Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention in Community Health Centers Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9389
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T18:54:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to support federally qualified health centers in providing nutrition education and counseling as part of primary care to help prevent and manage chronic diseases.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act by adding a new subsection (r) titled "Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative."
- Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to help health centers integrate evidence-based nutrition education and counseling into patient care and staff training.
- Permits use of existing funds from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for activities such as patient nutrition counseling, chronic disease management integration, provider training, interdisciplinary care models involving dietitians and community health workers, culturally appropriate materials, and outcome evaluations.
- Allows health centers to partner with academic medical centers or medical schools.
- Requires the Secretary to prioritize awards for centers serving populations with high rates of diet-related chronic disease or food insecurity.
- Stipulates that new funds must supplement, not replace, other funding sources.
- Mandates annual reports to Congress starting three years after enactment through fiscal year 2031, covering fund use, patient outcomes, workforce improvements, and potential federal cost savings.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Redesignates the current subsection (r) as (s) and inserts the new initiative as subsection (r) in Section 330.
- Introduces a dedicated federal initiative focused on nutrition within the existing health center program framework, without creating new appropriations.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The Health Resources and Services Administration would administer grants, provide technical assistance, and prepare required reports to Congress.
- On citizens: Patients at participating health centers, particularly those with chronic conditions or limited access to nutrition resources, could gain expanded education and counseling services.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federally qualified health centers and their providers.
- Patients served by these centers, especially those facing diet-related health disparities.
- Registered dietitians, community health workers, and other health professionals.
- The Department of Health and Human Services and Congress.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Relies on existing Affordable Care Act funding rather than new authorizations, limiting fiscal scope.
- Emphasizes evidence-based and culturally appropriate approaches in federal health programs.
- Requires ongoing congressional oversight through outcome and cost-savings reporting.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention in Community Health Centers Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-23 — PDF (5 pages)