The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on contraceptive access at community health centers located in health care deserts.
The study will analyze various factors affecting access, including reimbursement, inventory stocking, provider training, patient education, and other barriers.
It will identify community health centers that receive funding under Title X of the Public Health Service Act.
A report detailing the study’s results must be submitted to Congress within 180 days of the legislation’s enactment.
Definitions provided include:
“Community health center” as defined in the Public Health Service Act.
“Contraceptive method” includes drugs, devices, sexual risk avoidance education, and natural family planning methods.
“Health care desert” is defined as an area with fewer than one community health center per 1,000 women in need.
“Range of contraceptive methods” refers to two or more contraceptive methods.
“Women in need” are defined as those eligible for benefits under a Federal health care program.