PUBLIC LAW 108–173—DEC. 8, 2003
117 STAT. 2439
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— (i) evaluate and synthesize available scientific evidence related to health care items and services (including prescription drugs) identified as priorities in accordance with paragraph (2) with respect to the comparative clinical effectiveness, outcomes, appropriateness, and provision of such items and services (including prescription drugs); (ii) identify issues for which existing scientific evidence is insufficient with respect to such health care items and services (including prescription drugs); (iii) disseminate to prescription drug plans and MA–PD plans under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, other health plans, and the public the findings made under clauses (i) and (ii); and (iv) work in voluntary collaboration with public and private sector entities to facilitate the development of new scientific knowledge regarding health care items and services (including prescription drugs). (B) INITIAL RESEARCH.—The Secretary shall complete the evaluation and synthesis of the initial research required by the priority list developed under paragraph (2)(B) not later than 18 months after the development of such list. (C) DISSEMINATION.— (i) IN GENERAL.—To enhance patient safety and the quality of health care, the Secretary shall make available and disseminate in appropriate formats to prescription drugs plans under part D, and MA–PD plans under part C, of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, other health plans, and the public the evaluations and syntheses prepared pursuant to subparagraph (A) and the findings of research conducted pursuant to paragraph (1). In carrying out this clause the Secretary, in order to facilitate the availability of such evaluations and syntheses or findings at every decision point in the health care system, shall— (I) present such evaluations and syntheses or findings in a form that is easily understood by the individuals receiving health care items and services (including prescription drugs) under such plans and periodically assess that the requirements of this subclause have been met; and (II) provide such evaluations and syntheses or findings and other relevant information through easily accessible and searchable electronic mechanisms, and in hard copy formats as appropriate. (ii) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as— (I) affecting the authority of the Secretary or the Commissioner of Food and Drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act; or (II) conferring any authority referred to in subclause (I) to the Director. (D) ACCOUNTABILITY.—In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall implement activities in a manner that—
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