Improving health is our policy
Requires the Secretary of HHS to award grants to eligible small businesses (with less than 100 employees who work 25 hours or more per week) to offer workplace wellness programs to their employees. Authorizes (but does not appropriate) $200 million for FYs 2011 through 2015.
Prior to January 2013, the CDC conducted related efforts via the establishment of National Network of Employer Workplace Wellness Programs (more information here) under section 4303. Per a recent journal article posted by the CDC, the Prevention and Public Health Fund (at section 4002) included $200 million to conduct small business wellness grants pursuant to this provision, though notes that such funding has not yet been made available.
SEC. 10408 ø42 U.S.C. 280l note¿. GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE WORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAMS. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall award grants to eligible employers to provide their employees with access to comprehensive workplace wellness programs (as described under subsection (c)). (b) SCOPE.— (1) DURATION.—The grant program established under this section shall be conducted for a 5-year period. (2) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER.—The term ‘‘eligible employer’’ means an employer (including a non-profit employer) that— (A) employs less than 100 employees who work 25 hours or greater per week; and (B) does not provide a workplace wellness program as of the date of enactment of this Act. (c) COMPREHENSIVE WORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAMS.— (1) CRITERIA.—The Secretary shall develop program criteria for comprehensive workplace wellness programs under this section that are based on and consistent with evidencebased research and best practices, including research and practices as provided in the Guide to Community Preventive Services, the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, and the National Registry for Effective Programs. (2) REQUIREMENTS.—A comprehensive workplace wellness program shall be made available by an eligible employer to all employees and include the following components: (A) Health awareness initiatives (including health education, preventive screenings, and health risk assessments). (B) Efforts to maximize employee engagement (including mechanisms to encourage employee participation). (C) Initiatives to change unhealthy behaviors and lifestyle choices (including counseling, seminars, online programs, and self-help materials). (D) Supportive environment efforts (including workplace policies to encourage healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, increased physical activity, and improved mental health). (d) APPLICATION.—An eligible employer desiring to participate in the grant program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require, which shall include a proposal for a comprehensive workplace wellness program that meet the criteria and requirements described under subsection (c). (e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATION.—For purposes of carrying out the grant program under this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2011 through 2015. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
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