113 STAT. 1660 PUBLIC LAW 106-129—DEC. 6, 1999 primary care research focuses on the first contact when illness or health concerns arise, the diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialty care, preventive care, and the relationship between the clinician and the patient in the context of the family and community. "(2) RESEARCH.—In carrying out this section, the Center shall conduct and support research concerning— "(A) the nature and characteristics of primary care practice; "(B) the management of commonly occurring clinical problems; "(C) the management of undifferentiated clinical problems; and "(D) the continuity and coordination of health services. 42 USC 299b-5. " SEC. 916. HEALTH CARE PRACTICE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION. "(a) IN GENERAL.— The Director shall promote innovation in evidence-based health care practices and technologies by— "(1) conducting and supporting research on the development, diffusion, and use of health care technology; "(2) developing, evaluating, and disseminating methodologies for assessments of health care practices and technologies; "(3) conducting intramural and supporting extramural assessments of existing and new health care practices and technologies; "(4) promoting education and training and providing technical assistance in the use of health care practice and technology assessment methodologies and results; and "(5) working with the National Library of Medicine and the public and private sector to develop an electronic clearinghouse of currently available assessments and those in progress. "(b) SPECIFICATION OF PROCESS. — Deadline. "(1) IN GENERAL. —Not later than December 31, 2000, the Publication. Director shall develop and publish a description of the methods used by the Agency and its contractors for health care practice and technology assessment. "(2) CONSULTATIONS.— In carrying out this subsection, the Director shall cooperate and consult with the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the heads of any other interested Federal department or agency, and shall seek input, where appropriate, from professional societies and other private and public entities. "(3) METHODOLOGY.—The Director shall, in developing the methods used under paragraph (1), consider— "(A) safety, efficacy, and effectiveness; "(B) legal, social, and ethical implications; "(C) costs, benefits, and cost-effectiveness; "(D) comparisons to alternate health care practices and technologies; and "(E) requirements of Food and Drug Administration approval to avoid duplication. "(c) SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS.— "(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall conduct or support specific assessments of health care technologies and practices.
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