, nothing in this part shall be construed to override or limit any rights an individual may have to seek compensation, benefits, or redress under any other provision of Federal or State law. (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 269, as added Pub. L. 108–20, § 2, Apr. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 645.) PART D—UNITED STATES PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES TRACK § 239l. Establishment (a) United States Public Health Services Track (1) In general There is hereby authorized to be established a United States Public Health Sciences Track (referred to in this part as the ‘‘Track’’), at sites to be selected by the Secretary, with au- thority to grant appropriate advanced degrees in a manner that uniquely emphasizes team- based service, public health, epidemiology, and emergency preparedness and response. It shall be so organized as to graduate not less than— (A) 150 medical students annually, 10 of whom shall be awarded studentships to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; (B) 100 dental students annually; (C) 250 nursing students annually; (D) 100 public health students annually; (E) 100 behavioral and mental health pro- fessional students annually; (F) 100 physician assistant or nurse practi- tioner students annually; and (G) 50 pharmacy students annually. (2) Locations The Track shall be located at existing and accredited, affiliated health professions edu- cation training programs at academic health centers located in regions of the United States determined appropriate by the Surgeon Gen- eral, in consultation with the National Health Care Workforce Commission established in section 294q of this title. (b) Number of graduates Except as provided in subsection (a), the num- ber of persons to be graduated from the Track shall be prescribed by the Secretary. In so pre- scribing the number of persons to be graduated from the Track, the Secretary shall institute ac- tions necessary to ensure the maximum number of first-year enrollments in the Track consistent with the academic capacity of the affiliated sites and the needs of the United States for med- ical, dental, and nursing personnel. (c) Development The development of the Track may be by such phases as the Secretary may prescribe subject to the requirements of subsection (a). (d) Integrated longitudinal plan The Surgeon General shall develop an inte- grated longitudinal plan for health professions continuing education throughout the continuum of health-related education, training, and prac- tice. Training under such plan shall emphasize patient-centered, interdisciplinary, and care co- ordination skills. Experience with deployment of emergency response teams shall be included during the clinical experiences. (e) Faculty development The Surgeon General shall develop faculty de- velopment programs and curricula in decentral- ized venues of health care, to balance urban, ter- tiary, and inpatient venues. (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 271, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title V, § 5315, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 637.) § 239l–1. Administration (a) In general The business of the Track shall be conducted by the Surgeon General with funds appropriated for and provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. The National Health Care Workforce Commission shall assist the Surgeon General in an advisory capacity. (b) Faculty (1) In general The Surgeon General, after considering the recommendations of the National Health Care Workforce Commission, shall obtain the serv- ices of such professors, instructors, and admin- istrative and other employees as may be nec- essary to operate the Track, but utilize when possible, existing affiliated health professions training institutions. Members of the faculty and staff shall be employed under salary schedules and granted retirement and other related benefits prescribed by the Secretary so as to place the employees of the Track faculty on a comparable basis with the employees of fully accredited schools of the health profes- sions within the United States. (2) Titles The Surgeon General may confer academic titles, as appropriate, upon the members of the faculty. (3) Nonapplication of provisions The limitations in section 5373 of title 5 shall not apply to the authority of the Sur- geon General under paragraph (1) to prescribe salary schedules and other related benefits. (c) Agreements The Surgeon General may negotiate agree- ments with agencies of the Federal Government