Healthcare

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act - Requires each fiscal year budget submitted to Congress by the President to include requests for amounts for veterans health care programs. Requires amounts appropriated for such programs to be available for two consecutive fiscal years. Establishes the Veterans Health Care Funding Review Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Board, beginning with FY2008, to determine the level of funding needed for such programs for that fiscal year and the next and to publish such determination in the Federal Register. Outlines veterans' health care needs factors to be considered by the Board in arriving at such determination. Repeals requirements for certain congressional notifications in connection with a funding request for a Department major medical facility project or lease. Provides a 30-day standard for access to medical care for veterans seeking primary or specialized care, as measured from: (1) the time the veteran contacts the Department seeking an appointment until the date a visit is completed (primary care); and (2) the date on which the veteran is referred to a specialist until the date a visit is completed (specialty care). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a standard of waiting time during a visit and to periodically review the performance of Department facilities compared to that standard.

Medicare for the Terminally Ill Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Medicare for the Terminally Ill Act of 2005 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to permit a waiver by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of disabled individuals who are terminally ill.

Comprehensive Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Comprehensive Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2005 - Limits the non-economic damages that an individual may recover from a health care provider for an injury or death as the result of health care malpractice to $250,000 as adjusted for inflation from 1975. Requires each medical malpractice liability insurance company to reduce its medical malpractice liability coverage premiums with financial savings from this Act. Requires a medical malpractice action to be dismissed unless the signer of complaint certifies its validity. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop voluntary performance standards applicable to state medical boards; (2) establish an interstate patient reporting and physician tracking database; and (3) study alternatives to the present legal process in resolving health care malpractice claims arising out of a hospital emergency room's screening examination or treatment required by law. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states and health care entities to carry out mediation programs to resolve health care malpractice allegations without litigation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the voluntary disclosure of patient safety information to patient safety organizations. Makes such information privileged. Directs the Secretary to establish a database to receive relevant non-identifiable patient safety information. Limits the liability of a health care provider that provides information to a state medical board regarding the competence or professional conduct of a physician.

Recognizing career and volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics for their bravery and critically important life-saving responsibilities in responding to crises and safeguarding the public.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Recognizes career and volunteer emergency medical technicians and paramedics for safeguarding the American public. Calls for the federal government to: (1) continue to provide necessary training, equipment, and other resources to protect emergency medical technicians and paramedics as they perform their duties; and (2) deliver homeland security grants and first responder funding quickly and efficiently where needed most by emergency medical technicians and paramedics to enhance local emergency medical services capacity.

Expanding Charitable and Volunteer Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Expanding Charitable and Volunteer Opportunities Act - Protects a business entity from federal or state civil liability for any injury or death resulting from the use of certain equipment donated by such entity to a tax-exempt charitable organization or from the operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle loaned to such charitable organization, unless such business entity is guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Protects a governmental or other entity from federal or state civil liability for personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death caused by fire control or fire rescue equipment which such entity donates to a volunteer fire company, unless such entity is guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend civil liability protections to certain medical practitioners (licensed physicians or clinical psychologists) who donate health care services to patients at health centers for medically underserved populations.

A bill to provide that no Federal funds may be expended for the payment or reimbursement of a drug that is prescribed to a sex offender for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Prohibits any Federal funds from being expended for payment or reimbursement for a drug that is prescribed to an individual who has a conviction for sexual abuse, sexual assault, or any other sexual offense for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction.

Positive Aging Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Positive Aging Act of 2005 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to establish the Office of Older Adult Mental Health Services within the Administration on Aging to develop and implement initiatives to address the mental health needs of older individuals. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to: (1) states for systems to deliver mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals lacking access to such services and for programs to increase public awareness of the benefits of preventing and treating mental disorders in older individuals; and (2) public and nonprofit private entities for demonstration projects providing mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals residing in rural areas or in naturally occurring retirement communities in urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for: (1) demonstration projects integrating mental health services for older patients into primary care settings; and (2) multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services. Requires the Director to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services. Requires membership of the advisory council for the Center for Mental Health Services to include representatives of older Americans, their families, and geriatric mental health specialists. Includes among projects of national significance the targeting of substance abuse by older individuals. Includes services for older individuals under community mental health services block grant state plan criteria.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require emergency contraception to be available at all military health care treatment facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Requires emergency contraception to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that no prior authorization may be required for such contraception.

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid Programs of sex-enhancing drugs for individuals convicted of a sex offense.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid programs of sex-enhancing drugs for individuals convicted of a sex offense.

Department of Defense Historical Radiation Records Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Department of Defense Historical Radiation Records Preservation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from destroying any document in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) that is a historical record relating to radioactive fallout from the testing of any nuclear device. Directs the Secretary to identify, preserve, and publish information contained in such documents. Expresses the sense of Congress that all government agencies should institute a moratorium on the destruction of historical fallout-related records and that DOD should declassify those records for the benefit of scientific research and public health.

Positive Aging Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Positive Aging Act of 2005 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to establish the Office of Older Adult Mental Health Services within the Administration on Aging to develop and implement initiatives to address the mental health needs of older individuals. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to: (1) states for systems to deliver mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals lacking access to such services and for programs to increase public awareness of the benefits of preventing and treating mental disorders; and (2) public and nonprofit private entities for demonstration projects providing mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals residing in rural areas or in naturally occurring retirement communities in urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for: (1) demonstration projects integrating mental health services for older patients into primary care settings; and (2) multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services. Requires the Director to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services. Requires membership of the advisory council for the Center for Mental Health Services to include representatives of older Americans, their families, and geriatric mental health specialists. Includes among projects of national significance the targeting of substance abuse by older individuals. Includes services for older individuals under community mental health services block grant state plan criteria.

TRICARE Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

TRICARE Equity Act - Prohibits any member or former member (or dependent of such member) of the armed forces who is eligible for benefits under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program) and who has another insurance plan or program that provides primary coverage for health benefits from being required to pay any copayment or annual deductible under the TRICARE program.

Rural Access to Emergency Services Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Rural Access to Emergency Services Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) cost-based critical access hospital ambulance services; (2) appropriate coverage of rural ground ambulance services; and (3) payments to retain emergency and other capacity for ambulances in rural areas. Amends SSA title XI to provide for expanding the work of Medicare quality improvement organizations to include ambulance providers. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to including ambulance providers in the definition of health care provider for purposes of the Universal Service Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to encourage them to make improvements to their emergency medical services systems.

Prescription Drug Coverage Stewardship Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Prescription Drug Coverage Stewardship Act of 2005 - Prohibits any Federal funds from being expended for payment or reimbursement for a drug that is prescribed for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction, including for such a drug that is prescribed to an individual who has a conviction for sexual abuse, sexual assault, or any other sexual offense.

Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform and Rural Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform and Rural Equity Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) revise ambulance payment rates; and (2) provide additional payments for providers furnishing ambulance services in rural areas. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the system for adjusting payments for rural ambulance services to determine their adequacy and appropriateness. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to a Secretary-specified uniform coding system identifying furnished ambulance services for purposes of a fee schedule. Directs the Secretary to establish a system or systems for the coding of claims for ambulance services for which payment is made, including a code set specifying the medical condition of the individual who is transported and the level of service that is appropriate for the transportation of an individual with that medical condition. Requires the code set to take into account the list of medical conditions developed in the course of the negotiated rulemaking process. (Current law authorizes the Secretary to require the claim for any ambulance services to include a code (or codes) under a uniform coding system specified by the Secretary, but does not require the establishment of such a coding system.)

Respect for Life Embryonic Stem Cell Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Respect for Life Embryonic Stem Cell Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide for the conduct and support of basic applied research to develop: (1) techniques for the derivation of stem cells from embryos that do not harm embryos; and (2) techniques for storing such stem cells of an animal for future therapy for that animal. Prohibits any such research that involves the derivation of stem cells from human embryos or that uses any stem cell to attempt to create a human embryo.

Prescription Drug Tampering Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Prescription Drug Tampering Prevention Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish criminal penalties of a fine or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or both, for: (1) knowingly causing a prescription drug to be adulterated or misbranded and selling or trading the drug; or (2) purchasing or trading for a prescription drug knowing or having reason to know that the drug was knowingly caused to be adulterated or misbranded. Modifies provisions pertaining to criminal fines for committing certain prohibited acts involving food, drugs, devices, or cosmetics.

Elaine Sullivan Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Elaine Sullivan Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require emergency departments to contact family members, a specified healthcare agent, or a surrogate decisionmaker of an incapacitated patient within 24 hours of arrival at the emergency department. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations for the purpose of assisting them to establish and operate voluntary next of kin registries.

Reservist Health Care Continuity Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Reservist Health Care Continuity Act - Requires employers to continue health care coverage for National Guard and reserve personnel called to active duty (and their dependents) for the lesser of: (1) an 18-month period or the day after the person fails to return to such employment, in the case of an employer with 20 or fewer employees; or (2) the period of such absence or the day after the person fails to return to such employment, in the case of an employer with more than 20 employees. Requires the Secretary of Defense to reimburse employers for the employer share of any premiums for such health care coverage for each month during such military service.

Medical Independence, Privacy, and Innovation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Medical Independence, Privacy, and Innovation Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to deduct all uncompensated medical expenses paid for by the taxpayer (currently, only medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income are deductible). Sets forth the tax treatment for medical checking accounts, including: (1) exempting such accounts from certain taxes; (2) allowing individuals a deduction and a credit for contributions to such accounts; and (3) excluding from gross income any amounts paid or distributed from such an account which are used to pay qualified medical expenses of an account holder. Decreases the minimum annual deductibles under a high deductible health plan for purposes of health savings accounts or Archer medical savings accounts. Makes modifications to regulations regarding the privacy of individually identifiable health information. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate the Universal Health Privacy Declaration to allow an individual to prohibit a health care provider from using or disclosing the individual's protected health information for treatment without prior consent. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) modify the definition of a drug to exclude articles intended for mitigation or prevention of disease in man or other animals; (2) remove the requirement that a new drug application must include information on the drug's effectiveness; and (3) specify patent information that must be included in an application for approval of a new drug. Prohibits the granting of an exclusive or partially exclusive license regarding an invention made with federal assistance, with certain exceptions. Revises provisions requiring promulgation of regulations permitting the importation of prescription drugs by deleting the requirement that such regulations include additional provisions the Secretary determines to be appropriate as a safeguard to protect the public health or facilitate importation.

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deny an application for a new animal drug that is a critical antimicrobial animal drug unless the applicant demonstrates that there is a reasonably certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the nontherapeutic use of the drug. Defines "critical antimicrobial animal drug" as a drug intended for use in food-producing animals that contains specified antibiotics or other drugs used in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection caused by microorganisms. Requires the Secretary to withdraw approval of a nontherapeutic use of such drugs in food-producing animals two years after the date of enactment of this Act unless certain safety requirements are met. Requires the manufacturer of such a drug or an animal feed for food-producing animals containing such a drug to report sales information to the Secretary.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should not infringe on State or private programs that fund embryonic stem cell research.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should not infringe on state or private programs that fund embryonic stem cell research.

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with qualified cord blood stem cell banks to assist in the collection and maintenance of human cord blood to be made available for transplantation through the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. Requires the Secretary to require that recipients of such contracts: (1) acquire and store donated units of human cord blood acquired with the informed consent of the donor in a manner that complies with applicable Federal and State regulations; and (2) make collected cord blood units available for stem cell transplantation or, if not appropriate for clinical use, available for peer-reviewed research. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish and maintain the Program to increase the number of transplants for recipients suitably matched to biologically unrelated donors of bone marrow and cord blood. Requires the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council to advise the Secretary on matters related to Program activities. Requires the Program to: (1) operate a system for identifying, matching, and facilitating the distribution of donated cord blood units; (2) allow transplant physicians, health care professionals, and patients to search by electronic means for available cord blood units; (3) support studies and demonstration and outreach projects for the purpose of increasing cord blood donation to ensure a genetically diverse collection of cord blood units; and (4) carry out information and educational activities for the purpose of increasing cord blood donation and promoting the availability of cord blood units as a transplant option. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a scientific database of outcome information relating to patients who have been recipients of stem cell therapeutics product from a biologically unrelated donor (replacing provisions establishing a bone marrow scientific registry).

Joe Testaverde Adult Stem Cell Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Joe Testaverde Adult Stem Cell Research Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH activities regarding qualifying adult stem cell research. Defines "qualifying adult stem cell" to mean a human stem cell obtained from a human placenta, umbilical cord blood, an organ or tissue of a living or deceased human being who has been born, or an organ or tissue of unborn human offspring who died of natural causes (such as spontaneous abortion). Requires the Director to award grants and contracts to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for no less than five centers of excellence regarding such research. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, including investigations into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, and treatment of disease. Allows a center to: (1) make individuals aware of opportunities to participate as subjects in research; and (2) provide referrals for health and other services. Requires the Director to provide for: (1) a program under which samples of tissues and genetic materials that are of use in qualifying adult stem cell research are donated, collected, preserved, and made available for such research; and (2) means through which the public can obtain information on NIH programs and activities related to such research and through which the Director can receive comments from the public.

Stop the Theft of Our Social Security Numbers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Stop the Theft of Our Social Security Numbers Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit disclosure of an individual's Social Security number by the Department of Health and Human Services on Medicare-related mailings. Restricts the inclusion of such number in tax-related mailings to those where the number is in a sealed envelope or wrapper, and cannot be viewed without opening the envelope or wrapper.

Healthcare Student Financial Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Healthcare Student Financial Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make certain revisions to specified regulations for student loan repayment deferment, under the Federal Family Education Loan, Federal Direct Student Loan, and Perkins Loan programs, with respect to borrowers who are in postgraduate medical and dental residency and fellowship programs. Amends the the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that a specified limitation on students in medical residency programs does not apply to students in dental residency programs under certain student loan deferment provisions.

Rural Access to Emergency Services Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Rural Access to Emergency Services Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) cost-based critical access hospital ambulance services; (2) appropriate coverage of rural ground ambulance services; and (3) payments to retain emergency and other capacity for ambulances in rural areas. Amends SSA title XI to provide for expanding the work of Medicare quality improvement organizations to include ambulance providers. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to including ambulance providers in the definition of health care provider for purposes of the Universal Service Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to encourage them to make improvements to their emergency medical services systems.

Responsible Education About Life Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Responsible Education About Life Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Expresses the sense of Congress that States are encouraged but not required to provide matching funds. Requires the Secretary to provide for a national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in changing adolescent sexual behavior, including delaying sexual and high-risk activity, preventing pregnancy and disease (including HIV/AIDS), and increasing contraceptive knowledge. Requires States receiving such grants to provide for an individual evaluation of the State's program by an external, independent entity.

Tick-Borne Disorders Advisory Committee Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Tick Borne-Disorders Advisory Committee Act of 2005 - Establishes the Tick-Borne Disorders Advisory Committee in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Directs the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how to: (1) assure interagency coordination and communication in efforts to address tick-borne disorders; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations; and (3) develop informed responses to constituency groups regarding HHS efforts and progress. Authorizes appropriations for FY2006-FY2007 to fund the Committee in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY2006-FY2010 for: (1) research and educational activities concerning Lyme disease and other tick-borne disorders; and (2) efforts to prevent such illnesses. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should consider carrying out a five-year plan to: (1) develop a diagnostic test for Lyme disease and other tick-borne disorders for use in clinical testing; (2) determine the prevalence of such illnesses in the United States; and (3) develop the capabilities at HHS to design and implement improved strategies for the prevention and control of such illnesses.

Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payment for physicians' services to establish an update to the single conversion factor for 2006 of at least 2.7 %, and a formula for an update to the single conversion factor for 2007. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in calculating the formula for the single conversion factor, to establish an input price index and estimate a productivity adjustment factor for 2007.

International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to enact laws restricting the receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste within their borders until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues regulations implementing and enforcing the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada (Agreement). Defines the authority of the Administrator with respect to the importation and exportation of municipal solid waste under the Agreement. Requires the Administrator to give substantial weight to the views of affected states and local governments before consenting to the importation of foreign municipal solid waste into the United States under the Agreement, and to consider the impact of such importation on: (1) the continued public support for state and local recycling programs; (2) landfill capacities; (3) air emissions and road deterioration from increased vehicular traffic; and (4) homeland security, public health, and the environment. Authorizes the Administrator to assess civil penalties for any past or current violations of this Act or to commence a civil action in the U.S. district court.

Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for a donation of a qualified life-saving organ for transplantation by a living individual into another individual. Defines "qualified life-saving organ" as a kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow, or any part thereof. Limits the annual amount of such credit to $5,000 of the unreimbursed costs and lost wages incurred by an organ donor in connection with an organ transplant. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) reduce federal living organ donation grants by any tax credit for organ donation received under this Act; and (2) provide that any such tax credit not be deemed valuable consideration for purposes of the ban against organ purchases.

Preserving Medicare for All Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Preserving Medicare for All Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors; and (2) requiring a particular formulary to institute a price structure for the reimbursement of covered Medicare part D drugs. Allows the Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) eligible individual, as an alternative to the current choice of coverage in at least two qualifying plans in the area in which the individual resides, to choose enrollment in a nationwide prescription drug plan offered by the Secretary (to replace enrollment in a fallback prescription drug plan in any case in which such plans are not available). Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to: (1) take necessary steps to qualify and serve as a prescription drug plan sponsor; and (2) offer a prescription drug plan that offers basic prescription drug coverage throughout the United States, with a $35 premium for 2006, adjusted annually thereafter. Requires such a plan to be in addition to, and not in lieu of, other prescription drug plans offered. Provides for full reimbursement to employers for the cost of qualified retiree drug coverage, and permits their costs to count towards senior's catastrophic limits. Abolishes the comparative cost adjustment program. Eliminates the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund. Repeals certain cost containment requirements.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF TELEMEDICINE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 May 2005

HeLP America Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act or the HeLP America Act - Sets forth provisions for the establishment of, and incentives for, wellness programs. Provides for: (1) healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants; (2) school mental health program grants; (3) the establishment of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to certify a hospital as a baby friendly hospital/center for breastfeeding excellence; and (4) programs for children at risk for emotional or behavioral problems due to family distress. Healthy Workforce Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to: (1) allow a wellness program credit for employers; and (2) exclude from an employee's income the fees paid by an employer to an athletic or fitness facility on the employee's behalf. Provides for grants to promote individual and community health, prevent the incidence of chronic disease, and implement Living Well With a Disability Programs. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) develop enhanced standards for the design of roads and intersection controls to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety; and (2) double the percentage of trips made by foot or bicycle while simultaneously reducing crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians by 10 percent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to implement public health monitoring measures to address mental and behavioral health needs. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to require employers to provide lactation periods and lactation facilities to permit employees to breastfeed eligible children. Applies such requirements to the federal civil service. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to: (1) regulate tobacco products (through the Food and Drug Administration); and (2) establish the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Sets forth tobacco product standards and registration, recordkeeping, reporting, manufacturer and importer user fee, labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements. Requires vending machines and certain restaurants to provide nutritional information about each food offered, including the number of calories. Restores the ability of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to restrict the marketing or advertising of foods to children. Deems infant formula to be misbranded if it does not contain a statement regarding the nutritional superiority of breast milk. Requires the Secretary to impose penalties on the tobacco industry for failure to achieve specified goals to reduce youth smoking. Amends the Social Security Act to provide coverage for certain counseling and screening services. Requires the Secretary to encourage a State program to utilize school-based health centers to deliver primary care to children eligible for federal medical assistance. Establishes the HeLP (Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention) America Trust Fund to fund smoking cessation efforts and other efforts required by this Act.

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a grant program to enable states to develop statewide stroke care systems; (2) foster the development of stroke care systems through information sharing among involved agencies and individuals; (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel in the identification, assessment, stabilization, and prehospital treatment of stroke patients; (4) issue recommendations and guidelines on best practices for establishing and operating such systems; and (5) provide public information on recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and appropriate actions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry; and (2) award grants to states to develop stroke care systems that provide high-quality prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Authorizes the Secretary to make related state planning grants. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration in awarding grants to states in a geographic area with an elevated incidence of stroke or stoke-caused disabilities or demonstrating a significant need for assistance in establishing such a system.

CORE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Community Options for Rural Elders Act of 2005 or the CORE Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the Administrator of Health Resources and Services to work with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish Programs for All-Inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) providers in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to permit a rural PACE provider applicant to adapt its PACE program to the unique requirements of eligible participants residing in rural areas and the challenges of providing services to them. Requires the Secretary to waive certain requirements of titles XI, XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act as necessary to support the delivery of PACE services in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to award site development grants to rural PACE providers. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Rural Health Policy, to make awards to tax-exempt organizations for the purpose of establishing a technical assistance outreach and education program. Requires the Secretary to establish a fund to reimburse rural PACE providers awarded a site development grant for outlier costs with respect to eligible enrollees in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory group.

Combating Autism Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Combating Autism Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) a program to provide information and education on autism and its risk factors to health professionals and the general public; and (2) the Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate autism related activities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop statewide autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance to state agencies to conduct applied autism research.

EXAMINING PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND OTHER TRENDS IN EMPLOYER- SPONSORED HEALTHCARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 May 2005

Children and Family HIV/AIDS Research and Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Children and Family HIV/AIDS Research and Care Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that recipients of certain grants related to HIV research and services for women, infants, and children agree to provide coordinated, family-centered care. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to provide health care and other supportive services to youth with HIV designed to recruit and retain youth in care. Requires that chief elected officials in eligible areas and states prioritize certain grant funds using HIV case data rather than AIDS case data. Requires the Secretary to report on the status of using such HIV case data and the impact of this transition on the resources directed to women, infants, children, and youth. Requires the Secretary to award demonstration grants to public and nonprofit private entities to conduct assessments of the effectiveness of certain strategies in reducing the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, to report on activities related to the testing of potential HIV vaccine candidates in relevant pediatric populations. Requires the Commission of Food and Drugs to issue guidance on the minimum requirements for obtaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to test an HIV vaccine in pediatric populations and for a pediatric indication of an HIV vaccine. Requires the Director of NIH to invest in domestic and international research on specified topics related to HIV and pediatric populations.

Community Health Center Volunteer Physician Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Community Health Center Volunteer Physician Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem volunteer practitioners at health centers as employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to providing services to patients at such health centers. Defines "volunteer practitioner" as a licensed physician who: (1) at the request of the entity, provides services to patients of a public or nonprofit entity receiving Federal funds for serving medically underserved areas; (2) provides such service at a site at which the entity operates or at a site designated by the entity; and (3) does not receive any compensation for the provision of services.

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for: (1) enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law); and (2) related payments to Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations operating in the State. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with an Office of Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bi-Partisan Indian Health Care Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding the delivery of Federal health care services to Indians. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY 2015. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense, military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy for FY2006. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects, ballistic missile defense, and manufacturing technology; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) Guard and Reserve forces facilities; and (7) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military justice, including statutes of limitations with respect to murder, rape, and child abuse, and the establishment of the offense of stalking; (3) defense dependents' education, including assistance to local educational agencies; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management, including the establishment of defense contract support acquisition centers and certain defense acquisition workforce improvements; (6) DOD organization and management, including an advisory committee on DOD space control, and the authority to exempt from public disclosure certain operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency; (7) budget and financial matters, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for U.S. border reconnaissance, and certain counter-drug activities; (8) DOD civilian personnel policy; (9) matters relating to other nations, including increased assistance for the detection and clearing of landmines; (10) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; and (11) the national defense stockpile. Authorizes emergency supplemental appropriations for DOD for FY2006 for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism, specifically for: (1) procurement; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the defense health program; (4) military personnel; and (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes military construction, military family housing, and certain military land conveyances.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2006. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects, ballistic missile defense, and manufacturing technology; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, and environmental restoration; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military justice, including statutes of limitations with respect to murder, rape, and child abuse, and the establishment of the offense of stalking; (3) defense dependents' education, including assistance to local educational agencies; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management, including the establishment of defense contract support acquisition centers and certain defense acquisition workforce improvements; (6) DOD organization and management, including an advisory committee on DOD space control, and the authority to exempt from public disclosure certain operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency; (7) budget and financial matters, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for U.S. border reconnaissance, and certain counter-drug activities; (8) DOD civilian personnel policy; (9) matters relating to other nations, including increased assistance for the detection and clearing of landmines; and (10) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Authorizes emergency supplemental appropriations for DOD for FY2006 for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism, specifically for: (1) procurement; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the defense health program; (4) military personnel; and (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund.

Covering Kids Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Covering Kids Act of 2005 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to: (1) conduct innovative outreach and enrollment efforts that are designed to increase the enrollment and participation of eligible children under SCHIP; and (2) promote understanding of the importance of health insurance coverage for prenatal care and children. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to grant a state the option to provide for simplified determinations of a child's financial eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid or child health assistance under SCHIP.

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act - Requires the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to study and report jointly to Congress on: (1) the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions upon veterans and their children born after such exposure; and (2) a public health assessment of persons thought to have an epidemiological link to any U.S. military installation or production facility at which depleted uranium munitions have either been, or currently are being, used or produced. Instructs the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a list of all sites in the United States where depleted uranium munitions have been used or produced, and a site-specific map of each site. Directs the Administrator to report to the Secretary and to certain congressional committees on the results of a comprehensive environmental evaluation of possible contamination of the soil, air, water, and vegetation by depleted uranium at the listed sites. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for the mitigation and cleanup of depleted uranium at the pertinent sites.

Emergency Malpractice Liability Insurance Commission (EMLIC) Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Emergency Malpractice Liability Insurance Commission (EMLIC) Act - Establishes the Emergency Malpractice Liability Insurance Commission to examine the causes of soaring medical malpractice premiums and propose a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the impact. Directs the Commission to investigate and determine whether a causal relationship exists between: (1) skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums; (2) jury awards; (3) decreased accessibility and affordability of health care; and (4) an increase in the number of physicians moving, quitting, or retiring.

Improved Medical Malpractice Information Reporting and Competition Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Improved Medical Malpractice Information Reporting and Competition Act of 2005 - Establishes the Office of Health Care Competition Policy within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with responsibility for the National Practitioner Data Bank. Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to require each entity that underwrites a policy of insurance for medical malpractice actions or claims to report information respecting such insurance or claims for payment under such policy. Specifies information to be reported, including: (1) direct premiums written and earned; (2) net investment income; (3) incurred claims; (4) actual incurred expenses; (5) net operation gain or loss; and (6) certain information on claims for the year, including claims paid and verdict amounts. Sets forth a civil penalty for failure to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary of HHS to make the information reported that does not provide individually identifiable information available on the Data Bank website.

In Memory Medal For Forgotten Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2005

In Memory Medal For Forgotten Veterans Act - Establishes the "Jesus (Chuchi) Salgado Medal" to be issued by the Secretary of Defense to a qualifying veteran who: (1) died after serving in the Vietnam War but whose death is determined to be a direct result of such service; (2) was exposed to herbicide agents while serving in the Republic of Vietnam and is eligible for health care; (3) was exposed to ionizing radiation and is eligible for health care; or (4) served in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War and is entitled (or was at the time of death entitled) to disability benefits for illnesses associated with Gulf War service.

SPECIALTY HOSPITALS: ASSESSING THEIR ROLE IN THE DELIVERY OF QUALITY HEALTH CARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 May 2005