Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2019

“319C–3. Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages

“(a) Grants—The Secretary may award grants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities to improve their preparedness for power outages, including during and after a natural disaster.

“(b) Use of funds—The preparedness activities funded through a grant under this section may include—

“(1) the purchase of a backup power source, such as a generator, and any related equipment; and

“(2) the creation of a regional resource directory on disaster and post-disaster preparedness for power outages.

“(c) Preference—In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities that—

“(1) are located in areas that—

“(A) have a high proportion of—

“(i) elderly residents; or

“(ii) individuals who are enrolled in a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (or under a waiver of such plan); and

“(B) have a high risk of hurricanes or other natural disasters; and

“(2) have not been cited for a substantive Federal, State, or local violation.

“(d) Authorization of appropriations—To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary.”