§ 300dd-21. Demonstration projects
(a)
Definitions
As used in this section:
(1)
The term “individuals infected with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome” means individuals who have a disease, or are recovering from a disease, attributable to the infection of such individuals with such etiologic agent, and as a result of the effects of such disease, are in need of subacute-care services.
(2)
The term “subacute care” means medical and health care services that are required for individuals recovering from acute care episodes that are less intensive than the level of care provided in acute-care hospitals, and includes skilled nursing care, hospice care, and other types of health services provided in other long-term-care facilities.
(b)
Authorization to conduct three projects
The Secretary shall conduct three demonstration projects to determine the effectiveness and cost of providing the subacute-care services described in subsection (b) of this section to individuals infected with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and the impact of such services on the health status of such individuals.
(c)
Services
(1)
The services provided under each demonstration project shall be designed to meet the specific needs of individuals infected with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and shall include—
(A)
the care and treatment of such individuals by providing—
(B)
technical assistance, to other facilities in the region served by such facility, that is directed toward education and training of physicians, nurses, and other health-care professionals in the subacute care and treatment of individuals infected with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
(e)
Evaluation and report
The Secretary shall evaluate the operations of the demonstration projects and shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate—
(1)
not later than 18 months after the beginning of the first project, a preliminary report that contains—
(2)
not later than 6 months after the completion of the last project, a final report that contains—
(f)
Other research
Each demonstration project shall provide for other research to be carried out at the site of such demonstration project including—
(g)
Authorization of appropriations
(h)
Services to veterans
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that appropriate provision will be made for the furnishing, through demonstration projects, of services to eligible veterans, under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section
1720 of title
38.