Overview
Title
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and improve the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023 wants to make sure women, especially those who don't have much money, can get checked for breast and cervical cancer from 2024 to 2028, with a plan to spend $275 million each year to help make this happen.
Summary AI
S. 1840, also known as the "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023," aims to update the Public Health Service Act by reauthorizing and enhancing the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for the years 2024 to 2028. The bill acknowledges the significant number of breast and cervical cancer cases and deaths, particularly among Black women and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to improve cancer screening and diagnosis access for low-income and uninsured women and emphasizes reducing health disparities. Additionally, the bill outlines funding details and requires a report by 2027 assessing the program's effectiveness and identifying barriers to access.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed legislation, titled the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023 or SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. Its primary objective is to reauthorize and enhance the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) from 2024 through 2028. This program has been crucial in providing vital cancer screening and diagnostic services to underserved women across the United States.
General Summary
The bill emphasizes the importance of early cancer detection and the improvement of services to ensure more equitable access to critical health screenings. It acknowledges the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening rates and highlights troubling disparities in cancer incidence and mortality among racial and ethnic minority groups. The proposed reauthorization aims to build on the program's existing foundation, intending to expand service reach and improve outcomes through increased funding and updated operational guidelines.
Significant Issues
A major concern with the bill is the substantial increase in funding, with $275 million allocated annually from 2024 through 2028. While this increase reflects a commitment to addressing cancer screening needs, the absence of specific accountability measures or clear metrics to evaluate program effectiveness could lead to inefficiencies or misallocated resources. The change in reporting frequency from annually to every five years may also result in reduced oversight and timely evaluations, which are essential for program improvements.
Another issue is the vague language used in sections concerning cancer support activities and follow-up services. Terms like "appropriate support activities" lack definition, potentially leading to varied interpretations and inconsistencies in how services are provided. Furthermore, while the bill seeks to address disparities in cancer incidence among minority groups, it lacks explicit strategies or mechanisms to ensure these goals are achieved.
Broad Public Impact
The public at large may see several benefits if the bill's objectives are effectively implemented. Enhanced early detection and diagnostic services may lead to more cancers being identified at treatable stages, potentially reducing mortality rates. The increased focus on equitable access aims to bridge gaps in healthcare availability, ensuring that underserved populations receive necessary services.
Nevertheless, the implementation and oversight issues highlighted could impact how efficiently these benefits are realized. Without clear guidelines and accountability, some areas may struggle to deliver the promised improvements, potentially undermining public confidence in the program’s effectiveness.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, the bill promises significant positive impacts by increasing the availability of free cancer screenings. The focus on equitable access and reducing disparities suggests an effort to target and support communities historically disadvantaged in healthcare access.
However, healthcare providers and state health departments may face challenges. The lack of detailed implementation plans could lead to confusion and inconsistencies on the ground. The requirement for substantial documentation and compliance with federal guidelines without clear definitions may also increase administrative burdens.
In summary, while the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023 sets forth commendable goals to enhance and expand critical cancer screening services, the bill's success will largely depend on the meticulous application of resources, detailed implementation plans, and effective oversight to realize its full potential for both the public and specific stakeholders.
Financial Assessment
The "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023," identified in the U.S. Senate as S. 1840, involves several financial components related to its goal of enhancing cancer detection programs. A primary focus of this legislation is the funding for early detection programs for breast and cervical cancer, particularly for the fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
Financial Allocations and Spending
The bill outlines significant annual funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Specifically, it plans to allocate $275,000,000 annually for each fiscal year from 2024 through 2028. This earmarked funding represents a substantial financial commitment by the federal government towards improving cancer detection efforts. The legislation aims to address the disparities in cancer detection and incidence, particularly among underserved and minority populations.
Relation to Identified Issues
Several issues arise concerning these financial allocations. For example, while the allocation of $275,000,000 annually is intended to expand services and reach, it is critical to note that the bill does not specify clear metrics for outcomes or accountability measures. Without these, there is a risk of inefficiencies or unnecessary expenditures, as highlighted in the issues section. Effective use of these funds necessitates a robust framework to ensure the appropriations achieve their intended purposes.
Furthermore, the decrease in reporting frequency from annually to once every five years could potentially reduce oversight. This change means that adjustments based on feedback might be delayed, potentially impacting the efficient use of the budgeted funds and affecting the program's ability to effectively adapt to new challenges or opportunities.
Implementation and Funding Strategies
Another area of concern is the bill's lack of comprehensive details on implementation strategies for the allocated funds. While the financial provision is clear, the absence of detailed strategies for utilizing these resources could lead to potential budget overruns or inadequate service delivery, as noted in the issues. Ensuring financial prudence and impact requires clarity on how the program intends to use these funds to effectively reach and serve its target populations.
In conclusion, while the "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023" demonstrates a clear financial commitment to cancer detection and prevention, the success of these financial allocations will significantly depend on developing and implementing effective oversight and utilization strategies. Addressing these gaps will be crucial to ensure that the allocated funds result in tangible improvements in cancer detection outcomes, particularly for the targeted underserved populations.
Issues
The spending allocation of $275,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 in Section 2, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, is a significant increase compared to previous years. Without clear metrics for outcomes or accountability measures, this could lead to inefficiencies or unnecessary expenditure.
Section 3, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, mentions the decrease in the frequency of reports from annually to every 5 years. This change could result in reduced oversight and less timely feedback on the program's effectiveness, potentially affecting program improvements or corrective measures.
The bill mentions expanding the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program services but lacks clear details on implementation and funding strategies in Section 2 and Section 3. This absence of detail could lead to budget overruns or inadequate service delivery.
Section 2, Findings, highlights the disparity in breast and cervical cancer death rates and screening declines among racial and ethnic minority groups but lacks specifics on how the bill intends to address these disparities effectively.
The terms 'appropriate follow-up services' and 'appropriate support activities' in Section 3, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, are vague. This imprecision might lead to varied interpretations and inconsistencies in service provision.
The bill uses the term 'social determinants of health' without clear definition in Section 3, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which may lead to varied interpretations and challenges in implementation across different regions or demographics.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023 is the name given to this piece of legislation, which focuses on ensuring communities receive necessary services for cancer detection and care early and fairly.
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress acknowledges that in 2023, there will be significant numbers of new breast and cervical cancer cases and related deaths, with certain groups like Black women disproportionately affected. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has been providing essential screening services to underserved women since 1991, having served millions and detected thousands of cancers, and its reauthorization will help expand services and ensure more early diagnoses.
3. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is being updated to provide better follow-up services, enhance support activities for cancer screening, reduce disparities in cancer rates, and improve access to medical services, especially for those with barriers. Additionally, the bill changes the reporting frequency, budget allocations, and the divisions involved, aiming to ensure equitable access to necessary health services based on national guidelines.
Money References
- Title XV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300k et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 1501 (42 U.S.C. 300k)— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking “the provision of appropriate follow-up services and support services such as case management” and inserting “that appropriate follow-up services are provided”; (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking “programs for the detection and control” and inserting “for the prevention, detection, and control”; (iii) in paragraph (4), by striking “the detection and control” and inserting “the prevention, detection, and control”; (iv) in paragraph (5)— (I) by striking “monitor” and inserting “ensure”; and (II) by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon; (v) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (9); (vi) by inserting after paragraph (5), the following: “(6) to enhance appropriate support activities to increase breast and cervical cancer screening such as patient navigation, implementation of evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies proven to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in health care settings, and facilitating access to health care settings; “(7) to reduce disparities in incidents of and deaths due to breast and cervical cancer in populations with higher than average rates; “(8) to ensure equitable access to screening and diagnostic services and improve access for individuals who encounter additional barriers to receiving services, including due to various social determinants of health; and”; and (vii) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated, by striking “through (5)” and inserting “through (8)”; and (B) by striking subsection (d); (2) in section 1503 (42 U.S.C. 300m)— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking “that, initially” and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting “that appropriate breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services are provided based on national recommendations; and”; (ii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4); (iii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and (iv) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking “; and” and inserting a period; and (B) by striking subsection (d); (3) in section 1508(b) (42 U.S.C. 300n–4(b))— (A) by striking “1 year after the date of the enactment of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization of 2007, and annually thereafter,” and inserting “2 years after the date of enactment of the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023, and every 5 years thereafter,”; (B) by striking “Labor and Human Resources” and inserting “Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions”; and (C) by striking “preceding fiscal year” and inserting “preceding 2 fiscal years in the case of the first report after the date of enactment of the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023 and preceding 5 fiscal years for each report thereafter”; and (4) in section 1510(a) (42 U.S.C. 300n–5(a))— (A) by striking “and” after “2011,”; and (B) by inserting “, $275,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, $330,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $385,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, $440,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2028” before the period at the end. ---
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023, also known as the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023, is the official name of this legislative act.
2. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program under the Public Health Service Act has been updated to enhance cancer prevention, detection, and support activities. These updates aim to improve cancer screenings, reduce health disparities, and ensure consistent reporting every five years, with increased funding authorized through 2028.
Money References
- Title XV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300k et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 1501 (42 U.S.C. 300k)— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking “the provision of appropriate follow-up services and support services such as case management” and inserting “that appropriate follow-up services are provided”; (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking “programs for the detection and control” and inserting “for the prevention, detection, and control”; (iii) in paragraph (4), by striking “the detection and control” and inserting “the prevention, detection, and control”; (iv) in paragraph (5)— (I) by striking “monitor” and inserting “ensure”; and (II) by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon; (v) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (9); (vi) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: “(6) to enhance appropriate support activities to increase breast and cervical cancer screenings, such as navigation of health care services, implementation of evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in health care settings, and facilitation of access to health care settings; “(7) to reduce disparities in breast and cervical cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, including in populations with higher than average rates; “(8) to improve access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services and reduce related barriers, including factors that relate to negative health outcomes; and”; and (vii) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated, by striking “through (5)” and inserting “through (8)”; and (B) by striking subsection (d); (2) in section 1503 (42 U.S.C. 300m)— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking “that, initially” and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting “that appropriate breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services are provided consistent with relevant evidence-based recommendations; and”; (ii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4); (iii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and (iv) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking “; and” and inserting a period; and (B) by striking subsection (d); (3) in section 1508(b) (42 U.S.C. 300n–4(b))— (A) by striking “1 year after the date of the enactment of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization of 2007, and annually thereafter,” and inserting “2 years after the date of enactment of the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023, and every 5 years thereafter,”; (B) by striking “Labor and Human Resources” and inserting “Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions”; and (C) by striking “preceding fiscal year” and inserting “preceding 2 fiscal years in the case of the first report after the date of enactment of the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2023 and preceding 5 fiscal years for each report thereafter”; and (4) in section 1510(a) (42 U.S.C. 300n–5(a))— (A) by striking “2011, and” and inserting “2011,”; and (B) by inserting “, and $275,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028” before the period at the end. ---
3. GAO study Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The GAO is required to submit a report by September 30, 2027, to specific Senate and House committees about the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The report should include an estimate of eligible individuals, a summary of service trends, and an analysis of factors and barriers affecting these trends.