42 U.S.C. § 300ff–101 Special projects of national significance
(a) In generalOf the amount appropriated under each of parts A, B, C, and D for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use the greater of $20,000,000 or an amount equal to 3 percent of such amount appropriated under each such part, but not to exceed $25,000,000, to administer special projects of national significance to—(1) quickly respond to emerging needs of individuals receiving assistance under this subchapter; and (2) to fund special programs to develop a standard electronic client information data system to improve the ability of grantees under this subchapter to report client-level data to the Secretary.
(b) GrantsThe Secretary shall award grants under subsection (a) to entities eligible for funding under parts A, B, C, and D based on—(1) whether the funding will promote obtaining client level data as it relates to the creation of a severity of need index, including funds to facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) demonstrated ability to create and maintain a qualified health information technology system; (3) the potential replicability of the proposed activity in other similar localities or nationally; (4) the demonstrated reliability of the proposed qualified health information technology system across a variety of providers, geographic regions, and clients; and (5) the demonstrated ability to maintain a safe and secure qualified health information system; or (6) newly emerging needs of individuals receiving assistance under this subchapter.
(c) CoordinationThe Secretary may not make a grant under this section unless the applicant submits evidence that the proposed program is consistent with the statewide coordinated statement of need, and the applicant agrees to participate in the ongoing revision process of such statement of need.
(d) Privacy protectionThe Secretary may not make a grant under this section for the development of a qualified health information technology system unless the applicant provides assurances to the Secretary that the system will, at a minimum, comply with the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
(e) ReplicationThe Secretary shall make information concerning successful models or programs developed under this part available to grantees under this subchapter for the purpose of coordination, replication, and integration. To facilitate efforts under this subsection, the Secretary may provide for peer-based technical assistance for grantees funded under this part.