Performing Regulatory-Required Medical Examinations for U.S. Bound Populations by US Screening Physicians

Description

Immigrant and refugee applicants for US immigration are required to undergo a medical examination pursuant to section 232 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1222). Sections 212(a)(1) and 232 of the INA, and section 325 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 U.S.C. 252) grant the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) authority to publish regulations that establish the requirements for, and components of, the medical examination of aliens. HHS/CDC Part 34 regulations entitled Medical Examination of Aliens regulations also define the communicable diseases of public health significance that make aliens inadmissible to the United States and provide that all medical examinations shall be carried out in accordance with the Technical Instructions for physicians conducting the medical examination of aliens as may be issued by the Director of Quarantine. Panel physicians are medically trained, licensed, and experienced medical doctors practicing outside of the United States who are appointed by the local United States Embassy or Consulate of the Department of State (DOS). More than 760 panel physicians perform overseas pre-departure medical examinations for U.S. immigration purposes in accordance with requirements, referred to as technical instructions, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. All immigrants and refugees coming to the United States must have a physical and mental examination by a panel physician. The purpose of the medical examination is to identify, for the DOS and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), applicants with inadmissible health-related conditions. The health related grounds include those aliens who have a communicable disease of public health significance, who fail to present documentation of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases, who has or has had a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior, and who is a drug abuser or addict. Purpose The purpose of the program is to improve the medical examination of U.S. bound immigrants and refugees. This program addresses the “Healthy People 2020” focus area(s) of Global Health. Program Implementation Recipient Activities 1. Develop a website for information exchanges and links for technical and training information for panel physicians. 2. Develop newsletter for panel physicians that provides technical update information. The newsletter would be distributed on an appropriate regular interval. 3. Provide on site training, including proficiency in CDC Technical Instructions, for panel physicians. Activities may include traveling to panel physician sites to share information, providing technical assistance, or participating in CDC panel physician seminars. 4. Develop a set of proficiency standards or accreditation criteria for panel physicians worldwide. 5. Continue to develop and implement a panel site efficiency program which improves the logistics and management of panel site activities In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. CDC Activities Collaborate with the grantee to establish priorities for the development and implementation of the program, both among and within each of the areas listed above, through regular meetings and communication. Provide consultation, guidance and technical assistance, as needed, in support of activities implemented under this agreement. This could include expert technical assistance and targeted training activities in specialized areas, such as strategic information and project management. Assist the grantee in reporting and disseminating results, recommendations, and relevant medical examination information, in both English and local languages, in the countries of origin of U.S.-bound migrating populations. Assist in evaluating program operations and the overall effectiveness of interventions through joint program review and analysis of the monitoring data. Review and make recommendations for the process the grantee will use to select key personnel and/or post-award subcontractors and/or sub grantees to be involved in the activities performed under this agreement. Review and approve the grantee’s annual work plan and detailed budget. Review and approve the grantee’s monitoring-and-evaluation plan. Meet on a monthly basis with the grantee to assess monthly expenditures in relation to the approved work plan and modify plans, as necessary. Meet on an annual basis with the grantee to review annual progress report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year, and to review the annual work plans and budgets for subsequent years. Provide administrative support to help the grantee meet U.S. Government financial and reporting requirements.

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