Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 105-168.
Official Summary
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to carry out programs to: (1) collect and analyze, and make available data on birth defects in a manner that facilitates compliance with this Act, including data on the causes of such defects and on the incidence and prevalence of such defects; (2) operate regional centers for the conduct of applied epidemiological research on the prevention of such defects; and (3) provide information and education to the public on the prevention of such defects. Requires the Secretary, in collecting, analyzing, and making available data on birth defects, to: (1) collect and analyze data by gender and by racial and ethnic group; (2) collect such data from birth and death certificates, hospital records, and such other sources as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and (3) encourage States to establish or improve programs for the collection and analysis of epidemiological data on birth defects and to make the data available. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Information Clearinghouse on Birth Defects to collect and disseminate to health professionals and the public information on birth defects, including the prevention of such defects. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out programs regarding birth defects, to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the request of a recipient of an award of a grant or contract, to provide supplies, equipment, and services for the purpose of aiding the recipient in carrying out the purposes for which the award is made and, for such purposes, to detail to the recipient any HHS officer or employee. Authorizes the Secretary to make an award of a grant or contract only if an application for the award is submitted to the Secretary and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the purposes for which the award is to be made. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding birth defects. Subjects the provisions of this Act to requirements of the Privacy Act. Applies all Federal laws relating to the privacy of information to data and information collected under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998 amends the Public Health Service Act to enhance federal efforts in preventing birth defects. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director, to collect and analyze data on birth defects, operate regional research centers, and provide public education on prevention. The Act requires data collection by gender and racial/ethnic groups from multiple sources and encourages states to improve their epidemiological data programs. It establishes a National Information Clearinghouse on Birth Defects to disseminate information to health professionals and the public. The Secretary is authorized to make grants and contracts with public and nonprofit entities, provide support services, and must report biennially to Congress. The Act also applies federal privacy laws to the data collected and authorizes appropriations to support these activities.
This law establishes a coordinated federal program to collect data, conduct research, and provide education aimed at preventing birth defects, while ensuring privacy protections and requiring regular reporting to Congress.
- Mandates collection and analysis of birth defects data by gender and racial/ethnic groups from various sources including birth/death certificates and hospital records.
- Establishes regional centers for applied epidemiological research on birth defects prevention.
- Creates a National Information Clearinghouse to disseminate birth defects information to health professionals and the public.
- Authorizes grants and contracts with public and nonprofit entities and allows provision of supplies and personnel support.
- Requires biennial reporting to congressional committees and applies federal privacy laws to all collected data.
['Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)', 'State public health agencies', 'Health professionals and researchers focused on birth defects', 'Public and nonprofit organizations involved in birth defects prevention', 'General public, especially populations affected by birth defects']
['Implementation complexity in coordinating data collection across states and multiple sources.', 'Costs associated with establishing and maintaining regional research centers and the National Information Clearinghouse.', 'Ensuring compliance with privacy laws while collecting and disseminating sensitive health data.', 'Oversight challenges in monitoring grant and contract awards and their effective use.', 'Potential variability in state participation and data quality.']
The bill was introduced and passed during the 105th Congress and was signed into law on April 21, 1998. It amends existing public health legislation to strengthen federal roles in birth defects prevention, reflecting legislative interest in improving public health data infrastructure and research capabilities. The law mandates reporting to key congressional committees, indicating ongoing legislative oversight.
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['Improved data collection and research may lead to better understanding of birth defects causes and prevention strategies over time.', 'Enhanced public education efforts could increase awareness and potentially reduce incidence of birth defects.', 'Federal support may incentivize states to improve their epidemiological infrastructure and data sharing practices.', 'Regular reporting to Congress may increase transparency and accountability in birth defects prevention programs.']
The Act includes provisions for federal oversight through biennial reporting to congressional committees and mandates compliance with federal privacy laws, which are important for transparency and protection of sensitive data. However, the effectiveness of grant and contract management, as well as state-level data coordination, will require ongoing monitoring to ensure program goals are met and resources are used efficiently.
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