United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit specified activities relating to personal information about a child (defined as a person under age 16), including knowingly: (1) selling such information (by a list broker) without the consent of a parent of that child, knowing that such information pertains to a child; (2) using prison inmate labor for data processing of personal information about children; and (3) distributing or receiving any such information, knowing or having reason to believe that the information will be used to abuse or physically harm the child. Authorizes civil actions by children or their parents with respect to whom a violation of this Act occurs. Directs the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the sale of lists to: (1) any Federal, State, or local government agency or law enforcement organization; (2) the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; or (3) any institution of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Family Business and Family Farm Preservation Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from a decedent's gross estate the adjusted value (within certain limits) of qualified family-owned business interests. Imposes an additional estate tax during the first ten years after death for failure to materially participate, disposition of assets, loss of U.S. citizenship, or overseas business relocation. Requires business interests passing to a noncitizen heir to do so as a qualified trust in order to receive such estate tax treatment. Increases from 10 years to 20 years the installment period for payment of estate taxes where the estate consists largely of interest in closely held business.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1997
Home-Based Business Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for the health insurance costs of a self-employed individual to allow as a deduction an amount equal to the amount paid by such individual for insurance which constitutes medical care for such individual, such individual's spouse, and dependents. Adds to provisions defining the disallowance of certain expenses in connection the business use of the home to provide that a home office shall in any case qualify as the principal place of business if the office is: (1) in the location where the taxpayer's essential administrative or management activities are conducted on a regular and systematic basis; and (2) necessary because the taxpayer has no other location for the performance of the essential management or administrative activities of the business. Considers a service provider as not being an employee if the provider: (1) can realize a profit or loss, can incur unreimbursed expenses, and makes a time-limited or task-limited agreement; (2) has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service at a single service recipient's facilities, pays fair rent for the use of the recipient's facilities, or operates primarily with equipment not supplied by the recipient; and (3) if there is a written contract providing that the provider will not be treated as an employee for Federal tax purposes. Considers (in addition) a provider as not an employee if: (1) there is such a written contract; and (2) the provider is a corporation or limited liability company and does not receive benefits that the recipient's employees receive. Regulates the treatment of determinations by the Secretary of the Treasury that a service provider should have been treated as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples Title II: Disclosure of Genetic Information to Third Persons Title III: Authorization by Written Informed Consent Title IV: Discrimination Prohibited Title V: Research Activities Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Enforcement Title VIII: Effective Date; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws Genetic Confidentiality and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples - Allows DNA collection only with written authorization and after specified notice. Allows storing or conducting a DNA analysis only in accordance with the authorization and notice. Title II: Disclosure of Genetic Information To Third Persons - Allows genetic information disclosure and redisclosure only with written authorization. Entitles an individual to inspect and receive a copy of his or her genetic information. Provides for amendment of records and for disclosures pursuant to compulsory process. Title III: Authorization by Written Informed Consent - Regulates collection and disclosure authorizations. Title IV: Discrimination Prohibited - Prohibits an employer from requesting, requiring, or using genetic information of an employee or prospective employee to restrict any right or benefit otherwise due or available. Allows an employer to request, require, or use genetic information to: (1) permit a genetically susceptible employee to avoid occupational mutagenic or teratogenic exposure; or (2) determine a genotype that is otherwise directly related to the work and is consistent with business necessity. (Sec. 402) Prohibits health insurers from discriminating on the basis of any molecular genetic information about a healthy individual or a healthy family member, or on the basis of a request for or receipt of genetic services. Prohibits insurers from requiring genetic testing or questioning. Provides for enforcement. Title V: Research Activities - Allows DNA analysis as part of a research project only if an Institutional Review Board, or similar board in the research industry, has made specified determinations. Requires destruction of samples at completion of the project or withdrawal of the subject unless specific authorization is obtained to store after that date. Sets forth rules for pedigree or linkage analysis. Regulates disclosure for research purposes. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires annual notification of employees of a person who collects, stores, or analyzes DNA regarding their responsibilities under this Act and related penalties. Regulates the transfer of samples or information, including regarding discontinuance of services. Title VII: Enforcement - Provides for a private right of action by any individual whose rights under this Act have been violated. Includes in damages: (1) in the case of negligent violations, actual damages, treble damages if there is profit or monetary gain, and costs and attorney's fees; and (2) in the case of willful violations, actual damages, punitive damages, and costs and attorney's fees. Provides, in the case of employment discrimination, for actual damages, treble damages if there is profit or monetary gain, and costs and attorney's fees. Authorizes actions by the Attorney General for injunctive relief and civil penalties. Title VIII: Effective Date; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Provides for the effective date and applicability of this Act. Prohibits a State from establishing or enforcing any disclosure law or regulation that does not conform to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax equal to 15 percent of the gross income received from the lease of any taxable outdoor advertising display; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Outdoor Advertising Program Trust Fund into which the revenues collected from the imposition of such tax shall be deposited. Amends Federal aid highway law to repeal a provision which allows outdoor advertising to be placed within a certain distance of unzoned commercial or industrial areas on or near the Interstate and primary highway systems. Prohibits: (1) any new sign, display, or device from being erected after the enactment of this Act in specified areas adjacent to such systems; and (2) compensation from being paid for the removal of such signs and related advertising, with exceptions. Requires funds for the control of outdoor advertising to be appropriated from the Fund. (Currently, such funds are authorized to be appropriated from the Treasury.) Provides that a State shall not be considered to have made provision for effective control of the erection and maintenance of signs along the Interstate and primary systems: (1) unless it maintains and annually submits to the Secretary of Transportation an inventory of all State signs for which such control is required; and (2) if it carries out or permits the removal of vegetation in, or alteration of, certain rights-of-way in order to improve the visibility of any sign located outside a right-of-way. Requires such State inventory to identify each sign that is located along a system highway designated as a scenic byway.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1997
Mandates Information Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require a congressional committee report on any bill or joint resolution that includes any Federal mandate to contain information concerning the impact of such mandate on consumers, workers, and small businesses, including any disproportionate impact in particular regions or industries. Revises provisions concerning legislation subject to a point of order to: (1) define the point of order for a determination by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office that it is not feasible to determine the economic impact of a Federal mandate; and (2) replace certain references to Federal intergovernmental mandates with references to Federal mandates.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Makes veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart eligible for veterans' hospital care and medical services. Provides such veterans with a priority in the veterans' system of annual patient enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to payments for medical and other health services, to cover services which would be physicians' services if furnished by a physician but: (1) which are performed by a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) which the clinical nurse specialist is legally authorized to perform by the State. Eliminates the requirement, with respect to such services performed by a nurse practitioner, that they be performed in a skilled nursing facility or other specified nursing facility. Covers, in addition, other services and supplies incidental to such services. Revises the formula for payment from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for such services (thereby increasing such payment). Repeals the rural area restriction on services performed by nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists for which direct payment may be made. Requires a ten percent bonus payment from the Fund for services of a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist furnished in a health professional shortage area.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the criminal penalty added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for the fraudulent disposition of assets in order to obtain Medicaid benefits under SSA title XIX.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1997 - Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Specifies that any individual who has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection shall receive $125,000 from amounts available in the Fund if the individual meets one of the following conditions: (1) has a blood-clotting disorder and was treated with blood-clotting agents between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987; (2) is the lawful spouse of such individual or the former lawful spouse and was the lawful spouse of the individual at any time after a date within such period on which the individual was treated; or (3) acquired the HIV infection through perinatal transmission from a parent who is such an individual. Requires that the following conditions be met with respect to such individual: (1) the individual submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services written medical documentation that the individual has an HIV infection; (2) a petition for payment be filed with the Secretary by or on behalf of such individual; and (3) that the Secretary determine that the claim meets the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 105) Specifies that any right under this Act shall not be assignable or transferable. Sets limits regarding the number of claims per victim. (Sec. 106) Prohibits the Secretary from making any payment with respect to any petition filed under this Act unless the petition is filed within three years after the enactment of this Act. Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs - Prohibits a settlement payment from being considered income or resources in determining a class member's eligibility for, or the amount of: (1) medical assistance under the Medicaid program; or (2) benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program. Defines the terms: (1) "class member"; and (2) "settlement payment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the armed forces who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a member of the reserves during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on October 21, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired pay but for being under 60 years of age. Defines a qualified surviving spouse as one who has not remarried and is not entitled to an income supplement available to certain widows of retired military personnel. Sets the annuity amount at $165 monthly, reduced by the amount of any monthly dependency and indemnity compensation to which the surviving spouse is entitled. Terminates on September 30, 2001, the authority to pay such annuities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pension Reform Title II: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs Title III: Reforms Related to 401(k) Plans Title IV: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements Title V: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions from Section 401(k) Plans Title VI: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number Title VII: Periodic Pension Benefits Statements Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Pension Reform - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to apply specified integrated plan nondiscrimination rules to all accrued benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to repeal the permitted disparity provision with respect to simplified employee pension contributions. (Sec. 102) Applies minimum coverage requirements to a separate line of business employer plan for qualified trust purposes. Establishes a single line of business special rule. (Sec. 103) Sets forth provisions concerning the division of pension benefits upon divorce. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to set forth similar provisions. (Sec. 104) Provides for the continued availability of certain remedies with respect to pre-1985 domestic relations orders. (Sec. 105) Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate specified employee-annuitant requirements with respect to a divorced wife's annuity. Title II: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and Federal law to provide for protection of former spouses to railroad and civil service pension benefits. Title III: Reforms Related to 401(k) Plans - Applies a specified limitation on acquisition and holding of employer securities and real property to 401(k) plans. Title IV: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Code to permit, with respect to specified plans, a qualified joint and two-thirds survivor annuity. Defines such an annuity. Title V: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions from Section 401(k) Plans - Amends the Code to require spousal consent for 401(k) plan distributions. Title VI: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for a women's pension toll-free telephone number. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Periodic Pension Benefits Statements - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prescribe time periods for furnishing pension benefits statements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should consider acting immediately to modify the Basic Formula Price for dairy by replacing the National Cheese Exchange as a factor in setting such price.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Interstate Compact - Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act - Grants the consent of the Congress to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact entered into by the States of Maine, Texas, and Vermont.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit, in the case of defense contractors, for defense conversion employee retraining expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Northern Border States Council Act - Establishes the Northern Border States-Canada Trade Council. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including: (1) advising the President, the Congress, the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and other appropriate Federal and State officials with respect to the administration of U.S.-Canada trade policies, taxation of trade in goods and services, and customs and immigration matters; (2) monitoring trade issues and disputes that involve one of the Council-member States and either the Canadian Government or one of Canada's provinces; and (3) making recommendations with respect to such disputes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make dislocated employees eligible for the targeted jobs credit. Defines a dislocated employee as an individual: (1) who was employed on a military installation; and (2) whose job was terminated as a result of the closing or realignment of such installation under a defense base closure law or a reduction in force at such installation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Weather Service Modernization Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from closing or relocating any National Weather field office that is located in, or serves, an area identified as an area of geographic concern in a specified report by the National Research Council, unless, prior to closing or relocating the field office, the Secretary: (1) evaluates, as part of the certification process, the effect of that closing or relocation on all weather information and services provided to users served by that field office (including State and affected agencies, farmers, and other local citizens); and (2) certifies that, after the closing or relocation, the level of weather services provided to the users will be at least equivalent to the level provided before such closing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions relating to the reconciliation process. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the funds are to be spent is of less than two years duration; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution (but not including an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill) until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; or (2) any matter considered in Executive Session. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General, during the second session of each Congress, to give priority to requests from Congress for audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities. (Sec. 9) Makes appropriations for the second year of a biennium necessary to continue, at the first year rate of operations, projects and activities funded by any regular appropriation Act that provides funding only for the first year of a biennium. (Sec. 10) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 11) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority under the jurisdiction of all of the subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations for a period other than each of the fiscal years of the biennium. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to specified congressional committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a two-year budget process based on the two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that studies are needed to further determine the benefits of screening women between the ages of 40 and 49 through mammography and other emerging technologies and that the Senate urges the Advisory Panel for the National Cancer Institute to consider reissuing a specified guideline rescinded in 1993 and, until there is more definitive data, direct the public to consider guidelines issued by other organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1997
Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to require certain group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing coverage under a group plan, to ensure specified minimum coverage regarding: (1) breast cancer mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissections; (2) post-mastectomy breast reconstruction on both breasts; and (3) secondary consultations by specialists. Prohibits: (1) changing coverage terms and conditions based on a participant's or beneficiary's decision to request less than the minimum coverage; and (2) certain penalties or incentives to providers or specialists. Amends: (1) the Public Health Service Act to apply the same requirements to health insurance issuers in the individual market; and (2) the Internal Revenue Code to apply those requirements to group health plans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1997
Small Business Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 100 percent the deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to establish a new position of Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business to promote exports by small businesses and to remove foreign impediments to the success of such undertakings. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, to the extent practicable, to prepare for each reported public bill or resolution a small business cost analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
HUBZone Act of 1997 - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to define the following terms for purposes of this Act: (1) historically underutilized business (HUB) zones; (2) small business concerns located in such zones; and (3) qualified areas and qualified small businesses (QSBs) located in such areas. Provides qualification requirements for small businesses to receive Federal contracting assistance under the Act for locating in or relocating to HUB zones (distressed urban and rural communities which have suffered economic decline). Includes within such requirements that not less than 50 percent of the contract performance incurred for services or supplies be expended for employees or for the manufacturing of supplies in HUB zones. Requires a certification from a small business to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) with respect to such requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to change the above percentage. Directs the Administrator to establish and maintain a list of QSBs located in HUB zones. Establishes within the SBA a program to provide for Federal contracting assistance to QSBs located in HUB zones. Requires the head of a Federal procuring agency to provide a contract set-aside (preference) to a QSB if such agency head determines that two or more QSBs will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price. Allows sole source contracts to be awarded to a QSB if it submits a reasonable and responsive offer and the Administrator determines it to be a responsible contractor. Limits the value of sole source contracts to $5 million. Provides a price evaluation preference to a QSB if its offer is not more than ten percent higher than the other offeror, as long as the other offeror is not a small business. Directs the Administrator to enforce the requirements of this Act and to verify the qualification requirements of QSBs, including the use of random inspections. Provides penalties. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Act in order to provide QSBs under this Act with a higher preference for Federal contracting assistance than small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Sets forth as Government-wide goals for the awarding of Government contracts to QSBs a goal in FY 1998 of one percent of the total value of all prime contracts awarded, with an increase of one percent each year to four percent for FY 2001 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1997
Calls for: (1) the Postal Service to issue a series of postage stamps highlighting the extraordinary achievements of young Americans; and (2) the first stamp in such series to honor Samantha Smith of Maine, who became a spokesperson for peace after writing Chairman Uri Andropov of the Soviet Union in 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the special rules for gifts of qualified appreciated stock to certain tax-exempt private foundations for purposes of the itemized deduction of charitable contributions. Includes grants to certain foreign organizations as qualified distributions by private foundations for purposes of the tax on failure to distribute income. Changes the due date for first quarter estimated tax payments by private foundations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Family Farm Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the alternative minimum tax inapplicable to specified farm property installment sales.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage from discriminating on the basis: (1) of genetic information; or (2) that the participant or beneficiary has requested or received genetic services. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, or a health issuer in the individual market from so discriminating. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit an issuer of a Medicare supplemental policy from so discriminating. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage from so discriminating. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Family Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for: (1) time-and-a-half compensatory time off; (2) biweekly work programs (allowing more than 40 hours of work in one week and correspondingly less in the other); and (3) flexible credit hour programs (thus providing private sector employees opportunities under such programs similar to those of Federal employees). Amends the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for certain executive, administrative, and professional employees and outside salesmen. Prohibits from consideration in determining whether an employee is exempt: (1) the fact that the employee is subject to deductions in compensation for absences from employment of less than a full workday or less than a full pay period; or (2) the payment of overtime compensation or other additions to the compensation of an employee employed on a salary based on hours worked. Allows consideration, in such a determination, of an actual reduction in compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Medicare Diabetes Education and Supplies Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training services and blood-testing strips for individuals with diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering coverage in connection with a group health plan from denying, limiting, or imposing additional conditions on coverage if: (1) the enrollee is participating in an approved clinical study; (2) the items and services are furnished according to the study's design or to treat conditions resulting from study participation; and (3) the items and services would otherwise be covered. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply that prohibition to coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Breast Cancer Screening Act of 1997 - Directs the Director of the National Cancer Institute to: (1) conduct adequately designed studies to determine the benefit of screening women ages 40-49 through mammography and other emerging technologies; and (2) reissue the guideline rescinded in 1993 for mammography for women ages 40-49; or (3) amend the Institute statement of scientific fact on breast cancer screening to clearly state that the uncertainty of evidence for women in this age group is due to the limitations of existing studies (as of the date of issuance of the statement); and (4) direct the public to consider guidelines issued by other organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Cancer Institute, to the extent practicable, to increase the involvement of people who are accountable to, represent, and report back to organizations that represent those affected by breast cancer in decision making at the Institute regarding breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Women's Health Office Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Office on Women's Health. Includes in the Office's duties establishing: (1) a Department of Health and Human Services Coordinating Committee on Women's Health; and (2) a National Women's Health Information Center. Authorizes grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and interagency agreements. Authorizes appropriations. Transfers to the Office all functions exercised by the Office on Women's Health of the Public Health Service. (Sec. 3) Establishes an Office of Women's Health in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Includes in the Office's duties establishing a Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health. (Sec. 4) Establishes an Office of Women's Health in the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Includes in the Office's duties establishing a Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health. (Sec. 5) Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish an Office of Women's Health in the office of the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Includes in the Office's duties establishing a Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health. (Sec. 6) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Office of Women's Health in the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Includes in the Office's duties establishing a Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate, in the National Institutes of Health, a program regarding information on research, treatment, detection, and prevention regarding serious or life-threatening diseases and conditions. Requires, in carrying out that program, establishment of a data bank of information on clinical trials and treatments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for breast cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Biomedical Research Commitment Resolution of 1997 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that appropriations for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by 100 percent over the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1996
Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for breast cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1996
Agricultural Trade Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include within the definition of "domestic industry" the producers of a like or directly competitive perishable agricultural, citrus, or potato product, in a specific geographic area of the United States whose collective production of such article constitutes a significant proportion of its total domestic production. Authorizes the International Trade Commission (ITC) to treat as a domestic industry only that portion of the production of such products located in such geographic area. Amends provisional relief guidelines to require the ITC to expedite its determination procedure upon request by either the President or the U.S. Trade Representative (or a resolution adopted by either of two specified congressional committees), stating that provisional relief may be necessary to prevent or remedy actual or threatened serious injury to the domestic industry. Cites conditions under which the ITC may waive the 90-day monitoring requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate, in the National Institutes of Health, a program regarding information on research, treatment, detection, and prevention regarding serious or life-threatening diseases and conditions. Requires, in carrying out that program, establishment of a data bank of information on clinical trials and treatments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1996
Health Care Quality Improvement Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to require, in a professional review action (PRA), the granting of a motion for summary judgment that PRA standards have been met unless, considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the opposing party, a reasonable finder of fact could conclude that the presumption that such standards have been met has been rebutted. Allows appeal as of right to a Federal court of appeals (except the Federal Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) of any decision on such a motion. (Sec. 3) Requires each person (as well as entity), including a Federal, State, or local government, and any Federal officer and employee, who makes payment in whole or partial settlement of a medical malpractice action or claim, to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services certain information on the payment and its circumstances. Applies this reporting requirement to any physician or other licensed health care professional who makes such a payment and whose acts or omissions are the basis for the action or claim. Waives this requirement for any such physician or other licensed health care professional whose payment is made as a refund of fees for the health service involved, when such payment does not exceed the amount of the original charge for such services. Applies other specified reporting requirements to Federal health facilities and any PRAs taken by them regarding the competence or professional conduct of Federal physicians to the same extent and in the same manner as they apply to health care entities and PRAs. (Sec. 4) Requires each Board of Medical Examiners to report to the Secretary any denials of a physician's license. (Sec. 6) Requires that certain information reported under the Act: (1) be available (to authorized entities) organized by medical field and specialty; and (2) in some cases, specify whether the action was a class action. (Sec. 7) Imposes on each Board of Medical Examiners the duty to request from the Secretary any information reported on a physician at the time the physician applies for a physician's license, or for continuation of such a license, in the State involved. Presumes any Board to have knowledge of any such information it fails to request. Requires the Secretary to establish a system for electronically transmitting information to States that elect to install equipment necessary to participate in such system. Grants the Board of Medical Examiners in a participating State the option, in lieu of requesting information upon a physician's application for license continuation, to transmit annually through the system data identifying all individuals holding a valid physician's license issued by the Board. Requires a Board exercising such an option also, upon receiving from the Secretary a list of physicians who have been the subject of information on incidents giving rise to malpractice actions or claims, to identify promptly and request from the Secretary information on any such physician who has had an incident in another State. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary, on request, to make reported information available to State licensing boards and certain other hospitals and health service organizations, allowing a fee (for that and other permitted disclosure) reasonably related to the Secretary's costs under the Act. Requires the Secretary to publish and make available to the public every three months information, with specified exceptions, from the reports. (Sec. 9) Prohibits any entity from making any payment in whole or partial settlement of a medical malpractice action or claim without the written consent of the physician or other licensed health care practitioner whose acts or omissions are the basis of the action or claim. Excepts from such prohibition court judgments, alternative dispute resolution processes, and an entity's reasonable belief, after delivering a written notice, that the physician or other licensed health care practitioner concerned does not object to payment. Sets forth civil money penalties for any entity violating this prohibition. Prohibits a health services organization from terminating the employment of a physician (or a contract with a physician for provision of health services) unless adequate notice and hearing procedures have been afforded the physician involved. Specifies conditions such an organization must meet to satisfy this requirement. (Sec. 10) Subjects to such Act any unlicensed or unapproved hospital if State or local law allows the hospital to operate without being licensed or otherwise approved.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1996
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for using or threatening to use force against any Federal officer or agency and seizing or detaining a child in order to evade arrest or obstruct justice.
![Official portrait of Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000663_200.jpg)