42 U.S.C. § 280g–6 — Chronic kidney disease initiatives

(a) In general: The Secretary must establish pilot projects to (1) increase public and medical community awareness of chronic kidney disease -- particularly among those who treat patients with diabetes and hypertension -- focused on prevention; (2) increase screening for chronic kidney disease, focused on Medicare beneficiaries at risk; and (3) enhance surveillance systems to better assess the disease's prevalence and incidence. (b) Scope and duration: (1) The Secretary must select at least 3 States to conduct pilot projects under this section. (2) The pilot projects may run no longer than 5 years, and must begin on January 1, 2009. (c) Evaluation and report: The Comptroller General of the United States must evaluate the pilot projects. Within 12 months after the pilot projects are completed, the Comptroller General must submit a report on the evaluation to Congress. (d) Authorization of appropriations: Congress may spend whatever sums are necessary to carry out this section.