United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services; (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals; (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations; (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems; (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system; (6) addressing the social determinants of health; and (7) addressing situational factors that contribute to poor health, such as poor housing. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding; (2) to provide any state or local public benefit to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year; or (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to post-hospital extended care services, to provide that: (1) an individual who is in a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours shall be deemed to have been an inpatient during such period of observation status (for purposes of counting toward the three-day inpatient hospital requirement for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility [SNF] services); and (2) the individual's leaving the hospital after such period of status shall be treated as a discharge from the hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make formula grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish or enhance educational programs and related services that enable pregnant and parenting students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school. Requires state grantees to: (1) designate a Coordinator for Education of Pregnant and Parenting Students who is to develop and implement a state plan for educating pregnant and parenting students; and (2) develop and implement high-quality professional development programs for LEAs and school personnel. Requires subgrantees to: (1) provide academic support services to pregnant and parenting students; (2) assist such students in accessing quality, affordable child care and early childhood education services; (3) provide transportation services or assistance to such students and their children; (4) educate students, parents and community members regarding the educational rights of such students; (5) train school personnel regarding the challenges facing pregnant and parenting students and their educational rights; and (6) revise school policies and practices that hinder or discourage such students from continuing their education. Gives subgrant priority to LEAs in geographic areas with teen pregnancy rates that: (1) exceed the state average; or (2) are below the state average, but higher than the state average for one or more racial or ethnic groups. Directs the Secretary to conduct national activities that include: (1) providing technical assistance to states and reviewing their plans for educating pregnant and parenting students; (2) evaluating subgrantees' programs and education program service delivery models for such students; and (3) gathering and disseminating information regarding the education of such students and best practices in facilitating it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Direct Care Workforce Empowerment Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements any employee employed on a casual basis in domestic service employment to provide companionship services for individuals who because of disability (or because of age or infirmity, as under current law) are unable to care for themselves. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) a direct care workforce monitoring program; and (2) a National Advisory Council on the Direct Care Workforce. Directs the Secretary to award three-year grants to states and other eligible entities to improve the recruitment, retention, and education of the direct care workforce.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
LTC Insurance Reform Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to conduct reviews every five years of the national and state-specific markets for long-term care (LTC) insurance policies. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to review and describe in a White Paper: (1) disclosure requirements for LTC insurance policies under the Model Act and regulation as well as under state laws; (2) differences in LTC services with respect to service providers and the settings in which services are provided among states, among other things; and (3) key issues to consider in the development of a proposed form for marketing LTC insurance policies. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to establish a Working Group to develop a model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations requiring any issuer of a qualified LTC insurance contract meeting certain criteria, including Medicaid partnership policies, to use the proposed model disclosure form for marketing such contracts. Requires each state to require any issuer of an LTC insurance policy to use the proposed model disclosure form when marketing it in the state. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to authorize establishment of an Internet directory of information regarding LTC insurance ("Long-Term Care Insurance Compare") that shall include comparison tools to assist consumers in evaluating LTC insurance policies with different benefits and features and that allow consumers to compare the price, long-term premium stability, and carrier financial strength of such policies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply Medicaid partnership required model provisions to all tax-qualified LTC insurance contracts. Outlines a process for secretarial review of 2000 and 2006 model provisions as well as subsequent model provisions with respect to their application to tax-qualified LTC policies and Medicaid partnership policies. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of HHS to issue biennial reports to states and Congress on Medicaid LTC insurance partnerships and their impact. Outlines additional consumer protections for Medicaid partnerships. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on whether all LTC insurance policies sold after a certain date should provide annual compound inflation protection.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Transportation and Housing Affordability Transparency Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop publicly a transportation affordability index that measures the transportation costs associated with the location of a home, both on a neighborhood and regional basis. Requires HUD to make the index publicly available through the Internet, as well as to Multiple Listing Services for real estate, regional and metropolitan planning organizations, local housing and planning agencies, and states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and transportation management agencies. Requires HUD to: (1) incorporate transportation costs associated with the location of housing into affordability measures and standards for HUD housing programs; (2) provide related information and resources to states to encourage them to incorporate transportation costs into their housing and land use plans; (3) work with regional and local government entities to integrate housing, transportation, and other costs associated with location into long-range transportation, land use, housing and community development, or investment plans; and (4) work with federal agencies to incorporate the transportation affordability index.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate a rule that: (1) establishes the data that constitute the minimum data set for chemical substances (chemicals) and mixtures; and (2) requires chemical manufacturers and processors to submit their minimum data sets. Requires such manufacturers and processors to submit such minimum data sets for chemicals placed on the priority list and new chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to require the testing of chemicals and mixtures. Requires the Interagency Testing Committee, in forming a list of chemicals and mixtures that the Administrator should test, to give priority attention to those chemicals and mixtures which are known to cause or contribute to adverse affects on health or the environment. Revokes the limit on the number of chemicals and mixtures that may be placed on such a list. Prohibits any person from manufacturing or processing a new chemical or a chemical for a new use unless: (1) the person notifies the Administrator about the person's intention to manufacture or process the chemical; (2) such use is a critical use; and (3) the chemical or mixture meets the safety standard under such Act. Requires a priority list to be established that contains specified chemicals for which safety determinations shall first be made. Requires the: (1) Administrator to update and publish the list; and (2) updated list to consist of at least 300 chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to add chemical mixtures to the list. Requires the Administrator to apply a safety standard that takes into account aggregate exposure to chemicals or mixtures and ensures that, for all intended uses, there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the public health and that the public welfare is protected. Requires: (1) manufacturers and processors to bear the burden of proving that chemicals or mixtures meet such safety standard; and (2) the Administrator to determine whether such burden has been met. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) biomonitoring studies regarding chemicals or any metabolite or degradation byproducts of chemicals; (2) the manufacture, processing, distribution or use of polychlorinated biphenyl; (3) declarations of manufacturing or processing chemicals or mixtures; (4) a public database of information relating to the toxicity and use of, and exposure to, chemicals and mixtures; (5) disclosures to commercial purchasers of information about the chemicals and mixtures they purchase; (6) a survey by the Administrator about mixtures; (7) exportation and importation of chemicals or mixtures; (8) conditions under which data about chemicals may be designated as confidential business information; and (9) civil actions and penalties for violations of such Act. Prohibits any person from: (1) manufacturing, processing, distributing, using for commercial purposes, or disposing of chemicals, mixtures, or articles containing chemicals or mixtures that such person knew or had reason to know were manufactured, processed, or distributed in violation of such Act; and (2) introducing or knowingly distributing chemicals, mixtures, or articles containing chemicals or mixtures that fail to comply with labeling requirements. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish criteria to identify chemicals and mixtures that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; (2) list chemicals and mixtures that meet such criteria; and (3) impose conditions on manufacturing, processing, using, distributing, or disposing such chemicals and mixtures. Requires the Administrator to: (1) enter into contracts and make grants to further understanding of the vulnerability of children to chemical substances; (2) establish the Science Advisory Board on Children's Health and Toxic Substances; and (3) conduct, not later than two years after identifying a chemical substance which is likely to be present in human biological media at a level above that normally found and which is likely to have adverse effects on early childhood development, a biomonitoring study to determine the presence of such substance in the biological media of pregnant women and infants. Requires the Administrator to: (1) take action to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemical substances or mixtures; (2) establish a program to create incentives for the development of safer alternatives to existing chemicals and mixtures that reduce or avoid the use and generation of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures; (3) cooperate with international efforts to develop a common protocol or electronic database relating to chemical substances and mixtures or to develop safer alternatives; (4) implement the provisions of international agreements related to chemicals and mixtures to which the U.S. becomes a party; and (5) promulgate a rule to establish criteria for the determination of disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals, establish criteria to identify any locality that is disproportionately exposed, develop a method for data collection on and categorization of patterns of disproportionate exposure and associated adverse effects, identify and publish a list localities within the United States subject to disproportionate exposure, and develop action plans to reduce such disproportionate exposure. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, processing, distributing, using for commercial purposes, or disposing of hexabromobiphenyl, hexachlorobenzene, hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether and congeners in the commercial OctaBDE mixture, pentachlorobenzene, and tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether and congeners in the commercial PentaBDE mixture. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt a substance or mixture, or particular uses of the substance or mixture, from requirements of such Act if the Administrator determines that the scientific consensus is that it does not and would not pose any risk of injury to health or the environment under any current, proposed, or anticipated levels of production, patterns of use, or exposures arising at any stage across its lifecycle.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century or the MOMS for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Office on Women's Health, to: (1) establish the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Promotion of Optimal Maternity Outcomes; and (2) develop and implement a consumer education campaign to promote understanding and acceptance of evidence-based maternity practices and models of care for optimal maternity outcomes among women of childbearing ages and families of such women. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to make publicly available and update an online bibliographic database identifying systematic reviews for care of childbearing women and newborns. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) designate maternity care health professional shortage areas under the National Health Service Corps program; (2) establish a loan repayment program to alleviate critical shortages of maternal care professionals; and (3) award planning and implementation grants to address workforce disparities for such professionals. Directs the Secretary to support the establishment of two additional Centers for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes to conduct research to improve maternity outcomes. Requires the Secretary to convene a Maternity Curriculum Commission to discuss and make recommendations for: (1) a shared core maternity care curriculum; (2) strategies to integrate and coordinate education across maternity care disciplines; and (3) pilot demonstrations of interdisciplinary educational models. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover services provided by a supervised student midwife or an intern or resident-in-training under a teaching program under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Personalize Your Care Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to cover a Voluntary Advance Care Planning Consultation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish statewide programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment; or (2) expand or enhance existing programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. Directs the Secretary to adopt, by rule, standards for a qualified electronic health record, with respect to patient communications with a health care provider about values and goals of care, to adequately display the patient's current: (1) advance directive; and/or (2) physician order for life-sustaining treatment. Requires under Medicare and Medicaid that an advance directive validly executed outside the state in which the directive is presented must be given effect by a service provider or an organization to the same extent as an advance directive validly executed under the law of the state in which it is presented. Requires that, in the absence of a validly executed advance directive, any authentic expression of a person's wishes with respect to health care be honored.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Investing in Our Future Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on currency transactions exceeding $10,000 equal to 0.005% of the value of the currency acquired in the transaction (currency transaction tax). Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Child Care Assistance Trust Fund, which shall be funded with 20% of the revenues from the currency transactions tax and which shall be used to provide increased allocations to states for child care assistance; (2) the Multilateral Global Health Trust Fund, which shall be funded with 40% of the revenues from such tax and from which the Secretary of State shall make grants to assist developing countries in addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal mortality, family planning, neglected diseases, and other health issues; and (3) the Global Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Trust Fund, which shall be funded with 40% of the revenues from such tax and which shall be used for contributions to a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change global climate fund for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the regulation of cosmetics, including to require: (1) annual registration of any establishment engaged in manufacturing, packaging, or distributing cosmetics for use in the United States; (2) new fees to provide for oversight and enforcement of cosmetics regulations; (3) ingredient labeling and disclosure of information on ingredients; and (4) adverse event reporting. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a list of prohibited or restricted ingredients and a list of ingredients that are safe without limits for use in cosmetics; and (2) develop a priority assessment list of ingredients that cannot be included on either of the other two lists because of a lack of authoritative information on the safety of the ingredient; and (3) establish minimum data requirements and test protocols to be used by manufacturers to assess the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Sets forth provisions related to: (1) nanotechnology in the formulation of cosmetics; (2) the voluntary and mandatory recall of cosmetics; and (3) alternatives to animal testing. Establishes the Interagency Council on Cosmetic Safety to share data and promote collaboration on cosmetic safety among federal agencies. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the requirements set forth by this Act to be adulterated. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the labeling requirements under this Act to be misbranded. Requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate an occupational safety and health standard that requires an expanded material safety data sheet to be made available to cosmetics distributors and employers using such products for professional use.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
End Racial Profiling Act of 2010 - Prohibits any law enforcement agent or agency from engaging in racial profiling. Grants the United States or an individual injured by racial profiling the right to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief. Requires federal law enforcement agencies to maintain adequate policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling and to cease existing practices that permit racial profiling. Requires state or local governmental entities or state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies that apply for grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and the Cops on the Beat Program to certify that they maintain adequate policies and procedures for eliminating racial profiling and have eliminated any existing practices that permit or encourage racial profiling. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants and contracts for the collection of data relating to racial profiling and for the development of best practices and systems to eliminate racial profiling. Requires the Attorney General to issue regulations for the collection and compilation of data on racial profiling and for the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that: (1) a Social Security account number (or any derivative) is not displayed, coded, or embedded on the Medicare card issued to an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); and (2) any other identifier displayed on such card is easily identifiable as not being the Social Security account number (or a derivative).
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that advance payments of the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit are not transferable or assignable or subject to the claims of any creditors, except outstanding claims of the federal government. Prohibits: (1) the collection of a debt from a debtor's federal tax refund by means of a refund anticipation loan; and (2) mandatory arbitration as a condition of providing a refund anticipation loan. Terminates the Department of the Treasury Debt Indicator Program. Allows earned income tax credit benefits to be paid through electronic transfer accounts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) develop and implement a program to encourage the greater use of the advance earned income tax credit; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with federally insured depository institutions to provide low- and moderate-income taxpayers with the option of establishing low-cost direct deposit accounts using appropriate tax forms.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Honors Dr. Robert Campbell for his lifelong devotion to children's health care. Congratulates Dr. Campbell and his colleagues on their extraordinary achievement in pediatric and orthopedic innovation. Recognizes the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib device which has saved the lives of many infants and children. Calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue to support and incentivize other medical advances to save children's lives threatened by rare disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
End Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require seven-year amortization of the geological and geophysical expenditures of covered large oil companies. Defines "covered large oil company" as a taxpayer which is a major integrated oil company or which has gross receipts in excess of $50 million in a taxable year. Denies certain tax benefits to any taxpayer that is not a small, independent oil and gas company, including: (1) the tax credits for producing oil and gas from marginal wells and for enhanced oil recovery; (2) expensing of intangible drilling and development costs in the case of gas wells and geothermal wells; (3) percentage depletion; (4) the tax deduction for qualified tertiary injectant expenses; (5) the exemption from limitations on passive activity losses; and (6) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities. Prohibits the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method by major integrated oil companies. Denies the election to expense the cost of refinery property which is used to process liquid fuel from tar sands, shale, or coal (including lignite).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) promulgate rules prohibiting, as unfair and deceptive acts or practices, persons from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that such persons provide abortion services if such persons do not provide such services; and (2) enforce violations of such rules as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Congratulates all the contestants of the 83rd Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. Recognizes the dedication and achievement of competition winner Anamika Veeramani and the other finalists, Adrian Gunawan, Elizabeth Platz, Shantanu Srivatsa, Laura Newcombe, Lanson Tang, Joanna Ye, and Andrew Grose.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Acknowledges the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act as a critical component of the U.S. public health care system. Expresses support for the mission of such programs. Recognizes family planning providers at Title X health centers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to millions of low-income individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Supports the designation of a National ESIGN Day. Recognizes the previous contribution made by Congress to the adoption of modern solutions that keep the United States on the leading technological edge. Reaffirms the commitment of Congress to facilitating interstate and foreign commerce in an increasingly digital world.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) establish a special Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollment period period for individuals enrolled in COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation coverage who elected not to enroll under part B during the individual's initial enrollment period; (2) require a continuous open Medicare part B enrollment, apart from an initial enrollment period or a special enrollment period, during which there shall be an increase in the monthly premium; (3) provide for special enrollment periods to correct errors, misrepresentations, or the inaction of officers, employees, or agents of group health plans or plan sponsors; and (4) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure appropriate coordination of Medicare part B with American Health Benefit Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on enrollment in the Medicare part B program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions prohibiting knowingly creating, selling, or possessing a depiction of animal cruelty to prohibit knowingly and for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain selling or distributing an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce. States that such prohibition does not prohibit the sale or distribution of any visual depiction of hunting, trapping, fishing, or customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices. Defines "animal crush video" as any obscene photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image that depicts actual conduct in which one or more living animals is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, or impaled in a manner that would violate a criminal prohibition on cruelty to animals in the federal or state jurisdiction in which the depiction is created, sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Reaffirms: (1) support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law; and (2) the universality of individual human and political rights. Condemns: (1) the violence and human rights abuses against the people of Iran by the government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication; and (2) the government of Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and unconventional weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. Urges the release of all political prisoners detained by the government of Iran and the end of harassment and violence against the people of Iran. Calls for freedom and democracy for the people of Iran, including democratic and independent elections in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception, including, at a minimum, a description of emergency contraception and an explanation of the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of such contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate to health care providers, including pharmacists, information on emergency contraception that includes, at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Quality Cancer Care for Life Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors by expanding CDC cancer control programs, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the National Program of Cancer Registries. Requires the Director of CDC to award grants to: (1) develop, implement, and evaluate cancer case management and coordination programs to enhance the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for patients and survivors and to improve cancer outcomes; and (2) train individuals to undertake the quality of life needs of cancer patients, survivors, and family caregivers. Requires the Secretary to establish a Quality of Life Advisory Committee to advise, coordinate, and assist the CDC in creating and conducting the cancer quality of life and survivorship activities, program enhancements, and training initiatives under this Act. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to undertake additional cancer quality of life and survivorship research that addresses pain, symptom management, side effects and late effects, and psychosocial factors to improve cancer clinical communication and care planning, treatment and post-treatment, and follow-up care across the life course.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to require each Medicare participating hospital to implement a hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services furnished in the hospital. Requires the plan to require that an appropriate number of registered nurses provide direct patient care in each unit and on each shift of the hospital to ensure staffing levels that: (1) address the unique characteristics of the patients and hospital units; and (2) result in the delivery of safe, quality patient care consistent with specified requirements. Requires each participating hospital to establish a hospital nurse staffing committee which shall implement and oversee such plan. Specifies civil monetary and other penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Sets forth whistleblower protections against discrimination and retaliation involving patients or employees of the hospital for their grievances, complaints, or involvement in investigations relating to such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and commends the Institute for its leadership in research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes the Institute-supported scientists, the volunteers who participate in clinical studies, and the patient and professional health organizations who contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases within the Institute's mission. Reaffirms support for the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise the school lunch and breakfast programs, the summer food service program, the child and adult care food program (CACFP), and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC program). Reauthorizes appropriations for such programs through FY2015. Includes among such revisions: (1) encouraging the direct certification of children who receive other public assistance as eligible for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs; (2) establishing new mechanisms by which schools or local educational agencies (LEAs) with very high proportions of low-income children can receive federal reimbursement for free or reduced price meals under such programs without collecting individual paper applications from households; (3) establishing a program awarding competitive grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to LEAs to establish or expand the school breakfast program at low-income schools; (4) expanding the access of low-income rural areas to the summer food service program; (5) requiring updates to meal patterns and nutrition standards for the school lunch and breakfast programs based on recommendations made by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); (6) requiring the establishment of science-based nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools outside the school lunch and breakfast programs; (7) requiring LEAs participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs to establish local school wellness policies for their schools that include goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and education, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness; (8) requiring reimbursable meals and snacks provided under the CACFP to meet the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and certain authoritative scientific recommendations; (9) encouraging WIC program participants to breastfeed; and (10) requiring WIC electronic benefit transfer (EBT) systems to be implemented nationwide by October 1, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act of 2010 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to use otherwise unobligated amounts under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to enable nonprofit counseling intermediaries and nonprofit legal organizations to provide legal assistance to homeowners of owner-occupied homes consisting of from one to four dwelling units whose mortgages are in default or delinquency, in danger of default or delinquency, or subject to or at risk of foreclosure (including any deed in lieu of foreclosure or short sale).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Calls for an end to the violence, arrests, torture, and ill treatment perpetrated against Iranian citizens as well as the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Iran. Calls upon the U.S. government, the President, and the Secretary of State to condemn human rights violations in Iran and support the Iranian people's endeavors towards democracy. Calls for an end to a selective approach to Iranian opponents who struggle for democracy and human rights and invites the Secretary, in coalition with British and European allies, to remove the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Calls for the adoption of measures by the President to impose sanctions while welcoming the U.S. government's efforts to create an international consensus to deal with Iran's nuclear program. Calls on the President to persuade U.S. allies and other countries to enact appropriate measures aimed at depriving Iranian banks and financial institutions involved in nuclear activities and backing of terrorist groups from access to the international monetary system.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and implement a birth defects prevention and public awareness program, which includes: (1) a nationwide media campaign to increase awareness among health care providers and at-risk populations about pregnancy and breastfeeding information services; (2) grants for the provision of, or campaigns to increase awareness about, pregnancy and breastfeeding information services; and (3) grants for the conduct or support of surveillance of or research on maternal exposures and maternal health conditions that may influence the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal exposures that may influence health risks to a breastfed infant, or of networking to facilitate such surveillance or research.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
National Farm-to-School Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the benefits of farm-to-school programs and the federal role in furthering such programs. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide competitive matching grants and technical assistance to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and certain governmental and nongovernmental entities to implement or expand farm-to-school programs. Authorizes such grants to come in the form of implementation grants, training and technical assistance grants, or planning grants. Defines farm-to-school programs as those that connect schools and small- and medium-sized agricultural operations to: (1) serve locally produced, healthy foods in school cafeterias; (2) improve student nutrition; (3) provide agriculture, health, and nutrition education opportunities to students; and (4) support local and regional agriculture and the growth of rural communities. Directs the Secretary to prepare, and provide Congress with, a list identifying all the programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that with little or no modification can be used to facilitate the participation of small- and medium-sized agricultural operations in farm-to-school programs. Declares that the value-added agricultural product market development grant program may be accessed by small- and medium-sized agricultural operations and their associations to support farm-to-school programs. Directs the Secretary, through the USDA Economic Research Service, to conduct a nationwide assessment of, and report to Congress on, the economic impact of farm-to-school programs on small- and medium-sized agricultural operations and rural communities. Requires the Secretary to establish an Internet-based forum for sharing and exchanging information on farm-to-school programs nationwide.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2010 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through international organizations, national governments, and international and local nongovernmental organizations, to: (1) address the social and health issues that lead to obstetric fistula; and (2) support treatment of obstetric fistula. Provides that such assistance shall promote the coordination facilitated by the International Obstetric Fistula Working Group.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to define a "high volume retail breeder" as a person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit: (1) has an ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs; and (2) sells, via any means of conveyance, more than 50 of the offspring of such dogs for use as pets in any one-year period. Considers such a breeder of dogs to be a dealer. Requires dealers to include on licensing applications and annual renewals the total number of dogs exempted from exercise on the premises of the dealer in the preceding year by a licensed veterinarian. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate requirements for the exercise of dogs at facilities owned or operated by a dealer, including requiring daily access to exercise that: (1) allows the dogs to move sufficiently in a way that is not forced, repetitive, or restrictive; and (2) is in an area that is spacious, cleaned at least once a day, free of infestation by pests or vermin, and designed to prevent the dogs from escaping. Allows an exemption if: (1) a licensed veterinarian determines that a dog should not exercise because of the health, condition, or well-being of the dog; and (2) such determination is reviewed and updated at least once every 30 days by the veterinarian, unless the basis for the determination is a permanent condition. Subjects such a determination to review and approval by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 to extend the period for the submission by members of the Armed Forces of claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay (paid to members whose enlistment or period of obligated service was extended, or whose eligibility for retirement was suspended, by the President in time or war or national emergency) from one to two years after the date on which implementing rules for such payments take effect. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to include in a required report concerning such payments a plan describing DOD outreach and informational efforts to promote and increase awareness of the special pay.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Expresses support for: (1) the designation of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month; (2) research to develop improved treatment options resulting in increased life spans for those with brain tumors; and (3) those who are battling brain tumors and their families, friends, and caregivers. Encourages increased public awareness of brain tumors to honor individuals who are living with or who have lost their lives to brain tumors. Urges a collaborative public-private approach to brain tumor research.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors and its efforts to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. Commends the achievements of the thousands of citizen diplomats who have worked for generations to share the best of the United States with foreign leaders, specialists, and scholars. Supports the designation of Citizen Diplomacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to repeal the limitation on the liability (currently, the total of all removal costs plus $75 million) of the party responsible for an offshore facility, except a deepwater port, from which oil is discharged (or which poses a substantial threat of discharge) into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines or the exclusive economic zone.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
Urges states to enact laws that address the crime of domestic sex trafficking of minors. Encourages the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the pilot shelter for juvenile trafficking victims authorized by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005. Recognizes: (1) that the demand for commercial sex with minors is central to the problem of domestic sex trafficking and urges the Attorney General to make the arrest and prosecution of buyers a federal priority; (2) the need for standardized practices of identification and response to domestic sex trafficking of minors among law enforcement and service providers; and (3) the need for an adequate number of specialized residential facilities and services that are gender specific and trauma informed for the protection and restoration of trafficking victims.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
COBRA Health Benefits Extension Act of 2010 - Extends COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) until the earlier of: (1) the first date in which an individual is eligible for coverage under an employment-based health plan; or (2) the date on which such individual becomes eligible for health insurance coverage through an American Health Benefit Exchange under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide rules setting forth the form and manner in which prompt notice to individuals of such continued coverage shall be made. Allows a state to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to COBRA continuation coverage provided under a state program. Provides that this Act shall: (1) have no effect on termination of continuation coverage for any reason other than expiration of a period of a specified number of months; and (2) supersede any provision of the law of a state or political subdivision that limits or precludes access by a qualified beneficiary, whose COBRA continuation coverage has been extended under this Act, to a state high risk pool established under PPACA solely by reason of such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Recognizes the contributions the freight rail industry has made to the national transportation system. Supports the industry's efforts to continue improving safety as our nation moves forward to develop its infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Demands that Hamas: (1) immediately and unconditionally release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross; and (3) provide Gilad Shalit the humane treatment all captives are entitled to as a fundamental human right, including communication with his family. Expresses: (1) commitment to the survival of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state within recognized and secure borders; (2) support in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a democratic, viable, and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel; (3) sympathy for Gilad Shalit's family; and (4) commitment to seek the release of Gilad Shalit and other missing Israeli soldiers. Recalls Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev, Zecharya Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Ron Arad, Guy Hever, and Majdy Halabi. Condemns: (1) Hamas for the cross border attack and kidnapping of Gilad Shalit; and (2) Iran and Syria for their support for international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 405 West Second Street in Dixon, Illinois, as the "President Ronald W. Reagan Post Office Building."
![Official portrait of Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_il_9_schakowsky_janice_200.jpg)