(a) In general 
The Secretary shall provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers.

(b) Rule of construction 
Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the establishment or continued operation of any privately funded nationwide toll-free phone number used to provide advice and other assistance for poisonings or accidental exposures.

(c) Authorization of appropriations 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2000 through 2009. Funds appropriated under this subsection shall not be used to fund any toll-free phone number described in subsection (b) of this section.