DeGette Applauds Passage of Community Health Center Bill

Press Release

DeGette Applauds Passage of Community Health Center Bill

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today praised the passage of H.R. 1343, The Health Centers Renewal Act of 2008.

"The reauthorization of the Health Centers Renewal Act is much needed legislation that supports a vital component of our health care safety-net," said Rep. DeGette. "Community health centers provide comprehensive care to the low-income uninsured, and are the most efficient and cost-effective models of health care."

Included in the final bill was language drafted by Reps. DeGette and the late Paul Gilmore (R-OH) that facilitates the ability of Community Health Center providers to volunteer outside their service areas in the case of a public emergency and/or national disaster.

"Our provision facilitates coordination between community health centers and emergency medical response programs to enable rapid and efficient action of emergency health services when a public health emergency or natural disaster occurs," concluded DeGette.

This provision is intended to address concerns that arose in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, during which gaps in health care services occurred because licensed, but out-of-area, health care professionals were not afforded the same federal liability protections for their services as local community health center workers and were unable to provide their services.

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