H.R. 6972: Reporting Accountability and Abuse Prevention Act of 2026

The Reporting Accountability and Abuse Prevention Act of 2026 modifies Title X of the Public Health Service Act to ensure that organizations receiving federal grants for specific health programs comply with state and local laws regarding the reporting of various forms of abuse. Here are the key points of the bill:

Compliance Requirements for Grant Recipients

Organizations that receive grants under Title X must adhere to state and local laws related to:

• Child abuse
• Child molestation
• Sexual abuse
• Rape
• Incest
• Intimate partner violence
• Human trafficking

This is referred to as following "State notification laws."

Documentation Responsibilities

Grant recipients are required to provide evidence to the Secretary of Health and Human Services showing their compliance with these laws. This includes:

• Developing and implementing a plan to follow state notification laws, which must include:
• A summary of obligations under state notification laws.
• Annual training for all personnel involved in patient care regarding compliance with these laws.
• Protocols to ensure that minors receive counseling on resisting coercion into sexual activities.
• Plans to conduct initial screenings for abuse or victimization in minors presenting with specific health concerns.

They must also maintain records that include:

• The age of minor patients.
• Documents of notifications or reports made under state laws.
• Information on the ages of minors’ sexual partners if such details are relevant under state laws.

Review of Compliance

Grant recipients must allow authorized individuals, including the Secretary and other oversight officials, to review their records to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Penalties for Noncompliance

If a grantee violates compliance requirements:

• The Secretary will first work with the grantee to correct the issue.
• If there is a repeated violation, the Secretary can seek repayment of federal funds received since the enactment of the bill and can prohibit the grantee from receiving any further assistance for at least 36 months.

Impact on Federal Grants

This legislation aims to enhance the accountability and oversight of health projects funded by federal grants by ensuring they act in accordance with state laws regarding reporting various forms of abuse and violence, particularly involving minors.

Relevant Companies

• None found