1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2018 . 2. Improving the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages The Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 319C–2 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d–3b ) the following new section: 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. .