Sec. 6454. Tick identification pilot program
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/bill/117/hr/4350/pcs/section-6454·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may award grants to States to implement a tick identification program. In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to States that— have more reported cases of Lyme disease; and submit an effective plan for implementation and maintenance of a tick identification program. Any program funded under this section shall— allow individuals to submit electronically photo images of ticks encountered; require images of ticks to be submitted with the likely geographic location where the ticks were encountered, the date on which the ticks were encountered, and the likely physical location where the ticks were found (for example, on a pet, on a human, or loose); after review by a qualified professional, respond to the individual directly within 72 hours of the image being received with— if possible, identification of the species and life stage of the tick; if possible, an estimate of the risk that the tick carried a tick-borne disease; a recommendation of the best practices for the individual who encountered the tick, including with respect to seeking medical evaluation and submitting the tick for testing; and additional education on best methods to avoid ticks and prevent contagion of tick-borne illnesses; and maintain a database of reported tick incidents, including— the date, geographic location, and environment of the encounter; any identifying information about the tick that was determined; and best practices that were disseminated to each reporting individual.
To seek a grant under this section, a State shall submit an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. The Secretary shall collect, with respect to each State program funded under this section and each fiscal year, the following data: The number of tick incidents reported. For each incident reported— the date, geographic location, and environment of the encounter; any identifying information about the tick that was determined; and best practices that were disseminated to each reporting individual.
Not later than 90 days after the first day of each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a report on the data collected under paragraph (1). In this Act: The term qualified professional means a biologist with a background in vector biology. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.