Summary
Continues funding for a national program to research, track, and raise awareness about heart problems that people are born with.
What problem does this solve?
The national program for congenital heart disease was set to end, but more work was needed to understand the lifelong needs of patients and train doctors. This law extends the program's funding and requires the government to create a new plan to improve patient care, research, and public awareness.
Who does this affect?
- People with congenital heart disease
- Cardiologists and other healthcare providers
- Medical researchers
What does this law do?
Extends program funding
Continues the authorization for the national congenital heart disease program for another five years, from 2025 through 2029.
Requires a report on heart disease efforts
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress within two years on current activities related to congenital heart disease awareness, education, and the number of available doctors.
Mandates a new national strategy
Requires the government to create and share a plan for improving public awareness, doctor training, and fixing any shortages in doctors who treat adults with congenital heart disease.
Requires expert consultation
Ensures that in creating the new plan, the government will talk with patient groups, doctors, researchers, and other important organizations.
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures continued support for heart defect patients
Continues a national program that helps people born with heart problems. It supports research, tracks the condition, and raises public awareness to improve the lives of patients from childhood through adulthood.
When does this start?
This law extends program funding from 2025 through 2029 and sets specific deadlines for a new report and strategy to be created.
Report on heart disease activities
The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit a report to Congress on congenital heart disease activities within two years of the law's passage.
National strategy submission
A national strategy for improving congenital heart disease care and awareness must be submitted to Congress within one year after the initial report is completed.