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Bill· SS. 2366 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Amendments Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network: (1) be a private network; (2) have a policy board elected by Network members (currently, have a board of directors that includes organ procurement organization representatives), with 50 to 55 percent being transplant surgeons and transplant physicians and 20 to 25 percent being transplant candidates, recipients, donors, and their family members; (3) establish medical criteria for allocating organs and for listing and de-listing patients; and (4) establish transplant policies, including allocation policies and policies that affect patient outcomes. Sets forth requirements for those policies, including that: (1) the policies be designed to avoid wasting organs and futile transplants; (2) priority rankings be based on standardized medical criteria and ordered according to medical urgency and appropriateness; and (3) disparities in transplantation resulting from socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or being medically underserved be reduced. Regulates policy adoption procedures. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Scientific Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation, empowering it to disapprove of comments or revisions by the Secretary to policies revised by the Board. Prohibits, when the Committee so disapproves, revised policies from becoming effective until the Committee approves the policy or revisions. Requires that Committee members be appointed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to contract, through competitive bidding, with a nonprofit private entity for Network administration and operation (Administrator). Limits contracts to five years. Authorizes the Administrator to assess and collect fees for Network membership and listing of potential recipients in amounts that are reasonable and customary and sufficient to cover Network operational costs. Requires the Board and Administrator to monitor Network participants' operations for compliance with Board criteria and policies. Requires the Board to establish a peer review system and conditions for the application of peer review requirements to ensure compliance. Requires the Board or Administrator to advise the Secretary on action concerning noncompliance or a risk to the health of transplant patients or public safety. Authorizes the Board or the Secretary to impose sanctions for violations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, by contract, to develop and maintain a scientific registry of transplant recipients. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish an interagency task force on organ donation and research to improve coordination and evaluation of federally supported or conducted organ donation and basic, clinical, and health services research. Allows termination of the task force at the discretion of the Secretary after completion of two annual reports. Directs the Secretary: (1) on termination, to provide for ongoing coordination; (2) directly or though grants or contracts, to carry out a comprehensive national public education program to increase donation, including living donation; (3) to support the development and dissemination of model curricula to train health care and other professionals (including religious leaders and law enforcement officials) in donation issues, including approach methods and cultural sensitivities; and (4) contract with the Institute of Medicine for an evaluation of the donation practices of organ procurement organizations, States, other countries, and other organizations that have achieved a higher than average organ donation rate and examine existing donation barriers. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2362 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Air Quality Standard Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in carrying out such Act (including establishing a new or revised air quality standard), to base any scientific or technical conclusions on: (1) the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices; (2) data collected by accepted methods or the best available methods; and (3) data that have been made publicly available. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects concerning any new or revised air quality standard is comprehensive, informative, understandable, and available for public comment prior to the promulgation of any regulation under the Act. Directs the Administrator, in a document made available to the public in support of a regulation proposed or promulgated under the Act concerning an air quality standard to specify: (1) each population addressed by any estimate of public health effects; (2) the expected risk or central estimate of risk for the specific populations or resources and each upper-bound or lower- bound of risk; (3) each significant uncertainty identified in the process of the assessment of public health effects and studies that would assist in resolving such uncertainties; and (4) peer-reviewed studies that support, are relevant to, or fail to support any estimate of public health effects and the methodologies used to reconcile inconsistencies in the scientific data. Requires the Administrator, as part of the process of proposing a new or revised air quality standard, to publish in the Federal Register and seek public comment on an analysis of specified factors, including: (1) quantifiable and nonquantifiable benefits that are likely to occur as the result of actions taken to comply with the standard; (2) quantifiable and nonquantifiable health benefits that are likely to occur from reductions in related pollutants that may be attributed to compliance with the standard; (3) quantifiable and nonquantifiable costs that are likely to occur as the result of actions taken to comply with or attain the standard; (4) incremental costs and benefits associated with each alternative standard considered; (5) effects of the affected air pollutant on the general population; and (6) risks that may occur as the result of compliance with or attainment of the standard. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator, for each new or revised air quality standard proposed, to conduct and publish for public comment a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the benefits of the standard justify or do not justify the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to analyze the potential distributional effects of each such standard. Permits the Administrator, upon determining based on such analysis that the benefits do not justify the costs, to promulgate an alternative standard at a cost that is justified by the benefits. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2358 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
National Institutes of Health EPSCoR Program Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the program for enhancing the competitiveness of entities conducting biomedical and behavioral research in obtaining funds from the National Research Institutes. Establishes a new experimental program to stimulate competitive research (EPSCoR) to enhance the research competitiveness of a non-Federal entity located in an EPSCoR State (as defined in this Act). Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 299 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
States that the Congress: (1) recognizes the devastating impact of fragile X on thousands of Americans; (2) recognizes the leadership of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in research efforts to find a cure for fragile X and related disorders; (3) calls on these and other sources of Federal and private research funds to enhance and increase their efforts and commitments to fragile X research; and (4) calls on medical schools and other health educators, medical societies and associations, and Federal, State, and local health care facilities to learn, teach, and promote awareness of the incidence, causes, symptoms, effects, and treatment of fragile X and support screening of newborns for fragile X to permit early intervention and treatment.
Bill· SS. 2342 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Medicare Modernization Act of 2000 - Title I: Making Medicare More Competitive and Efficient - Part A: Competitive Defined Benefit - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to: (1) payments to Medicare+Choice organizations based on risk-adjusted bids; (2) Medicare premium reduction and monthly excess premium for Medicare+Choice plan enrollment; (3) Medicare+Choice plan inclusion of cost-sharing reduction in its basic benefits; and (4) provision of supplemental health care benefits by Medicare+Choice organizations subject to the approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Part B: Private Sector Purchasing and Quality Improvement Tools for Original Medicare - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) care coordination services, including their coverage as Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) medical services; (2) disease management services, including their coverage as Medicare part B medical services; (3) competitive acquisition of items and services; (4) provider and physician collaborations; (5) preferred participants; (6) centers of excellence; (7) demonstration projects to test and, if proven effective, expand the use of incentives (bonus payments) to certain health care groups participating in Medicare; and (8) administration of certain private sector purchasing and quality improvement programs. (Sec. 120) Amends SSA title XVIII to revise requirements for contracting for Medicare claims processing. (Sec. 121) Outlines special provisions for funding of activities related to certain overpayment recoveries and provider enrollment and reverification of eligibility. Title II: Modernizing Medicare Benefits - Part A: Prescription Drug Benefit - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Prescription Drug Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) outlining the following program components: (1) establishment of a voluntary insurance program to provide prescription drug benefits for individuals who are aged or disabled or have end-stage renal disease and who elect to enroll under such program, to be financed from enrollee premium payments together with contributions from Federal appropriations; (2) scope of benefits; (3) payment of benefits and benefit limits; (4) eligibility and enrollment; (5) monthly premium rates; (6) creation within the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Prescription Drug Insurance Account for payments;(7) administration of benefits through benefit managers; (8) authorization for the Employer Incentive Program to encourage employers to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals and to maintain such existing benefit programs by subsidizing, in part, the sponsor's cost of providing coverage under qualifying plans; and (9) authorization of appropriations to the Account to cover Government contributions. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing an annual open enrollment period under the new part D program. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) provide for coverage for certain low-income individuals of part D premiums;(2) require State Medicaid plans to provide that in the case of any individual whose eligibility for medical assistance is not limited to Medicare or Medicare drug cost-sharing, and for whom the State elects to pay monthly premiums under part D, the State will purchase all prescription drugs, without regard to whether the benefit limit for such individual has been reached; (3) require Government payment of Medicare drug cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries and for Medicare-eligible individuals with incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the Federal poverty line; and (4) make provisions on payment for covered outpatient drugs inapplicable to prescription drugs purchased under part D pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary under the special eligibility, enrollment, and copayment rules below for low-income individuals. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to outline special eligibility, enrollment, and copayment rules for low-income individuals, which include options for continuation of Medicaid coverage or enrollment under such part. Part B: Improving Preventive Benefits and Eliminating Cost Sharing - Amends SSA title XVIII to eliminate deductibles and coinsurance for certain preventive health care items and services. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) a nationwide education campaign to promote preventive health awareness among older Americans and people with disabilities; and (2) a demonstration project testing a variety of smoking cessation services for Medicare beneficiaries for the purpose of identifying the most successful and cost-effective approaches. Provides for funding. Part C: Rationalizing Cost Sharing and Medigap - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) deductibles and coinsurance for clinical laboratory services, indexing the deductible for inflation; and (2) Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) policies, authorizing establishment of new Medigap plan. (Sec. 234) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on policy options for improving Medigap coverage. (Sec. 235) Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) apply Medigap protections to disabled and end stage renal disease (ESRD) Medicare beneficiaries; (2) add a special Medigap enrollment antidiscrimination requirement for certain beneficiaries; (3) add a one-time additional special open enrollment for beneficiaries losing access to Medicare+Choice plans; (4) provide guaranteed access for certain Medicare beneficiaries to all Medigap policies; and (5) provide for increased civil money penalties for enrollment period violations. (Sec. 236) Amends SSA title XVIII to remove the sunset date for cost-sharing in Medicare part B premiums for certain qualifying individuals. Repeals the mandate for State coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Title III: Protecting and Extending Medicare Solvency - Amends SSA title XVIII to make additional appropriations to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (Trust Fund) under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) for FY 2001 through FY 2015. (Sec. 302) Establishes the Catastrophic Prescription Drug Coverage Reserve (Reserve), defined under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 for FY 2006 through 2010. Provides that beginning with September 30, 2006, any balance remaining in the Reserve on the last day of a fiscal year is appropriated to the Trust Fund. (Sec. 303) Creates the Medicare Solvency Debt Reduction Reserve comprising hospital insurance employment taxes imposed under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act as well as amounts in the Reserve. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to: (1) make it out of order in either House of Congress to consider any budget resolution that would allocate funds from or assume a reduction of the Medicare Solvency Debt Reduction Reserve; and (2) require a supermajority vote for waiver of related points of order. (Sec. 304) Provides that: (1) any provision of legislation that would reduce, repeal, or reverse the additional appropriations made by this Act to the Trust Fund, or the amount of the Reserve, shall not be counted on the pay-as-you-go scorecard, and shall not be included in any pay-as-you-go estimates made by the Congressional Budget Office or the Office of Management and Budget; and (2) certain transfers under this Act to the Medicare Solvency Debt Reduction Reserve shall be treated for purposes of the President's budget, the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman- Hollings Act), and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as reductions to the on-budget surplus (or increases in the on-budget deficit).
Bill· HRH.R. 4149 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2000
Medicare Drug Coverage Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the definition of "medical and other health services," for purposes of coverage, drugs and biologicals which are not usually self-administered by the patient (currently, drugs and biologicals which cannot, as determined in accordance with regulations, be self-administered).
Bill· HRH.R. 4152 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2000
Organ Procurement Organization Certification Act of 2000 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit payments to be made under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) with respect to organ procurement costs attributable to organ procurement agencies only if an agency is certified or recertified as meeting standards to be a qualified organ procurement organization within the previous four (currently, two) years. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set forth in regulations the process and performance standards by which an organization shall be so certified or recertified consistent with the following: (1) certification or recertification shall be made no more frequently than once every four years; (2) performance standards shall use outcome and process measures that are based on empirical evidence of organ donor potential and other related factors in each service area of qualified organ procurement organizations and multiple outcome measures, which may or may not be based on empirical evidence. Authorizes a certified qualified organ procurement organization that does not meet such performance standards to submit a corrective action plan to the Secretary. Provides an additional three-year period for an organization to implement an approved plan and treats such organization as certified during such period. Requires the Secretary to implement procedures for appeals of decisions to deny certification or recertification.
Bill· HRH.R. 4153 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2000
Banning Late Term Abortions Act - Prohibits, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly performing an abortion after the fetus has become viable, except when the physician concludes in good faith according to his or her best medical judgment that the abortion is necessary to preserve the life of, or to avert serious adverse health consequences to, the woman. Subjects a physician who violates this prohibition to a $100,000 civil penalty.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 454 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2000
Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H.R. 2418 (revising and extending organ procurement and transplantation programs).
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 101 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2000
Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 2001, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2002 through 2005 and the revised budgetary levels for FY 2000. Title I: Levels and Amounts - Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2001 through 2005 (and revised levels and amounts for FY 2000), with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Sets forth for such fiscal years specified amounts of revenues and outlays of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, including amounts of new budget authority and outlays for administrative expenses. (Sec. 103) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and budget outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2001 through 2005 (and revised levels for FY 2000). (Sec. 104) Requires the Senate Finance Committee to report to the Senate a reconciliation bill proposing changes in laws within its jurisdiction to reduce revenues by specified amounts in FY 2001 and the period of FY 2001 through 2005. Title II: Budgetary Restraints and Rulemaking - Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any revision to this or any other concurrent budget resolution (or an amendment or conference report) that sets forth a deficit for any fiscal year. Makes such point of order inapplicable if: (1) the most recent of the Department of Commerce's advance, preliminary, or final reports of real economic growth indicate that the rate of real economic growth for the most recently reported quarter and immediately preceding quarter is less than one percent; or (2) a declaration of war is in effect. Provides that if the social security surplus in any fiscal year is used to finance general Federal Government operations, such amount shall be deducted from the available amount of discretionary spending for the following fiscal year for purposes of any concurrent budget resolution. Waives or suspends the point of order under this section in the Senate only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on such point of order. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the adjustment of spending aggregates and other budgetary levels and limits and revision of allocations in the Senate for legislation reported by the Finance Committee to provide a prescription drug benefit for FY 2001 through 2003, provided the legislation will not reduce the on-budget surplus by a total of $20 billion during these years and will not cause an on-budget deficit. Requires such adjustments to be made for legislation or an amendment that provides prescription drug coverage if the Finance Committee has not reported such legislation before September 1, 2000. Authorizes the Chairman of the Budget Committee (Chairman), if legislation is reported by the Finance Committee that extends the solvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund without the use of transfers of new subsidies from the general fund, decreasing beneficiaries' access to health care, and excluding the cost of extending and modifying the prescription drug benefit described above, to change committee allocations and spending aggregates by up to $20 billion total for FY 2004 and 2005 to fund such benefit if such legislation will not cause an on-budget deficit. (Sec. 203) Permits the Chairman, whenever the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reports a bill (or an amendment or conference report is submitted) that provides additional resources for counties and complies with this section, to increase the allocation of budget authority (and resulting outlays to that committee by the amount) provided by such legislation, with limitations. Provides that legislation complies if it provides for the stabilization of receipt-based payments to counties that support school and road systems and provides that a portion of those payments would be dedicated toward local investments in Federal lands within the counties. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the appropriate Budget Committee Chairman, if the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry reports a bill before June 29, 2000 (or an amendment or conference report is submitted), that provides assistance for producers of program and specialty crops and enhancements for agriculture conservation that does not cause a specified net increase in budget authority and outlays, to increase the allocation of budget authority (and resulting outlays to that committee by the amount) provided by such legislation, with limitations. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Chairman to reduce spending and revenue aggregates and revise committee allocations for legislation that reduces revenues if such legislation will not increase the deficit or decrease the surplus for FY 2001 or for the period of FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 206) Requires the: (1) Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to update its economic and budget outlook for FY 2001 through 2010 by July 1, 2000; and (2) appropriate Budget Committee Chairman to make certain budget adjustments if such update estimates a budget surplus that exceeds the surplus set forth in the CBO's March 2000 outlook. (Sec. 207) Directs the Chairman, if the reconciliation legislation provided for in section 104 or the Medicare legislation provided for in section 202 of this resolution does not become law by October 1, 2000, to make certain adjustments to the pay-as-you-go scorecard and the level of debt held by the public set forth in this resolution. (Sec. 208) Provides that the criteria to be considered in determining whether a proposed expenditure or tax change is an emergency requirement in legislation are whether it is: (1) necessary, essential, or vital; (2) sudden, quickly coming into being, and not building up over time; (3) an urgent, pressing, and compelling need requiring immediate action; (4) unforeseen, unpredictable, and unanticipated; and (5) not permanent, temporary in nature. Requires a committee report or the statement of managers to justify why a requirement should be accorded emergency status if it does not meet such criteria. Strikes emergency requirements in legislation under consideration in the Senate when a point of order is sustained against such requirements. Waives or suspends such point of order only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair. (Sec. 209) Requires the appropriate Budget Committee chairman, if legislation becomes law that increases the discretionary spending limit for FY 2001 set out in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), to increase a specified allocation called for in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to the appropriate Appropriations Committee. Prohibits such allocation from exceeding the total budget authority and outlays set forth under such Act. (Sec. 210) Provides a point of order in the Senate against consideration of legislation that exceeds certain discretionary spending limits in the defense and nondefense categories for FY 2001. Makes this section inapplicable if a declaration of war is in effect. Waives or suspends such point of order only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair. (Sec. 211) Provides a point of order in the Senate against consideration of legislation or motions that provide an appropriation of new budget authority for any fiscal year: (1) after the budget year that exceeds a specified amount; and (2) subsequent to the year after the budget year. Makes a point of order in the Senate against consideration of legislation (with exceptions) or motions that contain an appropriation of new budget authority for any fiscal year which does not become available upon the later of enactment of such legislation or the first day of that fiscal year. Waives or suspends such points of order only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair. Terminates this section on October 1, 2002. (Sec. 212) Provides that for purposes of points of order of this resolution and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, provisions contained in legislation, amendments, or motions that affect any surplus funds of the Federal reserve banks shall not be scored with respect to the levels of budget authority, outlays, or revenues contained in such legislation. (Sec. 213) Provides that provisions contained in an appropriations bill (or related amendment or conference report) that result in increased revenues shall continue not to be scored with respect to the level of budget authority or outlays in such legislation for purposes of points of order under this resolution and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. (Sec. 214) Provides for the application and effect of changes in allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the Chairman, whenever the Finance Committee reports a bill (or an amendment or conference report is submitted) that facilitates children with disabilities receiving health care at home and finances health programs designed to allow such children to access the health services they need to remain at home while allowing their families to become or remain employed, to increase the spending aggregate and allocation of budget authority (and resulting outlays) to that committee by the amount provided by such legislation, with limitations. Title III: Sense of the Senate Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to: (1) funding international tuberculosis control efforts; (2) tax relief for parents and funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant; (3) tax relief for college tuition and interest paid on student loans; (4) increased funding for the National Institutes of Health; (5) funding for elementary and secondary education being in proportion to levels authorized in the Educational Opportunities Act; (6) elimination of wasted Federal expenditures and the use of revenue for tax relief or debt reduction; (7) the skilled nursing benefit and Medicare; (8) full funding as discretionary programs of certain conservation, historic preservation, and wildlife programs and funds; (9) increased appropriations for veterans' medical care; (10) educational impact aid; (11) raised acreage limits under the Conservation and Wetlands Reserve Programs; (12) tax simplification; (13) antitrust enforcement regarding agriculture mergers and anticompetitive activity; (14) trade support for American farmers; (15) the effects of social security reform on women; (16) full funding for programs established by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994; (17) the use of the False Claims Act to combat Medicare fraud; (18) funding for the National Guard; (19) protection of the defense readiness accounts; (20) compensation for the Chinese Embassy bombing in Belgrade; (21) access to information technologies and information technology training to address the digital divide; (22) funding for immunization grants; (23) tax credits for small businesses that provide health insurance to low-income employees; (24) funding for certain criminal justice programs; (25) Pell Grant funding; (26) public education reform; (27) funding for U.S. international leadership; (28) the HIV-AIDS epidemic; and (29) funding for tribal colleges.
Bill· SS. 2333 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2000
Tobacco Regulatory Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the introduction or delivery into interstate commerce of any misbranded tobacco product. Prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, and advertising of tobacco products in violation of regulations promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Requires the promulgation of regulations governing the manufacture, sale, and distribution of tobacco products. Define adulterated and misbranded tobacco products. Establishes a Tobacco and Nicotine Products Advisory Committee. Requires the promulgation of regulations governing the advertising of all tobacco products.
Law· SS. 2311 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to HIV Health Care Program - Subtitle A: Purpose; Amendments to Part A (Emergency Relief Grants ) - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions relating to emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services relating to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease to revise the duties of HIV health services planning councils. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop epidemiologic measures for establishing the number of individuals living with HIV disease (defined as infection with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including any condition arising from AIDS) who are not receiving HIV-related health services; and (2) provide advice and technical assistance to planning councils regarding the process for establishing fund allocation priorities. (Sec. 102) Requires the chief elected official of an area that receives an emergency relief grant to establish a quality management program to assess the extent to which medical services provided to patients under the grant are consistent with the most recent Public Health Service guidelines for the treatment of HIV disease and related opportunistic infection and to develop strategies for improvements in the access to and quality of medical services. Allows use of emergency relief grant funds for the program. (Sec. 103) Requires, in order to receive an emergency relief grant, that: (1) the State or private service provider have a participation agreement under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act; and (2) funded entities maintain relationships with area entities that constitute key points of access to the health care system (such as emergency rooms, substance abuse treatment programs, and sexually transmitted disease clinics) for individuals with HIV disease to facilitate early intervention. (Sec. 104) Requires that emergency relief grants be used: (1) for outpatient and ambulatory health services (currently, for outpatient and ambulatory health and support services, including case management) and other specified services; and (2) if the service provider meets specified requirements, for early intervention services. Requires that State and political subdivision grant recipients use the grants to increase funding for HIV-related services specified in provisions relating to outpatient and inpatient services (currently, HIV-related services to individuals with HIV disease). (Sec. 106) Makes permanent the provisions of current law requiring disbursal of 50 percent of the amounts appropriated 60 days after an appropriation for emergency relief grants and grants under provisions relating to grants to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease becomes available. (Sec. 107) Requires that the amount of a grant to an eligible area be not less than 98 percent of the amount the area received in the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 108) Requires emergency relief grants to be used for infants, children, and women with HIV disease in the same ratio as each of those populations bears to the general population in that area of individuals with HIV disease. Subtitle B: Amendments to Part B (Care Grant Program ) - Modifies requirements regarding the contents of applications for grants to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease (care grants), including regarding peer review and quality management. Limits the amount a State may spend on its quality management program. Changes requirements regarding the amount a State that is receiving a small allotment may use for planning, evaluation, and administration. (Sec. 123) Requires, in order to receive a care grant, that funded entities maintain relationships with area entities that constitute key points of access to the health care system (such as emergency rooms, substance abuse treatment programs, and sexually transmitted disease clinics) for individuals with HIV disease to facilitate early intervention. (Sec. 124) Applies to care grants the use conditions and limitations that apply to emergency relief grant use provisions. (Sec. 125) Allows care grants to be used for early intervention services if the service provider meets specified requirements. (Sec. 126) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for specified services for pregnant women and newborns. (Sec. 128) Directs the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for comprehensive services of the type described in care grant provisions to supplement services in areas that are not eligible to receive emergency relief grants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) reserve an amount for States with a metropolitan area that is not eligible for an emergency relief grant and that has 1,000 - 2,000 cases of AIDS; and (2) use 50 percent of any increase in the amount appropriated for emergency relief and care grants to carry out the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 129) Requires, in addition to other requirements, that States use therapeutics funds provided from care grants to encourage, support, and enhance adherence to and compliance with treatment regimens, but only if the State is able to provide to all eligible individuals appropriate HIV/AIDS therapeutic regimens as recommended in the most recent Federal treatment guidelines. Mandates supplemental grants to States with a severe need for providing access to AIDS/HIV-related medications for individuals at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line. (Sec. 130) Doubles the minimum care grant allotments to States. Adds the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to the definition of "territory of the United States" for determination of care grant allotments. (Sec. 131) Requires care grants to be used for infants, children, and women with HIV disease in the same ratio as each of those populations bears to the general population of that State of individuals with HIV disease. Subtitle C: Amendments to Part C (Early Intervention Services ) - Repeals provisions mandating formula grants for HIV disease early intervention services. (Sec. 142) Allows currently-authorized planning and development grants to be used to expand the capacity, preparedness, and expertise to deliver primary care services to individuals with HIV disease in underserved low-income communities. Increases the limit on the amount of a care grant. (Sec. 143) Extends the authorization of appropriations for early intervention grants. (Sec. 144) Increases the limit on spending for administration (currently, for administration including planning and evaluation) of grants under early intervention provisions. Requires grantees to establish a quality management program to assess: (1) the extent to which medical services funded under title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act are consistent with the most recent Public Health Service guidelines for the treatment of HIV disease and related opportunistic infections; and (2) whether improvements in access to and quality of medical services are addressed. (Sec. 145) Requires that preference in making early intervention grants be given to serving areas that are not otherwise eligible to receive emergency relief grants. Subtitle D: Amendments to Part D (General Provisions ) - Eliminates requirements that a significant number of women, infants, children, and youth who are patients of the grantee (under provisions mandating grants to provide opportunities for women, infants, children, and youth to be voluntary participants in research of potential benefit to individuals with HIV disease) participate in research projects. Requires grantees to: (1) inform and educate individuals regarding opportunities to participate in HIV/AIDS-related clinical research; and (2) implement a quality management program. Directs the Secretary to examine the distribution and availability of ongoing and appropriate HIV/AIDS- related research to existing sites under provisions amended by this paragraph to enhance and expand voluntary access to HIV-related research, especially in communities that are not reasonably served by the research. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the provisions amended by this paragraph. (Sec. 152) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the administrative, program support, and direct service-related activities carried out under title XXVI general provisions to ensure that eligible individuals have access to quality, HIV-related health and support services and research opportunities; and (2) determine the relationship between the costs of those activities and the access of eligible individuals to those services and opportunities. (Sec. 153) Authorizes appropriations to carry out: (1) program evaluations; (2) emergency relief grant provisions; and (3) care grant provisions. Subtitle E: Amendments to Part F (Demonstration and Training ) - Extends the authorizations of appropriations to carry out provisions relating to AIDS Education and Training Centers (including schools, centers, and dental schools). Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on appropriate epidemiological measures and their relationship to the financing and delivery of primary care and health-related support services for low-income, uninsured, and under-insured individuals with HIV disease; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding how the Institute of Medicine's conclusions and recommendations can be addressed and implemented.
Bill· SS. 2319 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Voluntary Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part D (Voluntary Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) under which a Medicare Prescription Drug plan eligible individual, not enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan, may enroll in the Rx Option coverage for outpatient prescription drugs offered only through private contractors, and subject to payment of a combined deductible ($675) in lieu of the deductibles applied under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Sets the outpatient prescription drug benefit at 50 percent of the lesser of: (1) the cost of such drugs for a year; or (2) $5000. Establishes special rules with respect to Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) for individuals enrolled in the Rx Option.
Bill· SS. 2312 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Health Care Infrastructure Investment Act of 2000 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the requirement for specified delayed Medicare benefit payments under contracts with administrative carriers that provide for the disbursement of funds. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services a Health Care Infrastructure Commission to: (1) coordinate the expertise and programs within and among Federal agencies for the purposes of designing and implementing an advanced informational infrastructure for the administration of Federal health benefits programs; and (2) conduct a study on the design and construction of an immediate claim, administration, payment resolution, and data collection system meeting certain requirements. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to: (1) adapt such system for use under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP); and (2) require that carriers participating in FEHBP use the system to satisfy certain minimum requirements for claim submission, processing, and payment in accordance with the specified timetable. Makes appropriations to the Health Care Infrastructure Commission.
Bill· HRH.R. 4124 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Military Retiree Health Care Options Act - Title I: Enrollment of Retirees in TRICARE Prime and Medicare Reimbursement - States that the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) may not prohibit the enrollment of Medicare-eligible military retirees in the managed care option of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) solely on account of age or entitlement to hospital insurance benefits under part A of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to jointly establish a program (subvention program) that, beginning October 1, 2000, provides DOD with reimbursement from the Medicare program for health care services provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and certain military dependents: (1) through the TRICARE program to increase the number of retirees able to enroll in the TRICARE managed care option; and (2) in a military medical treatment facility. Requires program enrollment to be voluntary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive enrollment fees; (2) modify existing TRICARE program contracts to incorporate enrollment provisions; and (3) establish cost-sharing requirements for enrollees. (Sec. 104) Provides for the determination of DOD reimbursement amounts for individuals enrolled in Medicare part A and individuals not enrolled in Medicare part B. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to maintain current DOD health-care efforts for Medicare-eligible retirees in order to avoid imposing added costs to the Medicare program. Requires specified estimates of prior efforts and future targets with respect to DOD health care provided under the subvention program. Directs the Comptroller General to determine and report to the two Secretaries and Congress annually on the extent, if any, to which costs of the Secretary under the TRICARE program and the HHS Secretary under the Medicare program have increased as a result of the subvention program. Requires the Secretaries to take necessary action to offset any added costs. (Sec. 106) Requires the Secretary to reimburse subvention program participants for any late enrollment penalties imposed under the Medicare part B program. (Sec. 107) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare-eligible uniformed services retiree who seeks to enroll in a Medicare supplemental policy, the issuer of such policy may not: (1) deny the issuance or effectiveness of such policy; or (2) discriminate in the policy's price. Makes eligible for: (1) the subvention program an individual who was eligible to enroll under Medicare part B and who did not enroll in the Medicare program during his or her initial enrollment period; and (2) the Medicare supplemental program an individual who was eligible to enroll under Medicare part B. Title II: FEHBP Option for Retirees - Revises provisions concerning a demonstration project which includes certain covered military retirees and their beneficiaries within the Federal Employees Health Benefits program (FEHBP) to: (1) make such program permanent (currently terminates December 31, 2002); (2) remove certain reporting requirements; and (3) remove provisions concerning the application of Medigap protections to demonstration project enrollees. (Sec. 202) Requires the health and dental care benefits provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and TRICARE Standard to be the same as those provided for the highest level of benefits under the service benefit plan of the FEHBP. Title III: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand and make permanent the DOD demonstration project for providing pharmaceuticals by mail to permit Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees and certain military dependents to participate in such project. Prohibits fees for project participation. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to issue to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program an enrollment card for nationwide TRICARE program participation.
Bill· HRH.R. 4119 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Health Care Access and Availability Act of 2000 - States that the constitutional authority upon which this Act rests is the power of Congress to regulate commerce. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow health benefits coverage through individual membership associations (IMAs). Sets forth IMA requirements, including that the IMA be an organization operated under the direction of an association and that IMA health benefits coverage only be provided through contracts with health insurance issuers. Requires IMAs to include a minimum of two health insurance coverage options.
Bill· SS. 2308 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Medicaid Safety Net Hospital Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), to require DSH allotments for FY 2002 (currently, FY 2003) and succeeding fiscal years to be equal to the allotment for the State for the preceding fiscal year. Sets the DSH allotment for FY 2001 at the FY 2000 level.
Bill· HRH.R. 4107 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services furnished under a coordinated lifestyle change program for certain individuals who are at a significant risk of a heart attack. Defines such individuals as those: (1) whose physicians have recommended revascularization in the near future; and (2) who have undergone at least one diagnostic study which demonstrates clinically significant ventricular myocardium at risk for infarction.
Bill· SS. 2299 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2000
Medicaid DSH Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), to require DSH allotments for FY 2002 (currently, FY 2003) and succeeding fiscal years to be equal to the allotment for the State for the preceding fiscal year. Sets the DSH allotment for FY 2001 at the FY 2000 level.
Bill· SS. 2298 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2000
Homebound Clarification Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding conditions on payments for services and payments of claims of providers of services, to consider an individual to be confined to home if there is a normal inability to leave home and leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort by the individual. (This Act removes the additional condition that absences from home be infrequent or of relatively short duration or attributable to the need to receive medical treatment to be considered confined to home.)
Bill· SS. 2287 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not more than eight centers (each such center shall be known as a Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Center of Excellence) for the conduct of multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2006.
Bill· HRH.R. 4087 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Medicare+Choice Beneficiary Confidence Act of 2000 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) payment of claims against insolvent Medicare+Choice organizations; (2) notification of the States of a Medicare+Choice organization's possible inability to bear the risk of potential financial losses; (3) direct payment by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the amounts owed to providers and suppliers or to enrollees for covered services and supplies furnished to individuals under the Medicare+Choice contract; and (4) provision by each Medicare+Choice organization to the Secretary of a surety bond in a specified amount.
Bill· HRH.R. 4075 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Health Care Access Assurance Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than October 1, 2005, to require each State to certify that all citizens of such State have access to a minimum level of health care coverage as defined by such State. Authorizes the Secretary to remove or reconsider a State's certification for cause. Makes any State unable to certify that all citizens of such State have access to a minimum level of health care coverage ineligible for funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, and the Health Care Financing Administration, to support the health care system in such State.
Bill· SS. 2274 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Family Opportunity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment for part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage to up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 97 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
See summary of: S.Con.Res. 93
Bill· HRH.R. 4041 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Child Tobacco Use Prevention Act of 2000 - Title I: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction over tobacco products as drugs or devices. Declares lawful a specified Federal regulation regarding tobacco. Deems, for tobacco, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access. Provides for model state tobacco control programs. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Title II: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use - Sets goals for an existing manufacturer to reduce its child tobacco use level and penalties for failure to reach the goals. Title III: Smoke-Free Environments - Requires the responsible entity for each public facility (a building where activities substantially affecting interstate commerce occur, including those owned or leased to a Federal, State, or local governmental entity) to adopt and implement a smoke-free environment policy meeting specified requirements. Title IV: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives - Requires making available funds for a national public awareness campaign discouraging tobacco use and for implementation and enforcement of: (1) FDCA provisions regarding tobacco; and (2) the requirements of title III of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4042 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
FDA Tobacco Jurisdiction Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction over tobacco products as drugs or devices. Declares lawful a specified Federal regulation regarding tobacco. Deems, for tobacco, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access. Provides for model state tobacco control programs. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 290 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Declares that this resolution revises and replaces the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 2000. Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 2001, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2002 through 2005. (Sec. 2) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2000 through 2005, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) surpluses; and (5) public debt. (Sec. 3) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2000 through 2005. (Sec. 4) Directs the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill by specified dates in 2000 that consists of changes in law within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the total level of revenues by specified amounts for FY 2001 and for the period of FY 2001 through 2005. Directs the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever certain bills are reported after the date of this resolution's adoption that provide the health-related tax provisions contained in H.R. 2990 (as passed the House), to increase the reconciliation instruction by the amount of the revenue reduction provided by such measures up to specified limits. Requires the House Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill no later than May 26, 2000, and September 22, 2000, that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the public debt by $10 billion and up to $20 billion, respectively, for FY 2001. (Sec. 5) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any revision to this or the FY 2002 concurrent budget resolution (or an amendment or conference report) that sets forth a deficit for any fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that legislation should be enacted in this congressional session that would enforce the reduction of the public debt assumed in this resolution by the imposition of a statutory limit on such debt or other appropriate means. (Sec. 6) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any reported bill or joint resolution (or any amendment or conference report) that would cause a surplus for FY 2001 to be less than the level (as adjusted for reconciliation or tax-related legislation, Medicare, or agriculture pursuant to this resolution) set forth in this resolution. Requires the level of the surplus to take into account amounts of allocations and budget aggregates adjusted pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 7) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report if the enactment of the bill or resolution as reported, the adoption and enactment of the amendment, or the enactment of the bill or resolution in the form recommended in the conference report would cause a decrease in the on-budget surplus for FY 2000. Makes such point of order inapplicable to any such legislation or motion if it reduces revenues or implements structural social security or Medicare reform. Waives or suspends the point of order under this Act in the Senate only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on such point of order. Terminates this section on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 8) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, upon the reporting of a reconciliation bill by the Ways and Means Committee or the offering of an amendment to, or the submission of a conference report on, H.R. 3081, H.R. 6, or H.R. 2990, whichever occurs first, to reduce to zero the amounts by which aggregate levels of Federal revenues should be reduced as set forth in this resolution. Directs the chairman, after such adjustments are made and such a bill is reported or such amendments or conference report are submitted, to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the reduction in revenue caused by the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 9) Provides that whenever the Ways and Means Committee reports such a bill or whenever an amendment or conference report to the bills referenced above is submitted that would cause the level by which Federal revenues should be reduced, as adjusted, to be exceeded, the House Budget Committee chairman is authorized to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 10) Provides that if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) updated budget forecast for FY 2001 projects an increase in the surplus for FY 2000, FY 2001, and the period of FY 2001 through 2005 over the corresponding levels set forth in the March 2000 economic and budget forecast for FY 2001, the House Budget Committee chairman may increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the bill, amendment, or conference report described above, but not to exceed the increase in the surplus set forth in the updated forecast. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Ways and Means or Commerce Committees report legislation or an amendment or conference report thereon is submitted that reforms the Medicare program and provides coverage for prescription drugs, to increase the aggregates and allocations of new budget authority (and resulting outlays) by the amount provided by that measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Agriculture Committee reports legislation or submits amendments or a conference report thereon that provides: (1) income support to farm owners and producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee for FY 2000 by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays provided by that measure, with specified limits; and (2) risk management or income assistance for agricultural producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays, if such legislation does not exceed certain amounts of such authority and outlays. (Sec. 14) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Government Reform Committee reports a bill or submits an amendment or conference report thereon that permits Federal employees to immediately participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, to increase (if necessary) the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced, with specified limits. (Sec. 15) Provides for the application and effect of changes in allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution. (Sec. 16) Expresses the sense of the House with respect to: (1) the reduction of waste, fraud, and abuse within the Federal Government; (2) CBO estimates on impacts of proposed Federal regulations on the private sector; (3) biennial budgeting; (4) Internal Revenue Service consideration of net loss of income in determining proper taxation rates; and (5) stabilization of Federal revenue-sharing payments to States, counties, and boroughs. (Sec. 17) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the use within the classrooms of funds appropriated for elementary and secondary education programs; (2) funding emergencies; (3) affordable health care coverage for all Americans; (4) access to home health care for seniors and disabled citizens; (5) full funding of the Medicare+Choice program; (6) the National Science Foundation; (7) quality skilled nursing care and the Medicare benefit; (8) funding for special education; (9) the Federal employee pay increase for 2001; (10) the Health Care Financing Administration Medicaid School-Based Administrative Claiming Guide; and (11) modification of the Federal tax law to encourage asset-building of the working poor.
Bill· HRH.R. 4029 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Long Term Care and Alzheimer's Disease Advancement Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Aging to establish and maintain the Alzheimer's disease Physician-Scientist program to enhance and promote the translation of new scientific knowledge into clinical practice toward the diagnosis, care, and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease by promising clinicians through awards for research, study, and practice at centers of excellence in Alzheimer's disease research and treatment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress on reimbursement rates under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) to physicians for Alzheimer services. Amends SSA title XVIII to cover as medical treatment under the Medicare home health agency benefit any participation by Medicare beneficiaries in an adult day care program for the therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount of eligible long-term care premiums paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents under a qualified long-term care insurance contract; (2) permit qualified long-term care insurance contracts to be offered under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements under certain conditions; and (3) allow a tax credit for the taxable year in an amount equal to the applicable credit amount multiplied by the number of applicable individuals with long-term care needs with respect to whom the taxpayer is an eligible caregiver for the taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4015 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Alzheimer's Clinical Research and Training Awards Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the establishment and maintenance of the Alzheimer's disease Physician-Scientist program to enhance and promote the translation of new scientific knowledge into clinical practice toward the diagnosis, care and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4016 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress, together with any recommendations for legislation, on reimbursement rates under Medicare to physicians for services related to evaluation, diagnosis, and management of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Bill· HRH.R. 4008 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Pediatric Organ Transplantation Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to: (1) recognize the differences in health and organ transplantation issues between children (individuals under the age of 18) and adults and adopt criteria, policies, and procedures that address children's unique health care needs; and (2) carry out studies and demonstration projects to improve procedures for organ donation procurement and allocation. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the costs of immunosuppressive drugs provided to children pursuant to organ transplants and the extent to which health plans and health insurance cover such costs, including recommendations on issues particular to the special health and transplantation needs of children.
Bill· HRH.R. 4028 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Alzheimer's Disease Medicare Home Health Care Benefit Clarification Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover under the Medicare home health agency benefit any participation by Medicare beneficiaries in an adult day care program for the therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Bill· HRH.R. 3993 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Prompt Payment of Health Benefit Claims Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans, and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage, to: (1) pay the claim to a participant or beneficiary, or make payment to a health care provider, within 15 business days of the date of the claim or bill for services rendered (for those transmitted electronically) or within 30 business days of such date for bills or claims submitted in writing; and (2) accept as a clean claim a claim submitted consistent with standards adopted under title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Amends the PHSA to apply such payment standards to health insurance coverage offered by issuers in the individual market in the same manner as applied to group coverage. Provides for coordination between the Secretaries of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services with respect to the administration of this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSA to require Medicare+Choice organizations to provide prompt payment of claims submitted for services and supplies furnished to individuals enrolled with such organizations through other lines of business (including private health benefits coverage).
Bill· HRH.R. 3980 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Human Fetal Tissue Reporting and Disclosure Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require entities that are to receive fetal tissue for any purpose, other than solely for purpose of pathological examination, to file a disclosure statement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services that contains: (1) a list of each entity that has obtained possession of the tissue prior to possession by the filing entity; (2) a description of the use to be made of such tissue and the end user; (3) a verification that the tissue was obtained with the donor's legal consent; (4) a description of the type of tissue involved, including a determination of whether it was obtained from an induced abortion; (5) a description of the quantity of tissue involved; (6) a description of the money or any other consideration of value transferred as a result of the transference of the tissue; and (7) any other information determined appropriate by the Secretary. Directs entities that enter into contracts for shipment of packages containing such tissue to: (1) notify the shipping entity that the package contains such tissue; (2) label the packaging to indicate that it contains such tissue; (3) ensure that shipment is done in a manner acceptable for the transfer of biomedical material; and (4) ensure that a tracking number is provided for the package. Prescribes monetary penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3912 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to change from mandatory to discretionary the authority of a State to seek adjustment or recovery from the estate of certain individuals of any medical assistance correctly paid on the individual's behalf under the State Medicaid plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 3911 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Medicare Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Direct Reimbursement Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of surgical first assisting services furnished by certified registered nurse first assistants. Provides for payment of such nurses on an assignment-related basis. Excludes services of such nurses from the definition of "covered skilled nursing facility services" for purposes of applying a prospective payment formula for such services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce the amount of Medicare payments otherwise made to hospitals to eliminate estimated duplicate payments for historical or current costs attributable to surgical first assisting services furnished by certified registered nurse first assistants. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on recommendations for adjustments to the payment amounts established under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare for surgical first assisting services furnished by such nurses to ensure that the payment amounts reflect the approximate costs of furnishing such services, taking into account the costs of compensation, overhead, and supervision attributable to such nurses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3920 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Protection of Women in Prisons Act of 1999 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to set forth requirements for a State to receive a Violent Offender Incarceration or Truth-In-Sentencing Incentive Grant. Requires that a State provide assurances to the Attorney General that it has in effect in jails and correctional facilities policies that: (1) are monitored and enforced; (2) restrict the role of male employees with women inmates; (3) prohibit male employees from supervising women inmates during showering and undressing or from conducting body searches, "thorough" part searches, and frisks on women inmates except in case of emergency or in the presence of a female employee; (4) address the health needs of women inmates; (5) prohibit the use of shackles or other restraints on pregnant women unless absolutely necessary; provide additional protections to women inmates who report violations from retaliatory acts; (6) impose disciplinary action against a jail or correctional facility employee who violates this Act; and (7) require that a male employee who is found to have committed physical or sexual misconduct against a woman inmate is terminated. Requires a State to provide documentation that jails and correctional facilities have: (1) instituted programs to address prior victimization, drug and alcohol abuse, and high-risk drug and sexual behaviors of women inmates; (2) contracted with an outside correctional health care organization to regularly assess the status of women's health in correctional settings; (3) complied with national correctional health care standards for screening, classifying, and housing that ensure continuity of care for women inmates; (4) implemented programs for crisis intervention, suicide precaution, case management, and discharge planning for women inmates; and (5) made a concerted effort to meet nationally established standards that ensure the basic level of health care services for women offenders. Requires a State to provide documentation that the State corrections department has conducted a needs assessment of minority health needs in correctional settings and analyzed its health services to women inmates and classified the health and security risk of each woman inmate.
Bill· SS. 2235 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Organ Procurement Organization Certification Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the list of requirements to be met by qualified organ procurement organizations that an organization has been certified or recertified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services within the previous four-year period as meeting performance standards. Requires certification or recertification to be made through a process that either granted certification or recertification with such certification or recertification in effect as of January 1, 2000, and remaining in effect through the earlier of January 1, 2002, or the completion of recertification under regulations promulgated by the Secretary, or that is defined through regulations promulgated by January 1, 2002, that: (1) require recertifications of such organizations no more frequently than once every four years; (2) rely on outcome and process performance measures that are based on empirical evidence of organ donor potential and other related factors in each service area of such organizations; (3) use multiple outcome measures as part of the certification process; (4) provide for filing and approval of a corrective action plan by an organization that fails to meet performance standards and a grace period of up to three years to implement the plan without risk of decertification; and (5) provide for a qualified organization to appeal a decertification to the Secretary on substantive and procedural grounds.
Bill· SS. 2241 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Medicare Wage-Index Reclassification Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make a change in a hospital's geographic classification for inpatient services applicable for purposes of adjustments to payments for variations in costs attributable to wages and wage-related costs for all prospective payment system (PPS)-reimbursed items and services. Defines "PPS-reimbursed items and services" as those furnished by the hospital or a provider-based hospital entity for which payments are: (1) made under the PPS for hospital outpatient department services; and (2) adjusted for variations in costs attributable to wages and wage-related costs.
Bill· SS. 2225 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for eligible long-term care insurance premiums for a taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents; and (2) a credit for eligible caregivers caring for certain individuals with long-term care needs.
Bill· SS. 2232 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Medicare Wellness Act of 2000 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to establish policies and criteria for the HHS Secretary to make grants to approved applicants to study specified approaches to further health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) should encourage inclusion of preventive health measures in all Medicare treatments; (2) HCFA should expand the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine should establish a Medicare health promotion and disease prevention intervention clearinghouse. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to outline Medicare coverage of various specified preventive services, including: (1) counseling for cessation of tobacco use; (2) screening for hypertension; (3) counseling for hormone replacement therapy; (4) screening for glaucoma and for diminished visual acuity; and (5) screening and counseling for osteoporosis. (Sec. 209) Extends Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, a cardiovascular disease, or a renal disease. (Sec. 210) Waives coinsurance and deductibles for certain preventive services, such as: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; (2) colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests; and (3) bone mass measurement. (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries and to integrate specified preventive benefits added by this Act with existing program integrity measures. Title III: Medicare Health Education and Risk Appraisal Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish a health education and risk appraisal program to inform certain target individuals, including Medicare beneficiaries, of specified major behavioral risk factors through self-assessment; and (2) conduct periodic followups. Title IV: Disease Self-Management Demonstration Projects - Establishes in HHS a Disease Self-Management Working Group. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to promote disease self-management for conditions identified by the Group for described target individuals. Provides funding. Title V: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in the Field of Disease Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise reporting requirements for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Sec. 502) Directs the Director of the National Institute on Aging to conduct one or more studies, for associated reports to the HHS Secretary and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, that focus on ways to: (1) improve quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute to study and report to the President and Congress on health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 504) Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 93 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all Americans should take an active role in the fight to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis; (2) the role played by national and community organizations and health care professionals in promoting continued funding for research and in providing information about, and access to, the best medical treatment and support services for multiple sclerosis should be recognized; and (3) the Federal Government has a responsibility to continue to fund research so that the causes of, and improved treatment for, multiple sclerosis may be discovered, to continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for people with multiple sclerosis, and to endeavor to raise public awareness about the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and health professionals' awareness about the diagnosis of, and treatment for, the disease.
Bill· HRH.R. 3891 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Microbicides Development Act of 2000 - Title I: Microbicide Research at the National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH activities with respect to research on the development of microbicides to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Requires NIH to establish a program to support research to develop microbicides that can substantially reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Microbicide Research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Amends the PHSA to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to expand, intensify, and coordinate activities of the Centers with respect to research on microbicides to prevent the transmission of STDs, including HIV. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3887 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Medicare Wellness Act of 2000 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to establish policies and criteria for the HHS Secretary to make grants to approved applicants to study specified approaches to further health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) should encourage inclusion of preventive health measures in all Medicare treatments; (2) HCFA should expand the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine should establish a Medicare health promotion and disease prevention intervention clearinghouse. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to outline Medicare coverage of various specified preventive services, including: (1) counseling for cessation of tobacco use; (2) screening for hypertension; (3) counseling for hormone replacement therapy; (4) screening for glaucoma and for diminished visual acuity; and (5) screening and counseling for osteoporosis. (Sec. 209) Extends Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, a cardiovascular disease, or a renal disease. (Sec. 210) Waives coinsurance and deductibles for certain preventive services, such as: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; (2) colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests; and (3) bone mass measurement. (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries and to integrate specified preventive benefits added by this Act with existing program integrity measures. Title III: Medicare Health Education and Risk Appraisal Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish a health education and risk appraisal program to inform certain target individuals, including Medicare beneficiaries, of described major behavioral risk factors through self-assessment; and (2) conduct periodic followups. Title IV: Disease Self-Management Demonstration Projects - Establishes in HHS a Disease Self-Management Working Group. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to promote disease self-management for conditions identified by the Group for described target individuals. Provides funding. Title V: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in the Field of Disease Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise reporting requirements for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Sec. 502) Directs the Director of the National Institutes on Aging to conduct one or more studies, for associated reports to the HHS Secretary and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, that focus on ways to: (1) improve quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute to study and report to the President and Congress on health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 504) Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. Title VI: Clinical Depression Screening Demonstration Projects - Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of providing annual screenings for clinical depression as a Medicare benefit. Provides funding.
Bill· HRH.R. 3885 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Organ Donation and Transplantation Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify: (1) the requirements organ procurement organizations must meet to be eligible for certain existing grants, including organization certification requirements; and (2) requirements and limitations regarding the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, including regarding organ allocation. Requires that the scientific registry of organ transplant recipients also include information respecting donors and patients in transplants involving living donors. Authorizes grants and contracts for travel and subsistence expenses of living donors. Mandates a public education program regarding organ donation (either directly by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or through grants or contracts). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants for studies and demonstration projects regarding increasing donation rates; and (2) make grants to States for public education and programs to increase the number of donors. Provides for a bronze medal for donors (or, if the donor is deceased, the donor's family).
Bill· HRH.R. 3872 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for eligible long-term care insurance premiums for a taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents; and (2) a credit for eligible caregivers caring for certain individuals with long-term care needs.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 437 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 2000 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2.7 billion in FY 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 3870 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Waives a specified time limitation under the Public Health Service Act with respect to a petition for compensation filed by a named individual for vaccine-related injuries.
Bill· HRH.R. 3840 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to define a qualified individual, for purposes of coverage of bone mass measurement, as any individual (currently, estrogen-deficient women) at clinical risk of osteoporosis. Makes this Act effective on or after October 1, 2000.
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