United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Elder Care Safety Act of 1997 - Declares that a nursing facility (including a skilled nursing facility), home health agency, or hospice program (covered facility) under the Medicare and Medicaid programs of titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act may not: (1) employ an individual as a nurse or home health aide unless the facility has requested from the State nurse and home health aide registry a background check (including a criminal as well as an abusive work history background check); or (2) continue to employ such an individual if the background check report reveals a conviction of a disqualifying crime. Requires the covered facility to report to such registry documented findings of patient abuse by a nurse or home health aide. Imposes civil penalties upon covered facilities that violate such requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish methods by which State nurse and home health registries can pool and share criminal background check summaries and documented findings of patient abuse (national registry coordination system). Requires each State to expand its Medicare and Medicaid nurse aide registry in order to carry out such background checks and other related functions, including reporting of summary information to the national registry coordination system. Sets forth procedures for criminal and abusive work history background checks. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a patient abuse prevention and training demonstration project; and (2) report to the Congress recommendations on whether minimum nurse and home health aide personnel-to-patient levels should be required to avoid patient abuse and, if so, the levels for different types of covered facilities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Border Improvement and Immigration Act of 1997 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 with respect to the automated entry-exit control system to exempt from required recordkeeping: (1) land border crossings; and (2) permanent resident and certain other aliens. Requires the Attorney General to report on the feasibility of implementing an automated entry-exit control system that would include land border arrivals and departures. Provides for increased numbers of full-time Immigration and Naturalization and Customs inspectors at U.S. land borders, with at least half of such inspectors to be assigned to the northern border.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons who, on or after August 8, 1995, have transferred, or attempted to transfer, controlled goods or technology, or provided, or attempted to provide, technical assistance or facilities that contributed, or would have contributed, to Iran's efforts to acquire, develop, or produce ballistic missiles. Excludes from identification in such reports any such persons who were previously identified or sanctioned, who are subject to a waiver, or who have acted on behalf of, or in concert with, the United States. Requires imposition on such persons of minimum two-year sanctions prohibiting: (1) sales to such persons of items on the United States Munitions List (and terminating sales of any controlled U.S. arms); (2) the export to such persons of dual use goods and technology; and (3) the provision of U.S. financial assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions on the basis of U.S. national security or additional information demonstrating that the sanctioned person did not commit the acts alleged. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should exercise the authority granted to him under the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 to prevent: (1) the transfer through purchase, barter, or other acquisition of weapons-related material and delivery systems to Iran; and (2) the transfer to Iran of scientific and technical expertise with respect to such material and systems. Authorizes the use of certain assistance, otherwise available for the independent states of the former Soviet Union under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to prevent such transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income scholarship amounts received for certain teaching, research, or other services by an individual under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Federal agencies would benefit from reviewing specified recommendations for the purpose of improving equitable access for women-owned businesses to the Federal procurement market.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) initiate, and report to specified congressional committees on, an inquiry on the extent to which a certain differential fee decision (relating to the per subscriber per month royalty fee for the retransmission of superstation and distant network signals by direct-to-home satellite service providers) constitutes an impediment to the development of effective market competition for multichannel video programming distribution; and (2) based on such inquiry, make necessary regulatory changes. Includes direct-to-home satellite services under provisions protecting telecommunications services from piracy. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from taking any action to implement or enforce the differential fee decision until 120 days after FCC submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
B-2 Bomber Production Limitation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from contracting for any B-2 bomber aircraft beyond the 21 aircraft already delivered to the Air Force or under contract. Prohibits funds appropriated to the Air Force for research, development, test, evaluation, or procurement of aircraft from being obligated for B-2 aircraft other than for completion of production of the 21 aircraft, their modification, and closure of the production line.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Tampon Safety and Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate the conduct or support of research on the extent to which additives in feminine hygiene products pose any risks to the health of women or to the children of women who use those products during or before the pregnancies involved. Requires that the research include research to confirm the data on feminine hygiene products submitted to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs by manufacturers of the products. Requires that research results be submitted to the Congress, specified governmental agencies, and the public.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Early Hearing Loss Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention Act of 1997 - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop statewide hearing loss early detection, diagnosis, and intervention networks; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to infant hearing detection, diagnosis, and treatment or intervention. Requires the National Institutes of Health to carry out research on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates coordination and collaboration. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Insurance Disclosure Act of 1997 - Requires insurers, if a medical exam (procured by the insurer) is required for initial or continued enrollment, to: (1) provide the individual involved with all medical information obtained from the exam; and (2) encourage the individual to make the information available to the individual's physician. Deems the above requirements to be provisions of the Public Health Service Act for purposes of provisions relating to enforcement, preemption, State flexibility, and construction. Provides for a private cause of action, including applying certain civil enforcement provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supersedes any State law providing less protection to individuals. (Sec. 7) Amends ERISA to require a group insurance plan, and any insurer offering a policy in connection with such plan, if a medical exam (procured by the insurer) is required for initial or continued eligibility for benefits, to: (1) provide the individual involved with all medical information obtained from the exam; and (2) encourage the individual to make the information available to the individual's physician. Supersedes any State law providing less protection to individuals. Makes an administrator who fails or refuses to comply liable to the individual for up to $100 per day. Allows other relief.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Recognizes the historic significance of the fiftieth anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Commends the Israeli people for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the rights enunciated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Expresses the determination of the Congress to work for the implementation and observance of international human rights and rights agreements. Urges government leaders of all nations, representatives of private international human rights organizations, business and labor leaders, local government officials, and all Americans to use the Declaration as an instrument to promote tolerance, understanding, and greater respect for human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future, in Dallas, Texas, should be designated as a Millenium Project for the United States; and (2) Federal agencies and institutions should support the establishment and operation of the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Assets for Independence Act - Provides for the establishment of four-year demonstration projects designed for the stated purpose of determining: (1) the social, civic, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals and families with limited means an incentive to accumulate assets by saving a portion of their earned income in an individual development account; (2) the extent to which an asset-based policy that promotes saving for education, home ownership, and microenterprise development may be used to enable individuals and families with limited means to increase their economic self-sufficiency; and (3) the extent to which an asset-based policy stabilizes and improves families and the community in which they live. Authorizes not-for-profit organizations and qualified State or local government agencies to participate in the grant program. Requires each qualified not-for-profit organization receiving a grant to establish a Reserve Fund for deposit of private and public funds provided for the demonstration project, as well as proceeds from investments. Provides for individual development accounts (IDAs), held by federally insured financial institutions, into which qualified individuals may make contributions, which shall be matched by the qualified entity conducting a demonstration project under a grant, according to a certain formula, in an amount up to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per household). Limits the use of IDA distributions to specified postsecondary educational, first-home purchase, and business capitalization expenses, as well as transfers to IDAs of family members. Makes an individual eligible for assistance under a demonstration project if the individual is a member of a household that: (1) is eligible for assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) meets certain income and net worth tests. Authorizes appropriations. Disregards funds in the IDA of a demonstration project participant for purposes of all means-tested Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Expresses appreciation for the dedicated service of Navy gun crews on merchant ships as part of the Naval Armed Guard Service during World War I and World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to States or units of local government to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers; and (2) give preferential consideration to applications from jurisdictions that have the greatest need, a mandatory wear policy, and a violent crime rate at or above the national average. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds and allocation of funds, State and local applications, and grant application renewal. Prohibits any State or unit of local government that receives financial assistance made available by this Act from purchasing equipment or products manufactured using prison inmate labor. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should, in expending such assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Helping America's Disabled Veterans Act of 1997 - Excludes the first $30,000 of amounts received under veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation programs from adjusted income for purposes of determining the amount of rent a family will pay for public housing.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude distributions form an individual retirement account from inclusion in gross income to the extent that such distributions are used for charitable purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a limited tax credit to a first-time purchaser of a principal residence in an enterprise zone or an empowerment community.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1997
Battle of Midway National Memorial Study Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service and in consultation with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the International Midway Memorial Foundation, Inc., and Midway Phoenix Corporation, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of establishing Midway Atoll as a national memorial to the Battle of Midway. Requires that the report include an inventory of all known facilities and structures of historical significance on Midway Atoll.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1997
Safe Havens for Children Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to States to enable them to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with public or private nonprofit entities for the establishment and operation of supervised visitation centers. Mandates that: (1) the visitation centers target the economically disadvantaged and individuals who cannot afford visitation services; (2) grant applicants demonstrate expertise in the area of domestic violence; and (3) the Attorney General report annually to the Congress on specified aspects of the visitation centers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1997
Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) set a limitation on the amount of non-Federal money that may be contributed by any person to any political committee of a national political party; (2) redefine the term "independent expenditure"; (3) restrict the solicitation of contributions by candidates and Federal officeholders to or on behalf of certain nonprofit organizations; (4) prohibit solicitations for or donations to nonprofit organizations by political parties and specified entities; and (5) revise reporting requirements to require certain principal campaign committees to file additional monthly reports electronically and make such reports available on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that for purposes of determining child custody it is in the best interest of children to have a presumption that children should have their main physical residence with the primary caretaker parent (unless that parent is unfit). Declares that it is not in the best interest of children to: (1) force parents to share custody over parental objection, or when there is a history of domestic or family violence; (2) punish abused or protective parents who protect themselves or their children; (3) presume that allegations of domestic and family violence are likely to be false, or made for tactical advantage during custody and divorce proceedings; and (4) make "friendly parent" provisions a factor when there is an abusive parent. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) child abuse and child sexual abuse allegations should be investigated regardless of when raised or whether the child has recanted the allegation; (2) States should be more protective of victims of family and domestic violence in custody and visitation determinations and not order mediation, couples counseling, shared custody, mutual orders of protection, unsupervised visitation, or other measures when they may endanger such victims; and (3) States should provide training in domestic violence and child abuse, as they impact custody, child support and visitation determinations, to all professionals who interact with children and parents.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Cable Rate Moratorium Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) prohibit any cable operator from imposing or collecting any increase in the rates for basic cable television service or for cable programming services above the rate in effect as of October 1, 1997; and (2) commence and report to the Congress on an inquiry on the extent of and causes for increases in such rates and services during the period between October 1, 1992, and October 1, 1997, as well as the extent to which cable television competition may be extended by Commission action. Makes the above prohibition effective until otherwise provided by an Act of Congress enacted after the submission of the required report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service Title II: Regional Air Service Incentive Program Airline Service Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to grant exemptions pertaining to the use of slots (arrival and departure spaces) at high density airports in order to enable air carriers to provide nonstop air transportation using noise-compliant compliant aircraft between a high density airport and a small hub or nonhub airport that the Secretary determines is not receiving sufficient air service to and from the high density airport. Provides exemption limitations, including a limitation of no more than six exemptions per day for slots at Washington National Airport. Requires exemption decisions to be made by the Secretary within 120 days of application. Makes funds not otherwise obligated or expended for the Federal essential air service program available for: (1) air carrier service to airports not receiving sufficient air service; and (2) rural air safety at airports with less than 100,000 annual boardings. Requires a decision by the Secretary within 180 days after receipt of a complaint alleging that an air carrier has been or is engaging in an unfair method of competition in the provision or sale of air transportation. Title II: Regional Air Service Incentive Program - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee any lender against loss on any loan made to a commuter air carrier (maximum seating capacity of 75 or less) or new entrant air carrier (less than five years of service) for the purchase of jet aircraft when such aircraft are to be used to provide service to underserved markets. Outlines loan conditions and limitations, including that: (1) such aircraft comply with certain Federal noise-level requirements; and (2) the air carrier agrees to provide service to the underserved market(s) for at least two years after being placed in service. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) collect a loan guarantee fee from such lenders; and (2) be given, and make use of, Federal facilities and assistance in carrying out the incentive program. Terminates the above authority five years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Health Care Worker Protection Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and Federal veterans benefits law to make it a condition of participation, except in specified circumstances, that hospitals use only designated hollow-bore needle devices that minimize the risk of needlestick injury to health care workers when furnishing services to individuals under the Medicare program and to individuals in veterans hospitals. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to designate classes of hollow-bore needle devices that minimize the risk of needlestick injury, in consultation with an advisory council the Commissioner shall establish for such purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for such education and training in the use of such designated devices as the Secretary determines appropriate. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) hosting a summit of the heads of state or government of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should be reserved for participating states that have demonstrated steadfast support for Helsinki principles and standards, particularly respect for human rights; (2) the United States should refuse to give consensus to any proposal that Turkey serve as the venue for such a summit meeting until the Turkish Government has demonstrably improved implementation of its OSCE commitments, including action to address human rights concerns; (3) the United States should encourage the development of genuine democracy in Turkey; and (4) the President should report to the Congress by April 15, 1998, on any improvement in Turkey's human rights record.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Early Learning and Opportunity State Grants Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children under three years of age. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require specified institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, after consultation with the advisory council for the Institute, to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not less than three centers to conduct research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Sets a limitation on the duration of support for the centers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, and an insurer offering group coverage, to include coverage for bone mass measurement for individuals who: (1) are estrogen-deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis; (2) have vertebral abnormalities; (3) are receiving chemotherapy or long-term gluococorticoid (steroid) therapy; (4) have primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or excess thyroid replacement; or (5) are being monitored to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapy. Regulates frequency and cost sharing. Prohibits related denial of coverage, incentives to individuals, restrictions on provider-patient communications, and provider penalties. Allows State laws providing greater detection or prevention benefits. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis Federal Employee Health Benefits Standardization Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to prohibit contracts from being made or plans approved under the health insurance program for Federal employees which do not include coverage of bone mass measurements of qualified individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, to: (1) remove from payments to Medicare+Choice organizations those amounts attributable to disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; and (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make direct payments to a DSH for any individual: (1) enrolled under a risk-sharing contract with an eligible organization and entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance); or (2) enrolled with a Medicare+Choice organization under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice).
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to establish and operate the information clearinghouse (mandated under current law) on osteoporosis and related bone disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the democratically-elected Government of Malaysia should condemn recent anti-American and anti-Semitic remarks by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed; (2) the Prime Minister should apologize and acknowledge the destructive and divisive nature of his words or, as an alternative, resign from office; and (3) the United States and Malaysia should continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation and work to ensure the human rights of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
End the Trade Deficit Act - Establishes the Emergency Commission To End the Trade Deficit, whose purpose is to develop: (1) a trade policy plan to eliminate the U.S. trade deficit by the year 2007; and (2) a competitive trade policy for the 21st century. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Expedited Rescissions Act of 1997 - Repeals the Line Item Veto Act of 1996. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for the expedited consideration of certain proposed rescissions of budget authority.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1997
Human Rights Information Act - Requires certain Federal agencies to identify and organize all human rights records regarding activities occurring in Guatemala and Honduras after 1944 for declassification and disclosure purposes, and to make them available to the public and other official entities, including Latin American or Caribbean countries. Instructs the President to report to the Congress regarding agency compliance. Prescribes guidelines under which the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (the Panel) shall review agency determinations to postpone public disclosure of any human rights record. Authorizes postponement of such public disclosures on specified grounds. Directs the Information Security Policy Advisory Council to report to the Congress on declassification of human rights records relating to other Latin American and Caribbean countries and to make such report available to the public. Creates two additional positions in the Panel in order to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1997
Medicare Prostate Cancer Screening Act of 1997 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to accelerate from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 1998, the effective date for the prostate cancer screening test benefit under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Calls upon the U.S. Postal Service to maintain its current Postal Uniform Allowance Program and make necessary improvements, rather than implement a centralized, single-vendor program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Condemns the Abacha dictatorship in Nigeria for acts of political intimidation and personal harassment against U.S. Ambassador Walter Carrington. Calls for: (1) the Department of State to take measures to ensure the physical safety of the U.S. Ambassador and Embassy staff in Nigeria; and (2) stronger U.S. sanctions against the Nigerian dictatorship of Sani Abacha.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1997
Managed Care Bill of Rights for Consumers Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth requirements for managed care plans, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or both regarding: (1) prohibiting limiting services (if covered) that are medically necessary and appropriate; (2) referrals for a second opinion; (3) maintenance of an adequate number, mix, and distribution of providers; (4) a choice of providers and allowing enrollees to switch provider selection; (5) continuation of a course of treatment when a contract between a plan and a provider is terminated; (6) choice of specialists, coverage level for nonparticipating specialists, and continuous referrals for ongoing care; (7) designation of an obstetrician or gynecologist as a primary care provider, allowing an enrollee who does not select such a provider as primary to receive routine gynecological and pregnancy-related services without prior primary provider authorization; (8) coverage of emergency services without regard to whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan and without prior authorization; (9) for a plan seeking to provide services in an area that includes a medically underserved population, submission of a plan ensuring access to care appropriate to the population; (10) communication assistance and bilingual information in certain circumstances; (11) prohibiting financial incentives to reduce or limit medically necessary services; (12) prohibiting agreements between plans and health professionals restricting medical communications between health professionals and their patients; (13) grievance and appeals procedures (including prohibiting reprisals); (14) an external review process regarding internal appeals; (15) prohibiting discrimination against enrollees or providers on specified bases, including health status and anticipated need for services; and (16) confidentiality. Establishes a Managed Care Consumer Advisory Commission to assist consumers in assessing services, understanding and exercising their rights and responsibilities, and making an informed and appropriate plan choice. (Sec. 3) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan (and a managed care plan offering group coverage) to comply with the above amendments to the Public Health Service Act. Declares that those requirements do not preempt State laws providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals. (Sec. 4) Prohibits construing certain ERISA provisions (relating to preemption of State laws) to preclude any State cause of action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death against any person providing insurance or administrative services to an employee welfare benefit pan maintained to provide health benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Prohibits the sale of surplus personal property of the Department of Defense (DOD) until the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has certified to the Congress that the following requirements have been satisfied: (1) such property has been inventoried and reclassified to ensure the appropriate degree of demilitarization necessary to render such property safe for public use; (2) the Comptroller General has reviewed and recommended to the Director appropriate changes to the current DOD reclassification system for such property; (3) the Director has established within the DLA an office responsible for the appropriate reclassification of such property; and (4) the Director maintains records of the sale of such property. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from using the Internet to advertise the sale of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Requires that a life or disability insurer, if the insurer requires an applicant for life or disability insurance to submit to a medical examination or test, ensure disclosure to the applicant of the test results. Prohibits the insurer from disclosing the results to any other person, except under a written authorization made by the applicant, pursuant to certain legal process, or to a public health authority when expressly required by law. Provides for civil actions for violations of this Act by any aggrieved person, allowing recovery of statutory, compensatory, and punitive damages and attorney's fees. Declares that, for provisions of Federal law commonly known as the McCarran-Ferguson Act prohibiting Federal insurance law from preempting State law unless the Federal law specifically relates to the business of insurance, this Act shall be considered to specifically relate to the business of insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Denounces and rejects the resolution adopted on September 21, 1997, by the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League in their conference in Cairo which invites Arab states to take action to ease United Nations (UN) sanctions against Libya. Reaffirms U.S. commitment to support the sanctions until the two individuals suspected in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am flight 103 and UTA flight 772 are turned over to appropriate judicial authorities in the United States or the United Kingdom and France as required by UN Security Council resolutions. Calls upon the President to suspend all U.S. assistance to all countries which violate the UN sanctions. Requests that the Secretary of State express to the government of each Arab League member country the profound concern of the United States about efforts to undermine the international fight against terrorism by weakening or violating the sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Amends rule XIV (decorum and debate) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to ban smoking in rooms or corridors leading to the House floor or in the Rayburn room.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of the Congress, to named individuals referred to collectively as the "Little Rock Nine," in recognition of the selfless heroism they exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates of such medals in bronze. States that these medals are national medals.
![Official portrait of Rep. Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY-25]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000480_200.jpg)