United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Peace Corps on its 35th anniversary. Recognizes and requests the President to honor those who have served as Peace Corps volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives to keep the House in session until it considers a clean bill regarding the debt ceiling to avoid default of the full faith and credit of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1996
Amends a specified Federal law making continuing appropriations to extend the specific termination date of appropriations and authority under that Act to January 19, 1996 (currently, December 15, 1995). Modifies the definition of minimal level (to which operations would be reduced in certain circumstances) to mean a reduction of ten (currently, 25) percent from the current rate. Mandates compensation at standard rates for any U.S. or District of Columbia officer or employee furloughed because of a lapse in appropriations after December 15, 1995. Ratifies certain types of obligations incurred in anticipation of the appropriations made and authority granted by this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Establishes a Commission on Women's Art in the United States Capitol. Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on matters relating to the representation of women in history (including the current century) in the United States Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Savings in Construction Act of 1995 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including "hard-metric conversion" and "soft-metric conversion." Prohibits Federal agencies from: (1) using construction or procurement guidelines that require the use of hard-metric products if a majority of the related contracts would be likely to result in a certification under this Act; and (2) establishing bidding requirements or preferences for federally-assisted construction contracts that specify the use of hard-metric products if soft-metric production is feasible, and, as certified by an industry representative, hard-metric alternatives are not readily available, would exceed specified capital costs, and would result in negligible benefits, or would reduce competition or create special hardships.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Aircraft Pilot Safety Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, after appropriate consultation, to develop an aircraft pilot reporting information and retrieval system containing standardized information on the quality of pilot performances in training activities. Requires all covered air carriers to use such information to evaluate applicants for pilot positions. Provides privacy protection with respect to such information. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress a description of the aircraft pilot reporting system, as well as information concerning system costs and appropriate recommendations for system administration and necessary additional legislation, including possible legislation limiting the liability of covered air carriers and other persons who utilize the information provided through the system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Reaffirms the universal nature of human rights and the principle that women's rights are human rights. Supports: (1) the inter-agency council on women; and (2) action on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Considers that dedication to enacting U.S. commitments to promote the following would benefit citizens around the world: (1) economic security; (2) the human rights of women; (3) the health of women and children; (4) the empowerment of women and the strengthening of families; and (5) women's legal status and political participation. Encourages the U.S. Government to build on the strong partnership of nongovernmental organizations and governments that developed during the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. Urges governmental actions that uphold and enact the tenets of the platform for action and the commitments of the United States made at the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Senior Citizens' Access to Health Care Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations participating in the Medicare Program to offer coverage for out-of-network services to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled with such organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1995 - Prohibits insurance providers from: (1) denying or canceling health insurance coverage or varying the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage on the basis of genetic information or on the basis that the individual or family involved has requested or received genetic services; (2) requesting or requiring insured individuals or applicants to disclose genetic information; or (3) disclosing genetic information without prior written authorization. Provides for enforcement by the Secretary of Labor regarding employee health benefit plans and by State insurance commissioners in other cases. Allows a private right of action. Allows a State to establish or enforce requirements only if they are more restrictive than this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Restoration of Natural Resources Laws on the Public Lands Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to repeal the emergency salvage timber sale program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to suspend respective activities until they have determined that any such activity complies with applicable environmental and natural resource laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
American Profit Sharing Act - Permits the provision of Federal contracts and certain Federal subsidies only to businesses which have a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Excepts start-up small businesses for one year unless such business: (1) has been in existence for at least ten prior years; (2) has more than five full-time employees (or their equivalent) at any time during the year; and (3) has a gross income exceeding $10 million.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Fans Rights Act of 1995 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful by reason of any provision of the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to enforce rules authorizing the membership of the league to decide that a member club of such league shall not be relocated. Sets forth criteria for relocation decisions by leagues, including: (1) fan loyalty; (2) the extent to which the team received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of such support; (3) the adequacy of the stadium in which the team played its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of the stadium, arena authority, or local government to remedy any deficiencies in the facility; and (4) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team. Requires any person seeking to change the home territory of a member team to furnish notice to all interested parties of the proposed change not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the member team is to play in such other location. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that, during the 180-day notice period, a local government, stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof: (1) may prepare and present a proposal to purchase the member team to retain the team in the home territory; and (2) shall be given the opportunity to prepare and present such a proposal. Requires the response of the owner to any offer made to be in writing and delivered in person or by certified mail, stating in detail the reasons for refusal of any bona fide offer. Directs the league to make a determination with respect to the location of such member team's home territory before the expiration of the notice period, after conducting a hearing at which interested parties are afforded an opportunity to present testimony. Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review. Prohibits making or offering to make a payment, or to provide or arrange with others for the provision of other value, to a league or any of its members in connection with a decision regarding the relocation of a member team.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Repeals a Federal provision limiting salary increases for Federal judges or Supreme Court Justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the Federal judicial code to make the cost of living adjustments in judicial salaries effective in the first pay period beginning on or after January 1 each year (currently, such adjustments are triggered by General Schedule adjustments).
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Nigeria Democracy Act - Imposes certain economic sanctions against Nigeria to promote democracy and human rights there. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Transportation to revoke the right of Nigerian air carriers to service, and prohibit U.S. air carriers from servicing, routes between the United States and such country. Authorizes waiver of such sanctions if the President certifies to the Congress that such waiver is important to the national interest. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should exclude Nigerian sporting teams from participating in any sporting event in the United States; and (2) no later than 60 days before the opening of the 1996 Olympic Games, the President should determine the appropriateness of issuing visas for Nigerian participants in such Games. Directs the President to report periodically to the Congress on the extent to which Nigeria has made progress toward democracy, civilian rule, and respect for internationally-recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Public Health Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean certain hazardous materials, substances, contaminants, or chemicals listed, identified, or defined in specified laws. Prohibits any entity receiving Federal financial assistance from subjecting an individual, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to a disproportionate level of exposure to any covered substance. Applies specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to that prohibition. Provides for termination of all or part of the Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to permit a retired Federal employee over age 65 to continue additional optional life insurance coverage when the beneficiary is permanently disabled. Requires such retiree to pay the entire premium for such insurance through withholdings from the retiree's annuity or compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Prohibits the disbursement of basic pay to a Member of Congress during any period in which: (1) there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits insurers and health carriers from engaging in specified acts (such as denying, terminating, or limiting coverage) on the basis that the applicant or insured (or any person with whom the applicant or insured is associated) is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse involving household or family members, current or former spouses, or individuals in or formerly in a sexually intimate relationship. Prohibits insurers from using, disclosing, or transferring information about an applicant's or insured's abuse status or abuse-related medical condition for any purpose unrelated to the direct provision of health care unless required by an order of an insurance regulatory entity, a court order, or abuse reporting laws. Requires an insurer that takes any adverse action relating to any plan or policy of an abuse subject (whether applicant or insured) to advise such individual of the specific reasons for the action. Regulates subrogation of claims resulting from abuse. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission to examine and investigate any insurer regarding compliance with this Act. Provides for a private cause of action against the insurer in Federal or State court by an abuse subject applicant or insured claiming to be adversely affected by an act or practice of the insurer.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from granting a license, license amendment, or permit (license) for an activity that will result directly or indirectly in the withdrawal by a State or political subdivision of water from a lake, reservoir, or similar body of water (lake) that is situated in two States unless the Governor of the State in which more than half of the lake is situated certifies that the withdrawal will not adversely affect the environment in, or the economy of, that State. Makes an exception regarding an application for a license for an activity that will occur or affect waters located within a river basin that is subject to an interstate compact, a decree of the Supreme Court, or an Act of Congress that specifically allocates the rights to use such water. Specifies that this Act shall apply to any application made on or after January 1, 1991, unless the application has been granted and is no longer subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995
Amends rule XLIV (financial disclosure) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each report filed with the Clerk of the House under title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 for calendar year 1996 or any subsequent calendar year to disclose any gift (including a meal) with a fair market value in excess of $50 (other than personal hospitality of an individual or any gift received from a relative) as adjusted under such Act. Amends rule XLIII (Code of Official Conduct) to allow a House Member, officer, or employee to accept: (1) a gift with a fair market value of $50 (currently, $100) or less; and (2) an offer of free attendance for such individual and his or her spouse or dependent at a widely attended convention, conference, symposium, forum, panel discussion, dinner, viewing, reception, or similar event provided by the sponsor of the event if the individual participates in the event as a speaker or a panel participant by presenting information related to the Congress or matters before the Congress or by performing a ceremonial function appropriate to his or her official position, or if attendance at the event is appropriate to the performance of the official duties or representative function of the individual. Includes within the definition of "free attendance" waiver of all or part of a conference or other fee, the provision of lodging or transportation or the provision of food, refreshments, entertainment, and instructional materials furnished to all attendees as an integral part of the event. Excludes entertainment collateral to the event and food or refreshments taken other than in a group setting with substantially all other attendees. Permits such an individual, spouse, or dependent to accept a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at a charity event if: (1) the event is sponsored by a tax-exempt organization; (2) all expenses are paid by the sponsoring organization and not by another corporation or individual; (3) the proceeds to charity from the event exceed the costs of the event; and (4) the participation contributes in a tangible way to the success of the event.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1995
Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Requires health insurers to provide notice regarding the extent of plan coverage to enrollees annually and to potential enrollees on request. Requires that, under a health plan, the determination of what is medically necessary and appropriate for a patient be made only by a health care practitioner directly involved in the patient's care. Requires an insurer to pay for a service that is so determined if the service is covered by the plan. Mandates regulations to ensure against insurers offering monetary rewards, penalties, or inducements to a practitioner, or conditioning continued practitioner participation in the plan, on the basis of the practitioner's decisions to limit the availability of appropriate tests, services, or treatments. Imposes a civil monetary penalty for violations of this Act. Prohibits insurers from including provisions in a plan to hold itself harmless for liability. Prohibits States from establishing or enforcing standards weaker than those of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1995
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage to any Food and Drug Administration-approved oral drug prescribed as an anticancer nonsteroidal antiestrogen or nonsteroidal antiandrogen agent for a given indication. Provides for uniform coverage of such drugs in all settings.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal to commemorate organ donors and their families. Makes eligible for the medal any organ donor or donor's family. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with the OPTN to collect funds to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit all solicited donations into the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Los Angeles County District Attorney (DA) should file perjury charges against ex-Los Angeles Police Detective Mark Fuhrman; (2) the DA, the Attorney General of California, and the Attorney General of the United States should file charges against Mr. Fuhrman for any other crime that tape recordings and other evidence sufficiently indicate he may have committed; and (3) the Los Angeles Police Department and Chief of Police should expedite any reforms proposed by the July 9, 1991, report of the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department (the Christopher Commission) endorsed by the Los Angeles voters in 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Animal Drug Availability Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more scientifically sound studies including, as appropriate, in vitro studies, studies in laboratory animals, bioequivalence studies, and any studies voluntarily undertaken by or for the applicant that provide some assurance that the drug will have the intended effect. Excludes a claim for the use of a drug in a minor species or a minor use of a drug from disapproval, if there is an application filed for the drug which is approved prior to the submission of the claim. Allows consideration, when a new animal drug contains more than one active ingredient or its labeling suggests use of the drug in combination with another animal drug, only of whether any of the active ingredients or any of the drugs in the combination, at the longest withdrawal time of any of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination, exceeds its established tolerance or interferes with the methods of analysis for another of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination. Requires the Secretary to issue proposed regulations implementing the provisions of this section which: (1) further define "substantial evidence;" (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute; and (3) provide for the opportunity for a conference to make a decision establishing a submission or an investigational requirement. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within 90 (currently 180) days of receipt of the application. (Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the Secretary to refer disputed issues received in writing from an applicant to an advisory committee or to a special Government employee; and (2) the committee or employee to submit a report containing recommendations regarding the matter. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to refuse approval of an application if information submitted with respect to the drug indicates that any use suggested in labeling proposed for that drug will result in a unsafe amount of residue. (Sec. 7) Permits the export of an unsafe (as defined in the Act) new animal drug, if it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is exported. (Currently, such export is prohibited.)
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Farms for the Future Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Farms for the Future Act of 1990 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide States with matching grants for farmland protection easements to retain qualifying farmland in agricultural use. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Medicare Security Commission Title II: Medicare Savings Subtitle A: Savings in Medicare Part A Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Part B Subtitle C: Savings in Parts A and B Subtitle D: Transfers to Part A Trust Fund Medicare Security Act of 1995 - Title I: Medicare Security Commission - Establishes the Medicare Security Commission to make specific recommendations to the Congress regarding revisions to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) and health care financing and coverage generally to assure the continuing viability of the program during 2010 and thereafter when demographic changes are expected to expand Medicare's enrollment significantly. Title II: Medicare Savings - Subtitle A: Savings in Medicare Part A - Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to make various specified technical payment-related changes with regard to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) matters involving: (1) update reductions for inpatient hospital services subject to the prospective payment system; (2) payments for ancillary costs of skilled nursing facilities under the physician fee schedule; (3) savings resulting from a temporary freeze on payment increases for skilled nursing facility services; and (4) continued reductions in payments for capital-related costs of inpatient hospital services. Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Part B - Eliminates under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) formula-driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services, radiology services, and diagnostic procedures. Adds another 25 percent for FY 1997 to the reduction in practice expense relative value units for certain services. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a competitive acquisition process for durable medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, with a specified mandatory reduction in payment amounts if such competitive acquisition fails to achieve a ten percent minimum reduction in payment amounts. Subtitle C: Savings in Parts A and B - Amends SSA title XVIII to extend through FY 2002 certain Medicare as secondary payer data match requirements. (Sec. 222) Prohibits the Secretary, in establishing reasonable cost limits for payments for home health services, from taking into account any changes in the costs of such services with respect to cost reporting periods which began on or after July 1, 1994, and before July 1, 1996 (thus continuing the temporary freeze on payment increases for such services). (Sec. 223) Reduces from 95 percent to 89 percent the Federal share of the adjusted average per capita cost (AAPCC) payment to Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle D: Transfers to Part A Trust Fund - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, each fiscal year, amounts equivalent to the estimate of what would have been expended during the fiscal year, but for this title, from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Grants to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers Subtitle A: Hospital-Affiliated Primary Care Centers Subtitle B: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education Title IV: Medicare Payment Methodologies Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness Title VI: Financing Rural Health Development Act - Title I: Grants to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks - Mandates grants to a State to develop plans to increase health care access for residents of chronically underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires that funds be made available for technical assistance for certain entities seeking to establish or enhance a community rural health network in an underserved rural area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Mandates financial assistance for developing and implementing community rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas - Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 202) Mandates a study regarding possible modifications to the statutory and administrative criteria for the designation of health professional shortage areas. (Sec. 203) Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify priorities in assigning National Health Service Corp members. Requires that certain funds be reserved to ensure that a certain number of participants in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program are being educated as nurses. Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to mandate an incentive payment of 20 (currently, 10) percent for physician primary care services (currently, for physician services) in a health professional shortage area. Continues the incentive payments in an area for three years after withdrawal of the health professional shortage area designation. Mandates a study of the effectiveness of additional payments in recruiting and retaining physicians to provide services in such areas. (Sec. 212) Requires publication of a model State law to increase individuals' health care access in underserved rural areas by expanding the services which non-physician health care professionals may provide in such areas. Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers - Subtitle A: Hospital-Affiliated Primary Care Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that certain funds be reserved for the establishment and operation of hospital-affiliated primary care centers. Subtitle B: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare - Amends Medicare provisions to include rural emergency access care hospitals (REACHs) in the definition of "hospital" for purposes of provisions relating to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor. (Sec. 312) Adds inpatient REACH services to the scope of benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). Applies existing deductible and coinsurance requirements to such services. Regulates the amount of payments for inpatient rural primary care hospital services. Adds references to REACHs to the definition of "spell of illness." Includes REACHs in the scope of Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Authorizes benefit payments. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education - Mandates a demonstration project (to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice) involving payments to not more than ten States and not more than ten health care training consortia. Requires corresponding reductions in payments (under specified Medicare provisions) to recipient States and hospitals for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs. Authorizes planning and evaluation grants to participating States and consortia. Authorizes appropriations for the grants. Title IV: Medicare Payment Methodologies - Mandates development of a methodology for making payments under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for telemedicine services furnished on an emergency basis in a health professional shortage area. Amends Medicare provisions relating to payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and competitive medical plans to modify the definition of "adjusted average per capita cost" to require that amounts be determined for all of the United States rather than for various geographic areas. Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness - Makes antitrust laws inapplicable to hospital mergers or contracts between hospitals to allocate services if each of the hospitals: (1) is outside of a city, or in a city with less than 150,000 inhabitants; (2) received more than 40 percent of its gross revenue from payments under Federal programs; and (3) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has issued a certificate specifying that HCFA has determined that the merger or contract would reduce Federal expenditures, not increase consumer costs, and not reduce access to health care services. Title VI: Financing - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on Medicare-covered individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes above specified amounts. (Sec. 602) Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out these programs for FY 1996 or any subsequent fiscal year: (1) the grant program for rural health transition under specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987; (2) the program for rural outreach grants and the telemedicine grant program that were, for FY 1995, carried out by the Health Resources and Services Administration with funds under a specified Federal law; (3) the program under specified Public Health Service Act provisions relating to State offices of rural health; and (4) the programs under specified parts of title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Prohibits a Member of Congress from receiving basic pay for any period in which: (1) there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached. Provides that no pay forfeited in accordance with this Act may be paid retroactively.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and any other Federal official from: (1) regulating the use of tobacco or tobacco products by the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing or other professional motor sports association under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) taking any action with respect to tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco advertising used by such associations under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health and Education Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
National Community Health Advisor Act - Mandates financial assistance to each applying State (or an agency designated by a State) for the development and operation of community health advisor programs. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of allotments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
United States Library Trust Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer to designate that one dollar of any tax overpayment and any cash contribution shall be paid to the United States Library Trust Fund. Establishes the Fund. Provides for grants to applying public libraries and public school libraries, to be used to purchase materials for the libraries, with the grantees selected by the Office of Library Services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to revise peanut poundage quota, acreage allotment, and marketing provisions. Extends peanut experimental and research programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise and extend the peanut price support program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Family Business Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, for estate tax purposes, specified portions of the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan that provides any emergency services coverage to cover emergency services furnished to a plan enrollee without regard to: (1) whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan; and (2) prior authorization. Mandates prompt payment in a reasonable and appropriate amount and prohibits cost-sharing greater for hospital emergency services than for other settings. Requires specified measures relating to the timeliness of prior authorization determinations regarding needed care identified in initial evaluations. Prohibits plans from discouraging appropriate use of the 911 emergency telephone number or from denying coverage or payment for an item or service solely on the basis that an enrollee uses the number. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, and managed care plans to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Allows State laws that provide protections exceeding those of this Act. Provides for civil money penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to include under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program medical foods (as defined by the Orphan Drug Act) as a specific supplemental benefit item for which coverage may be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize annual grants to States to develop coastal zone management programs. Limits each State to four (currently, two) grants. Authorizes grants to States to implement program changes. Allows financial assistance under existing provisions for research and monitoring in a national estuarine reserve to be used for research outside such a reserve if the activities support research inside the reserve. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such development grants; (2) administering State management programs; (3) resource management improvement grants; (4) coastal zone enhancement grants; (5) grants under the National Estuarine Research Reserve System; (6) technical assistance; and (7) expenses incidental to the administration of the Act.