; (8) link data generated by regional laboratory networks under existing public health surveillance networks and relevant government agencies; and (9) provide laboratory assistance and reference testing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to enhance infection control and facilitate outbreak detection and response in health care and community settings. (b) Geographic distribution The sites established under subsection (a) shall be geographically distributed across the United States. (c) Nonduplication of current national capacity The sites established under subsection (a) may be based in academic centers, health departments, and existing surveillance and laboratory sites. 319E–4. Clinical trials network on antibacterial resistance (a) In General The Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, shall maintain a Clinical Trials Network on Antibacterial Resistance to enhance, strengthen, and expand research on clinical science, antibacterial and diagnostic development, and optimal usage strategies with respect to addressing antibacterial resistance. Such Network shall, at a minimum— (1) facilitate research to better understand resistance mechanisms and how to prevent, control, and treat resistant organisms; (2) advance clinical trial efforts to develop antibiotics diagnostics, and evaluate and optimize the usage of such antibiotics diagnostics; (3) conduct clinical research to develop natural histories of resistant infectious diseases; (4) examine patient outcomes with currently available antibiotic therapy and validate and improve upon biomarkers and other surrogate end­points