Healthcare

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should promulgate as expeditiously as possible regulations required under the Public Health Service Act, relating to protections for residents of certain facilities with respect to the use of restraints and involuntary seclusion.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006

Calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate as expeditiously as possible the regulations required under the Public Health Service Act that would: (1) require facilities dealing with individuals with mental illness to ensure that there is an adequate number of qualified staff to evaluate patients, formulate treatment plans, and provide active treatment measures; (2) require that appropriate training be provided for the staff of such facilities in the use of restraints and any alternatives to the use of restraints; and (3) require that such facilities provide complete and accurate notification of any deaths occurring after restraint or seclusion of a patient.

WHAT'S THE COST?: PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE CONSUMERS WITH BETTER INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTHCARE SERVICE COSTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 March 2006

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the contribution limits for health savings accounts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow participants in high deductible health care insurance plans an increased tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account.

Self-Employed Health Care Affordability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006

Self-Employed Health Care Affordability Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed taxpayers to deduct health insurance costs in computing their net earnings.

Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006

Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, or any other appropriate licenced facility, including a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.

Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006

Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after December 31, 2005, in: (1) a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) after December 31, 2005, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the importance of oral health, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006

Declares that access to oral health care services and the prevention of oral health care disease is integral to achieving and maintaining good health. Recognizes the Academy of General Dentistry for its role in promoting high standards of training and professionalism in the field of primary dental care and for helping to address the treatment and prevention of oral health disease.

Fishery Management Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2006

Fishery Management Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require determinations that a fishery is depleted (currently, overfished) or approaching being depleted to be based on the best scientific information available, subject to peer review, and include an explanation of the cause or causes of the depleted condition of the fishery. Sets forth circumstances under which the rebuilding deadline may be extended for an individual stock of fish within a multispecies fishery in which more than one stock of fish is subject to a management plan, amendment, or regulation. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to a depleted fishery due to unsustainable fishing, to notify a Regional Fishery Management Council and request action be taken to end the unsustainable fishing in such fishery and to implement conservation and management measures to rebuild affected fish stocks. Provides grants for qualifying health care coverage programs to provide benefits to individuals employed in the fishing industry (including their families). Establishes the Federal Fishery Research Network to conduct research on fishery management issues. Requires federal inspection of fishing vessel safety instruction and emergency drill records. Authorizes grants for fishing vessel safety training and instruction sessions (including purchase of safety equipment). Requires a holder of an individual fishing quota to be a U.S. citizen. Provides grants to construct or improve wharves in coastal areas for commercial fishing use. Establishes the Fishery Science Education Program to increase the number of post-baccalaureate degrees in fishery science.

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2006 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the exemption respecting required patient days used for specified care categories for critical access hospitals under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) hospital mortgage insurance program.

Paul Revere Freedom to Warn Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Paul Revere Freedom to Warn Act - Makes it unlawful to take any adverse personnel action against any covered individual if such individual has acted lawfully to: (1) provide information or assistance in an investigation or proceeding regarding any conduct which the covered individual reasonably believes constitutes evidence of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, a threat to national homeland security, a substantial and specific threat to public health or safety, or fraud, abuse of authority, waste, or mismanagement of public funds, if the information or assistance is provided to, or the investigation is conducted by, specified individuals, including law enforcement authorities, Members of Congress, or supervisors of such individual; (2) file, testify, participate in, or assist in a proceeding or action relating to an alleged violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (3) refuse to violate or assist in the violation of any law, rule or regulation. Specifies the enforcement actions under which a covered individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination by any person in violation of such requirement may seek relief. Entitles a covered individual prevailing in any such action to all relief appropriate to make such individual whole. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Department of Justice to submit annual reports on the enforcement of such violations. Requires this Act's provisions to be prominently posted in places of employment to which it applies.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans and to eliminate any late enrollment penalty for enrollments in such plans at any time during 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend though November 14 the 2006 open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans; and (2) eliminate any late enrollment penalty for enrollments in such plans at any time during 2006.

Medicare Doughnut Hole Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Medicare Doughnut Hole Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to count expenses for nonformulary covered part D drugs against the Medicare annual out-of-pocket threshold for costs for such drugs.

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for continuity of coverage of prescription drugs under Medicare prescription drug plans for full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for continuity of coverage of prescription drugs under Medicare prescription drug plans for full-benefit dual eligible individuals transitioning from Medicaid coverage.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the establishment of a National Blood Reserve, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Endorses: (1) U.S. participation in the World Health Organization's World Blood Donor Day campaign; and (2) the establishment of a National Blood Reserve to meet needs in emergency situations, domestic disasters, and terrorists attacks. Recognizes the Give Life Foundation's efforts to form public/private partnerships for the coordination of blood donor recruitment programs to supplement the National Blood Reserve.

THE SILICOSIS STORY: MASS TORT SCREENING AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 March 2006

A resolution designating March 8, 2006, as "International Women's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

Designates March 8, 2006, as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to: (1) end discrimination and increase the participation of women in decision-making positions in government and in the private sector; (2) end and prevent violence against women; (3) pursue policies that guarantee the basic rights of women in the United States and around the world; (4) improve access to quality health care for women; (5) protect the human rights of women and girls during and after conflict and to support the integration of gender perspectives in peacekeeping missions and post conflict processes; and (6) end the trafficking of women and girls.

A resolution designating March 8, 2006, as "International Women's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

Designates March 8, 2006, as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to: (1) improve access to quality health care; (2) end and prevent violence against women, including the trafficking of women and girls, and ensure that the criminals who engage in those activities are brought to justice; (3) end discrimination and increase participation of women in decision-making positions in the government and private sectors; (4) extend full economic opportunities to women, including access to microfinance and microenterprise; and (5) strengthen the role of women as agents of peace.

National Nurse Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

National Nurse Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Nurse within the Office of Public Health and Science to: (1) encourage individuals to enter the nursing profession; (2) encourage nurses to become educators in schools of nursing; and (3) promote the public health. Requires the National Nurse to: (1) designate four methods of achieving better health that will be given priority; and (2) make grants to nonprofit private entities to carry out projects for the purpose of educating the public on the annual health priorities.

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires the Office to ensure that a range of health benefits plans are provided, including one that provides the same benefits as the government-wide plan available to federal employees. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for health and long-term care insurance costs of individuals not participating in employer-subsidized health plans.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax deduction from gross income (available to itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers) for the cost of health care insurance, including long-term care insurance, for such taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents. Disallows such tax deduction for taxpayers participating in an employer-paid health care plan or for taxpayers who have health care coverage under certain federal assistance programs.

Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under SSA part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program), based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices. Grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority similar to that of other federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs. States that the Secretary shall be required to: (1) negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs for each fallback prescription drug plan; and (2) participate in negotiation of contracts of any covered part D drug upon request of an approved prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a particular formulary or instituting a price structure for the reimbursement of covered part D drugs in order to carry out, and promote competition, under part D.

VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Requires the Secretary, at least semiannually, to publish reports on VA hospital quality, including assessments of effectiveness, safety, timeliness, and efficiency.

Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to report on health care quality in subsection (d) hospitals. Directs the Administrator to establish the Hospital Quality Advisory Committee to advise on the submission, collection, and reporting of quality measures data.

Federal Family Health Information Technology Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Federal Family Health Information Technology Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions concerning the establishment of a system of electronic health records for covered individuals under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Directs that each contract under FEHBP shall require that the carrier establish, maintain, and make available a carrier electronic health record for each covered individual who is enrolled under FEHBP in a health benefits plan offered by such carrier. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish the Federal Family Health Information Technology Trust Fund for the purpose of receiving donations to be used to award grants to carriers who meet certain requirements as set forth by OPM. Instructs OPM to award grants from the Trust Fund to carriers to be distributed as incentives to their contracting health care providers for implementing provider-based electronic health records.

Katrina Health Access, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Katrina Health Access, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide low-interest loans to small business concerns located in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area for the restoration of health care and health care services. Provides for tax credits, deductions, and grants for medical malpractice insurance and medical liability insurance for providers located in such areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to make payments from the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund (established under this Act) for capital financing assistance to eligible health care facilities located in such an area for replacement, modernization and renovation projects, and capital equipment acquisition. Requires the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements to enable higher education institutions in such an area to resume health care-related programs. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Director of the Office of Minority Health, to designate as medically needy Katrina recovery zones areas located in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area that experience disproportionate racial and ethnic disparities in health status and health care. Provides for grants to: (1) such recovery zones; (2) public health facilities for constructing, modernizing, or repairing health facilities damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina; and (3) organizations in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area seeking to improve health of minorities and reduce health disparities. Requires states to provide Disaster Relief Medicaid Assistance to Katrina survivors as a condition of participation in the Medicaid program.

Pharmaceutical Products Price Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Pharmaceutical Products Price Equity Act - Directs the President to issue orders and regulations, and establish procedures and reporting requirements, to ensure that no pharmaceutical product is sold to any consumer in the United States at a price that is more than six percent above the average retail price at which such pharmaceutical product is sold in the five most industrialized, free-market countries, other than the United States. Sets forth enforcement and civil liability provisions.

Innovation and Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Innovation and Competitiveness Act - Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2006 - Amends federal law concerning the power of a state to impose a net income tax on income derived from interstate commerce to extend the exemption from such tax with respect to solicitations for, and sales of, tangible personal property shipped from outside the state to all other forms of property, services, and other transactions fulfilled from a point outside the state. Makes such net income tax prohibitions applicable to other business activity taxes specified by this Act. Prohibits imposing a net income tax or other business activity tax on a person's activities in interstate commerce unless such person has a physical presence in the state during the taxable period with respect to which the tax is imposed. Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2006- Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Signing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to Court; Sanctions) with respect to mandatory court sanctions for frivolous lawsuits and award of attorney's fees to parties prevailing on Rule 11 motions. Applies Rule 11 to state civil actions that substantially affect interstate commerce. Requires personal injury claims filed in state or federal court to be filed in the county or federal district meeting specified requirements. Requires a federal district court to suspend from the practice of law for one year (or longer, at the court's discretion) an attorney found to have violated Rule 11 three or more times. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that an attempt to litigate a claim or defense involving the same plaintiff and defendant that has been litigated and lost on three consecutive prior occasions is a Rule 11 violation. Imposes additional sanctions for the willful and intentional destruction of documents highly relevant to a federal court proceeding. Requires public disclosure of the record of a Rule 11 proceeding, except in specified circumstances. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program with an Innovation Scholarship program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to: (1) award funds to a private nonprofit organization to administer, through a public-private partnership, a Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships program for postsecondary and graduate students who commit to five consecutive years of service in a science, engineering, or mathematics field; (2) cover the student loan interest obligations of mathematics, science, or engineering professionals and elementary and secondary school teachers who commit to five consecutive years of service in such positions; and (3) award grants to states to establish, expand, or reform state mathematics and science education coordinating councils where education, business, and community leaders collaborate to improve teacher recruitment and training and student performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Investment in America Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase the rates of the alternative incremental tax credit for research activities; and (3) allow a taxpayer to elect an alternative simplified tax credit for certain research expenses. Health Care Choice Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of the primary state (as designated by the health insurance issuer) to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in both the primary state and any secondary state if the coverage and issuer meet certain requirements. Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to oversee the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information technology. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to provide for establishment of uniform confidentiality and security standards with respect to individually identifiable patient health information. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking any action to impede the development of seamless mobility (the ability of a user and a user's connecting devices to move easily among Internet-protocol enabled technology platforms, facilities, and networks).

A bill to provide additional funding for mental health care for veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for Medical Services for mental health care for veterans. Requires an annual report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the congressional veterans' committees describing progress in meeting each milestone specified in the Department's national mental health strategic plan.

Existing Drug Coverage Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Existing Drug Coverage Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply to State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and the states offering such programs, the special rules for subsidy payments by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to sponsors of qualified retiree prescription drug plans for each qualified covered retiree.

Medicare-Guaranteed Prescription Drug Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Medicare-Guaranteed Prescription Drug Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare-guaranteed prescription drug plan option that offers standard prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices. Revises requirements for part D standard prescription drug coverage. Provides for an annual deductible equal to the deductible for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) and for reduced coinsurance.

Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of items and services under a cardiac rehabilitation program and a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2006 -Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims concerning the provision of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Limits the liability of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and providers of medical products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

Electronic Health Information Technology Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Electronic Health Information Technology Act of 2006 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Information Technology, headed by the Chief Health Informatics Officer (CHIO) of Health Information Technology (HIT), who shall develop, maintain, and direct the implementation of an interoperable HIT strategic plan to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information technology in the public and private health care sectors. Transfers to the CHIO functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the National Coordinator for HIT. Requires the CHIO to award one-year grants to eligible HIT entities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a demonstration program to determine methods by which contextual access criteria and analysis technologies for specific diseases and health criteria may be used to search patient electronic health records and aggregated health information without using personal identifying information of patients. Amends SSA title XI part A to establish a health care provider HIT loan program. Makes exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the dissemination of health information technology. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on state laws and regulations relating to the security and confidentiality of individually identifiable health information to determine how any variation among the states, and between state and federal law, may adversely impact the electronic exchange of clinical health information among states, the federal government, and private entities.

Reducing Fraudulent and Imitation Drugs Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Reducing Fraudulent and Imitation Drugs Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require prescription drug packaging to incorporate: (1) radio frequency tagging technology or similar trace and track technologies; (2) tamper-indicating technologies; and (3) blister security packaging when possible. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require that such technologies be used exclusively to authenticate the pedigree of prescription drugs; and (2) prohibit such technologies from containing or transmitting any identifying information of a health care practitioner or consumer, or any advertisement or information about indications or off-label uses. Requires the Secretary to encourage prescription drug manufacturers and distributors to incorporate: (1) overt optically variable counterfeit-resistant technologies into packaging; and (2) required prescription drug packaging technologies into multiple elements of the physical packaging of the drugs. Requires prescription drug shipments to include a label on the shipping container that incorporates packaging technologies. Deems a prescription drug to be misbranded if the packaging or labeling of the drug is in violation of a requirement or prohibition of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish the National Specified List of Susceptible Prescription Drugs, consisting of not less than 30 of the most frequently counterfeited prescription drugs in the United States.

Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and supporting continued efforts to control radiation and mitigate the adverse health consequences related to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and expresses sympathy for the ongoing effects of the disaster, including adverse health consequences and deaths. Calls upon national and international health organizations to focus their research into the public health consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster into areas identified by the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, so that the global community can benefit from the findings of such research. Supports continued U.S. assistance, and urges other countries and the European Union to continue to provide assistance, to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, the Shelter Implementation Plan, construction of a facility to store spent nuclear fuel, and other efforts to mitigate the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

PROGRESS SINCE SEPTEMBER 11TH: PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AGAINST TERRORIST ATTACKS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2006

Community Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

Community Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to subject to quarterly reconciliation any payments to physicians for drugs or biologicals made according to average sales price payment methodology in order to assure that they do not exceed or fall short of the actual average sales price during any preceding period. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review all such payments in the preceding quarter and compare them to the verified average sales price reported by the manufacturer for such quarter. Removes prompt pay discounts from the calculation of the manufacturer's average sales price. Extends through December 31, 2006, the current demonstration project to identify and assess oncology services that positively affect cancer outcomes. Requires the Secretary to make an additional 2% drug administration services payment to physicians for overhead and related costs. Directs the Secretary to develop indicators for the evaluation of the quality of oncology services provided in the physician office setting. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of cancer patients who enroll in clinical trials.

Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for HIV health care services programs. Requires recipients of HIV-related grants to expend not less than 75 percent of such funds on primary medical care. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Makes ineligible for funding any state or locality that imposes significant barriers to partner notification programs or routine testing. Provides for treatment for hepatitis B or hepatitis C for HIV-positive individuals who are co-infected. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require: (1) rapid routine testing of each client at any entity receiving funding from certain federal programs; and (2) federally funded health facilities to offer routine testing for pregnant women and newborns. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to annually purchase and distribute rapid HIV tests. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for therapeutics to be included in state formularies. Allows states to use grant funds to provide services to Medicaid-eligible individuals with HIV. Amends the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act to make grant allocations based on the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Requires the Secretary to ensure that not less than 75 percent of grant amounts are used for the provision, construction, maintenance, or development of housing assistance. Requires the Secretary to provide state AIDS officials with the authority to request and obtain all necessary information in order to coordinate HIV care and treatment with other federally funded projects.

HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AND BARRIERS TO INTER-OPERABLE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 February 2006

Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2006

Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards to ensure the safety and accuracy of medical imaging studies and radiation therapy treatments. Imposes such standards on personnel who perform, plan, or evaluate, or verify patient doses for, medical imaging studies and radiation therapy procedures and not on the equipment used. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to ensure that individuals demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires the Secretary to provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training and experience are determined to equal or exceed that of: (1) a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; or (2) an individual who is regularly eligible to take the licensure or certification examination for that discipline. Directs the Secretary to certify qualified nonprofit organizations as approved bodies to provide accreditation to individuals that demonstrate compliance with such standards. Deems state standards for licensure or certification of personnel, accreditation of educational programs, or administration of examinations to be in compliance with the standards under this Act. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all programs under the authority of the Secretary meet such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural areas or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging.

Lower PRICED Drugs Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Lower Prices Reduced with Increased Competition and Efficient Development of Drugs Act or the Lower PRICED Drugs Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require an abbreviated application for a new drug containing certain antibiotics, the approved labeling for which includes a method of use that is claimed by a patent, to include a statement: (1) that identifies the relevant patent and the approved use covered by the patent; and (2) that the applicant is not seeking approval of such use. Requires the court to consider the totality of circumstances and the public interest in deciding whether to shorten the 30-month period that delays the approval of an abbreviated drug application when a patent infringement case is filed against the applicant. Limits market exclusivity provided for conducting pediatric studies of new drugs to only those new drugs for which the Secretary of Health and Human Services approves labeling that contains specific, therapeutically meaningful information about the use of the drug product in pediatric patients. Prohibits the Secretary from delaying the approval of a new drug application while a petition is reviewed and considered. Requires the Secretary to take final agency action on a petition within six months of receipt, with no extensions allowed. Extends the 30-month period that the Secretary has to approve or disapprove an abbreviated application for a new drug by the amount of time that lapses from the date the Secretary receives a petition and the date of the final agency action on the petition, without regard to whether the Secretary grants or denies the petition.

Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Service to establish procedures to change the numerical identifier used to identify individuals entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), so that the Social Security account number is not displayed on the individual's Medicare identification card, or on any explanation of Medicare benefits mailed to the individual.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to repeal the amendments made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requiring documentation evidencing citizenship or nationality as a condition for receipt of medical assistance under the Medicaid program.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the amendments made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requiring documentation evidencing citizenship or nationality as a condition for receipt of medical assistance under the Medicaid program.

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Office within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Requires the Director of the Office to establish a program to award competitive matching grants to states, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations for the establishment and implementation of methamphetamine education and awareness campaigns to reduce the spread of methamphetamine use. Limits a recipient to one grant each fiscal year. Requires recipients to report to the Director on the impact of the campaign carried out under the grant.

Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions Safety Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) conduct a survey of all Hawaiian underwater sites where chemical munitions are known to have been disposed of by the Armed Forces between 1941 and 1972; and (2) identify on Hawaiian coastal nautical charts and other navigational materials navigational hazards to private activities and commercial shipping or fishing operations as identified in the survey. Requires the Secretary to implement appropriate monitoring mechanisms to recognize and track the potential release of hazardous chemical agents into the marine environment from such disposal sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to conduct research and provide research grants to study the long-term effects of seawater exposure on chemical munitions, including the potential public health risks associated with, and the environmental impact of, ocean disposal of chemical munitions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of implementing multiple remediation measures at the disposal sites covered by the survey, including an analysis of the public health and environmental safety risks of such sites.

Medicare Drug Honest Pricing Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Medicare Drug Honest Pricing Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans (PDP's) and Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plans that change their formularies or increase drug prices to enroll in other plans. Requires PDP sponsor, every November, to disclose to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the negotiated price of each covered part D drug for the following year, and the Secretary, the same month of every year, to make such disclosure available to the public through the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Requires each PDP sponsor also to inform, by January 10 of each year, part D eligible enrollees in its plan of such negotiated prices.

Living Kidney Organ Donation Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Living Kidney Organ Donation Clarification Act - Provides that for purposes of provisions of the National Organ Transplant Act that prohibit the transfer of any human organ for use in human transplantation for valuable consideration, kidney paired donation and kidney list donation do not involve such a transfer.