Health Care Reform

Patient Navigator, Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005 Bill Summary

Authorizes a $25-million demonstration program for patient navigators and outreach, with a requirement to link the program to existing screening programs.

Establishes 3-year grant periods with optional 1-year extension; demonstration program ends in 5 years.

Grants are administered through HRSA, in consultation with the Indian Health Service, National Cancer Institute, Office of Rural Health Policy, and other necessary offices and agencies.

Preference will be given to eligible entities who demonstrate that the grant will be used to overcome significant barriers to improve health care outcomes.

Patient Navigators

Funds are used to recruit, assign, train, and employ patient navigators who have direct knowledge of the communities they serve to facilitate the care of individuals. Duties include the following:

coordinating health care services and provider referrals
facilitating the involvement of community organizations who can help with access to services
notifying patients of and facilitating enrollment in clinical trials
assisting patients in overcoming barriers within the health care system to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment
coordinating with health insurance ombudsmen to help get patients covered by public programs or private insurance
conducting ongoing outreach to health disparity communities