Healthcare

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental health programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed, and age appropriate. A comprehensive school mental health program funded under this bill must assist children in dealing with trauma and violence. The bill makes only certain partnerships that include a state educational agency and one or more educational agencies, with a local agency serving as lead partner, eligible for funding. They include public or private entities that use evidence-based intervention. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shall develop a fiscally appropriate process for evaluating grant program activities, including the development of: (1) guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) outcome measures to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, including student and family measures and local educational measures.

Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study access by underserved populations to general surgeons, including: (1) whether the health professional shortage area designation under the National Health Service Corps program accurately assesses adequacy of access and whether another measure would be more accurate, and (2) potential methodologies for designating general surgery shortage areas. HHS must publish data comparing the availability and need of general surgery services in urban, suburban, and rural areas. HHS may establish a methodology for designating general surgery shortage areas and make such designations. HHS must publish a list of general surgery shortage areas.

CARERS Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act of 2017 or the CARERS Act of 2017 This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that the Act's regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties do not apply to a person who produces, possesses, distributes, dispenses, administers, tests, recommends, or delivers medical marijuana in compliance with state law. The bill also: excludes "cannabidiol" (CBD) from the definition of "marijuana"; limits the concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in CBD to 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis; and deems marijuana grown or processed to make CBD, in accordance with state law, to comply with the THC concentration limit unless the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determines state law to be unreasonable. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to terminate the Public Health Service's interdisciplinary review process that is used to evaluate applications for medical marijuana research. The DEA must license manufacturers and distributors of marijuana for medical research; HHS must register practitioners to conduct research; and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must authorize VA health care providers to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans regarding participation in their states' marijuana programs.

Limiting LEAD in Children's Foods Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Limiting Lead Exposure & Advancing Detection in Children's Foods Act or the Limiting LEAD in Children's Foods Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish: (1) a maximum level of lead permitted in fruit juices that is not greater than the maximum level of lead permitted in bottled water, and (2) a recommended maximum daily level of lead exposure from food. These levels must be based on the cumulative health risks of lead exposure. The FDA must report on lead in foods frequently consumed by infants and children, including levels of lead in different foods, sources of lead in food, and the FDA's actions and plans regarding reducing lead in foods and detecting lead. The FDA must make recommendations on reducing the amount of lead in foods.

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental health programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed, and age appropriate. A comprehensive school mental health program funded under this bill must assist children in dealing with trauma and violence. The bill makes only certain partnerships that include a state educational agency and one or more educational agencies, with a local agency serving as lead partner, eligible for funding. They include public or private entities that use evidence-based intervention. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shall develop a fiscally appropriate process for evaluating grant program activities, including the development of: (1) guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) outcome measures to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, including student and family measures and local educational measures.

Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes Act This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 to include victims of acts of terror in the evaluation and treatment of veterans and civilians at military treatment facilities. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall establish implementing procedures: (1) for outreach and communication to local medical facilities after an act of terror in the United States; (2) to coordinate and provide medical expertise to local medical facilities that are treating victims of an act of terror that caused blast related injuries, mass shooting related injuries, burn related injuries, or other serious injuries; and (3) for medical evaluations of such victims. DOD may not release a victim of an act of terror who is receiving such care to a private health care provider until a comprehensive treatment plan is communicated to the individual or his or her health care provider.

Improving Access to Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Improving Access to Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Synthetic Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2017

Synthetic Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Education Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study strategies for preventing and treating the use of synthetic recreational drugs, which are substances marketed for recreational use (regardless of claims to the contrary) that are analogous to a controlled substance and are not medications. The Department of Health and Human Services must coordinate with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to establish and maintain a database of synthetic recreational drugs. The database must be publicly available for use in preventing and treating the use of synthetic recreational drugs. The CDC, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institutes of Health, and the DEA, must develop and implement a national outreach campaign to educate law enforcement personnel, health care professionals, community members, and others about preventing and treating the use of substances similar to marijuana (cannabimimetic agents). The CDC may award grants to federally qualified health centers for public awareness programs regarding substances similar to marijuana. To carry out a public awareness program, grant recipients may partner with recipients of Drug-Free Communities Support Program grants.

Family-Based Care Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2017

Family-Based Care Services Act This bill establishes a definition, under Medicaid, for "qualified therapeutic family care services." Specifically, such services are those provided for children younger than age 21 who need institution-level care but can instead be cared for in a community placement through a licensed and accredited program that: (1) provides children with certain structured daily activities, and (2) provides parents and caregivers with specialized training and consultation.

Individual Health Insurance Marketplace Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2017

Individual Health Insurance Marketplace Improvement Act This bill establishes and provides funds for an individual market stabilization reinsurance program to be administered in each state by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the program, HHS shall make reinsurance payments to health insurance issuers with respect to high-cost individuals enrolled in certain qualified health plans offered by the issuers. HHS shall award grants to states or nonprofit community-based organizations to raise awareness of, and encourage enrollment in, qualified health plans.

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2017

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for up to $5,000 for the training of a qualified individual in a qualified apprenticeship program or multi-employer apprenticeship program. A "qualified individual" is an individual who: (1) is an apprentice participating in a qualified apprenticeship program or multi-employer apprenticeship program, (2) has been employed in either program for a period of at least seven months that ends within the taxable year, and (3) is not a highly compensated employee or a seasonal worker. A "qualified apprenticeship program" is a program that: (1) provides qualified individuals with on-the-job training and instruction for a qualified occupation (i.e., a skilled trade occupation in a high-demand mechanical, technical, health care, or technology field); (2) is registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the office; and (3) maintains records relating to the qualified individual. A "qualified multi-employer apprenticeship program" is a program in which multiple employers are required to contribute and that is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements. The bill also allows certain distributions, without penalty, from retirement and pension plans to an employee who is serving as a mentor. A "mentor" is a working individual who: (1) has attained age 55; (2) works reduced hours and engages in mentoring activities for at least 20% of such hours; and (3) is responsible for the training and education of employees or students in an area of expertise for which such individual has a professional credential, certificate, or degree.

Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2017

Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study access by underserved populations to general surgeons, including: (1) whether the health professional shortage area designation under the National Health Service Corps program accurately assesses adequacy of access and whether another measure would be more accurate, and (2) potential methodologies for designating general surgery shortage areas. HHS must publish data comparing the availability and need of general surgery services in urban, suburban, and rural areas. HHS may establish a methodology for designating general surgery shortage areas and make such designations. HHS must publish a list of general surgery shortage areas.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1215) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1215) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.

LGBT Pride Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

LGBT Pride Act This bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take measures to increase the frequency of collection of information on the sexual orientation and gender identity of deceased individuals through the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to publish and periodically update materials for the public and health care providers on the prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases.

Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which currently requires drug manufacturers to discount orphan drugs (drugs for rare conditions) for certain entities covered by the program. The bill discounts orphan drugs that are not being used to treat rare conditions for all entities covered by the program.

Stopping the Pharmaceutical Industry from Keeping Drugs Expensive (SPIKE) Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Stopping the Pharmaceutical Industry from Keeping Drugs Expensive (SPIKE) Act of 2017 This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require manufacturers of  drugs with specified percentage increases in their wholesale costs to submit to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) written justification for certain increases in drug prices. The CMS shall publish each submission, together with an easily understandable summary, on its website. Certain proprietary information may be excluded from publication, as specified by the bill. A manufacturer that does not comply with the bill's requirements shall be subject to civil monetary penalties.

RxCAP Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Reducing Existing Costs Associated with Pharmaceuticals for Seniors Act of 2017 or the RxCAP Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate beneficiary cost-sharing above the Medicare prescription benefit's annual out-of-pocket threshold beginning in plan year 2018. Under current law, the Medicare prescription drug benefit provides coverage above that threshold only with cost-sharing in the form of either copayment or coinsurance.

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare payment on a reasonable-cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by an anesthesiologist in a rural hospital. Specifically, the CMS shall provide payment for such services in the same manner as payment is provided under current law for services furnished in a rural hospital by a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Preserving Patient Access to Compounded Medications Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Preserving Patient Access to Compounded Medications Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the circumstances under which a drug may be compounded (manufactured at small scale) to allow pharmacists and physicians to compound drugs for administration to patients in an office or clinical setting, in accordance with state law. (Drugs that are compounded do not need to meet certain federal requirements regarding manufacturing, labeling, or approval.) Dietary supplements may be used in the compounding of a drug. The bill exempts from interstate distribution limits the dispensing of a compounded drug from the facility where it is compounded to a patient or health facility. The scope of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections of compounding pharmacies is limited to pertinent equipment, materials, containers, and labeling, which is the same scope as inspections of pharmacies. (Currently, the scope of inspections of compounding pharmacies is the same scope as inspections of drug manufacturers.) The bill eliminates the requirement for compounding pharmacies to register with the FDA as drug manufacturers.

Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to create and test a new Medicare model for advanced illness and care management that would enable certain Medicare beneficiaries with serious, chronic progressive, or advanced illnesses, to voluntarily engage in a planning process to obtain specialized care consistent with their health care goals. At least one participant in this model must be a hospice program. The model requires an interdisciplinary team comprised of physicians, nurses, and social workers to work together to provide beneficiaries and their caregivers with information and services on disease trajectory, treatment options, and available care. Information on advance care planning must be included in the Medicare & You Handbook. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must: (1) award grants to certain public or private entities to increase awareness of advance care planning and advanced illness care, (2) establish the Advance Care Planning Advisory Council to advise HHS on issues relating to advanced and terminal illnesses, and (3) issue an annual report analyzing the circumstances of deceased Medicare beneficiaries.

PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2018 HEALTH CARE PROPOSALS

United States · United States Senate · 8 June 2017

EXAMINING THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IN HEALTH CARE CYBERSECURITY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 June 2017

Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act of 2017 This bill provides access to qualified acupuncturist services for: (1) military members and their dependents under the TRICARE program, and (2) veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. The position of certified, trained acupuncturist for civilian employees in the Department of Defense shall be the grade of GS-12 or higher under the General Schedule. The VA shall carry out such program at in at least one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network in both urban and rural areas. The VA shall establish the Advisory Committee on Acupuncturist Services. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is amended to provide Medicare coverage for acupuncturist services. The Public Health Act is amended to make acupuncturists eligible for appointment as officers in the commissioned Regular Corps and the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.

Better Workforce for Veterans Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Better Workforce for Veterans Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to appoint qualified graduates and post-secondary students to competitive service positions without regard to certain federal civil service employment and retention provisions. The VA shall allow for excepted service appointments of qualifying students and recent graduates leading to career or career conditional employment. The VA may appoint: (1) highly qualified candidates without regard to competitive service provisions if the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) determines that the VA has a severe shortage of highly qualified candidates, and (2) former highly qualified federal employees to high-demand VA positions without regard to such provisions. The VA shall: (1) develop a resume-based application method for senior executive appointments comparable to the OPM resume-based application method; (2) establish a single database that lists each vacant position that is critical to the VA's mission, difficult to fill, or both; (3) measure and collect specified information on hiring effectiveness; (4) develop a standardized VA exit survey; (5) publish information on VA nurse staffing levels; (6) develop a tool for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) human resources employees to assess their knowledge relating to how certain VA health care providers are treated differently than other VA employees; (7) include mental health professionals and marriage and family therapists in the VA education and training program; and (8) provide VHA human resources professionals with employee recruitment and retention training. The VA and the Surgeon General shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the assignment of at least 500 commissioned officers of the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service to the VA. The bill revises provisions regarding: (1) pay for medical center and veterans integrated service network directors, (2) the hiring preference service requirement, and (3) VA reductions in force.

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2018-FY2028 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.

Medicaid and CHIP Quality Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Medicaid and Chip Quality Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements with respect to the quality of care provided under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Current law requires a state that contracts with a Medicaid managed organization to develop and implement a quality assessment and improvement strategy. The bill extends this requirement to state contracts with providers of comparable primary care case management services and other health care services under Medicaid. With respect to adults eligible for Medicaid and children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, a state must report annually on quality measures identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Such reporting shall be stratified by service delivery system. CMS shall establish a Medicaid Quality Performance Bonus fund to award states for high attainment and improvement on a core set of quality measures. A state must designate at least 75% of any bonus funds for the development and operation of quality-related initiatives that will directly benefit providers or managed care entities participating in, or under a waiver of, the state plan for medical assistance. A state may use the remainder of such funds for activities related to the goals and purposes of the state plan.

Acupuncture for Our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Acupuncture for Our Heroes Act This bill provides access to qualified acupuncturist services for veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. The VA shall carry out such program at in at least one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network in both urban and rural areas. The VA shall establish the Advisory Committee on Acupuncturist Services, which shall: (1) review and evaluate the ability of a veteran to access an acupuncturist at VA facilities, and (2) advise the VA on governing protocols.

Community Care Core Competency Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Community Care Core Competency Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to furnish continuing medical education material to non-VA medical professionals, with the goal of: (1) increasing knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans, and (2) improving outreach to veterans and family members. The program must include education on: (1) dealing with patients who are veterans or family members; (2) identifying and treating common mental and physical conditions of veterans and family members; and (3) the VA health care system. The VA shall: (1) carry out such program for five years on a VA website at no cost to participating non-VA medical professionals, and (2) ensure that the program is accredited in as many states as practicable.

Medicaid and CHIP Quality Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Medicaid and Chip Quality Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements with respect to the quality of care provided under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Current law requires a state that contracts with a Medicaid managed organization to develop and implement a quality assessment and improvement strategy. The bill extends this requirement to state contracts with providers of comparable primary care case management services and other health care services under Medicaid. With respect to adults eligible for Medicaid and children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, a state must report annually on quality measures identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Such reporting shall be stratified by service delivery system. CMS shall establish a Medicaid Quality Performance Bonus fund to award states for high attainment and improvement on a core set of quality measures. A state must designate at least 75% of any bonus funds for the development and operation of quality-related initiatives that will directly benefit providers or managed care entities participating in, or under a waiver of, the state plan for medical assistance. A state may use the remainder of such funds for activities related to the goals and purposes of the state plan.

Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Patient Choice and Quality Care Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to create and test a new Medicare model for advanced illness and care management that would enable certain Medicare beneficiaries with serious, chronic progressive, or advanced illnesses, to voluntarily engage in a planning process to obtain specialized care consistent with their health care goals. At least one participant in this model must be a hospice program. The model requires an interdisciplinary team comprised of physicians, nurses, and social workers to work together to provide beneficiaries and their caregivers with information and services on disease trajectory, treatment options, and available care. Information on advance care planning must be included in the Medicare & You Handbook. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must: (1) award grants to certain public or private entities to increase awareness of advance care planning and advanced illness care, (2) establish the Advance Care Planning Advisory Council to advise HHS on issues relating to advanced and terminal illnesses, and (3) issue an annual report analyzing the circumstances of deceased Medicare beneficiaries.

A bill to amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude customary prompt pay discounts from manufacturers to wholesalers from the average sales price for drugs and biologicals under Medicare, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

This bill modifies the methodology used to calculate a manufacturer's average sales price for certain drugs covered under Medicare. Specifically, the bill excludes, from a manufacturer's average sales price calculation, customary prompt pay discounts extended to wholesalers.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2017 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, with an aggregate increase of 3,000 positions per fiscal year for five years. Of these positions, at least 1,500 per fiscal year must be for residents in a shortage specialty residency program (i.e., a program in a specialty in which baseline physician requirements projections exceed the projected supply of total active physicians, as identified by the Health Resources and Services Administration in a specified report).

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to beneficiaries with pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.

A resolution recognizing and expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Water Safety Month.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Water Safety Month. Acknowledges the grief of families who have faced the loss of a loved one, and commends the families who, in their grief, choose to promote and educate the public on water safety. Encourages state and local governments to adopt codes and standards that provide safety requirements that may decrease the incidence of drowning. Recognizes the vital role that swimming and water-related activities play in maintaining physical and mental health and enhancing quality of life. Encourages efforts to educate the public about water safety to prevent drownings and water-related injuries.

Infant Formula Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

Infant Formula Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of an infant formula, including an infant formula powder, if its use-by date has passed.

HEAL for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2017 or the HEAL Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2017 This bill amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage to aliens lawfully present in the United States who otherwise meet eligibility requirements. This applies to individuals granted deferred action or other federally authorized presence but not to nonimmigrants (e.g., individuals with a temporary worker visa). Individuals granted federally authorized presence, except nonimmigrants, are eligible for health insurance exchanges and reduced cost sharing under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and premium subsidies under the Internal Revenue Code.

Assessing Critical Care Efforts to Strengthen Services (ACCESS) Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

Assessing Critical Care Efforts to Strengthen Services (ACCESS) Act of 2017 This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicaid payment model demonstration project for recruiting and retaining physicians to serve low-income individuals residing in counties in which at least 35% of residents are enrolled in Medicaid. In evaluating such a test model, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation must assess: (1) the model's applicability to informing national strategies; and (2) the degree to which Medicaid payment strategies reduce emergency-department utilization and improve access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Veterans Emergency Room Relief Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

Veterans Emergency Room Relief Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts under which the VA pays health care providers the reasonable costs of urgent care provided to eligible veterans at non-VA facilities. An "eligible veteran" is one who: (1) is enrolled in the VA health care system, and (2) has received health care through the VA during the two years preceding the date on which the veteran receives urgent care. The VA shall establish a cost-sharing amount that a veteran shall pay to the VA to receive such urgent care. Such amount shall not apply to a veteran who: (1) is admitted to a hospital for treatment or observation after receiving urgent care, or (2) is receiving urgent care for the treatment of a service-connected disability or condition. The VA shall: (1) be considered the primary payer for the urgent care provided, and (2) ensure that all types of urgent care providers have an opportunity to enter into such a contract. The VA also shall establish a cost-sharing amount that veterans shall pay to receive care at a VA emergency room. Such amount shall not apply to a veteran who: (1) is receiving care for a service-connected disability or condition, (2) meets a hardship exception, or (3) is admitted to a hospital for treatment or observation after receiving care at a VA emergency room. The VA may not require a veteran to pay multiple cost-sharing amounts if the veteran seeks urgent care under this bill and care at a VA emergency room for the same condition during a period determined by the VA. The VA shall report every two years on the use by veterans of urgent care facilities and of VA emergency room facilities.

Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise payment rules for graduate medical education (GME) costs with respect to a hospital that establishes a new medical residency training program. With respect to a hospital that has not entered into a GME affiliation agreement, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall establish the hospital's full-time equivalent (FTE) resident amount only after determining that the hospital's medical residency training program trains more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period. In the case of a hospital with an approved FTE resident amount based on the training of no more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period before October 1, 1997, or 3.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period after that date, CMS shall provide the hospital an opportunity to have its FTE resident amount reestablished when the hospital begins training FTE residents in excess of the applicable threshold. Current law limits the number, subject to the application of certain adjustments, of FTE residents a hospital may have in allopathic and osteopathic medicine for purposes of Medicare payment. The bill specifies that CMS shall determine a hospital's limitation adjustment only after determining that the hospital's medical residency training program trains more than 1.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period. In the case of a hospital with a limitation adjustment based on the training of no more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period before October 1, 1997, or 3.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period after that date, CMS shall provide the hospital an opportunity to have its adjustment re-determined when the hospital begins training FTE residents in excess of the applicable threshold.

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2017

Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2019-FY2029 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.

Health Care Options for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2017

Health Care Options for All Act This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that individuals eligible to purchase coverage through a health insurance exchange who reside where no exchange health plans are available may enroll in coverage offered in the small group market through the Washington, DC exchange.

To prevent the application of the provisions of the individual mandate to individuals residing in rating areas with no qualified health plans offered on the Exchange.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2017

This bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage if they reside in areas where no individual health plans are available on the health insurance exchange.

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2017

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to parole into the United States an alien veteran who: (1) is seeking temporary admission to receive health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) resides permanently abroad after having been removed or voluntarily departed from the United States. Such parole shall not be available for an alien who is inadmissible due to a criminal conviction for: (1) a crime of violence for which the alien has served at least five years in prison, or (2) a crime that endangers U.S. national security for which the alien has served at least five years in prison.

Public Health Violence Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2017

Public Health Violence Prevention Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Violence Prevention in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take over the duties and authorities relating to violence prevention from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The National Center for Violence Prevention, to address violence and prevention as health issues, must establish: (1) the Public Health Violence Prevention Program to award competitive grants to public health departments, schools of public health, criminal justice agencies, and public school districts, with preference given to projects serving areas with the highest rates of violence or the highest increases in violence; and (2) the Private Health Care Sector Violence Prevention Program to award competitive grants to health care providers, community-based organizations, and academic medical centers. The bill establishes the National Health Violence Prevention Program with the following offices and programs: the Office of Applied Violence Prevention Research, the National Advisory Board on Violence Prevention, the Violence Prevention Training Program, the Office of Data Collection and Evaluation, and  the Office of Violence Prevention Education and Outreach. The Department of Health and Human Services must rename the Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury, and Environmental Health as the Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence, Injury, and Environmental Health.

Brett Giroir, of Texas, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, subject to the qualifications therefor as provided by law and regulations, and to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, vice Howard K. Koh, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 May 2017

To direct the Secretary of Defense to more effectively provide mental health resources for members of the Armed Forces at high risk of suicide, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a methodology to: identify units of the Armed Forces that have a disproportionately high rate of suicide and suicide attempts; provide additional mental health resources for members of the Armed Forces deployed with such units; identify the circumstances of deployments associated with increased vulnerability to suicide, including the length and area of deployment and the nature and extent of contact with enemy forces; and provide additional preventative mental health care to units deployed under similar circumstances. DOD shall: (1) develop a methodology to assess the rate of suicide and suicide attempts of members of the Armed Forces of units that have been deployed in support of a contingency operation after September 11, 2001, and (2) provide outreach regarding the available mental health resources for veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system who were deployed with such units. Information obtained pursuant to this bill may be used by DOD and VA officers, employees, and contractors only for the purposes of carrying it out.

Healthy MOM Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act or the Healthy MOM Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and Internal Revenue Code to require health insurers, health insurance exchanges, and group health plans to offer a special enrollment period to pregnant individuals. The special enrollment period offered by an insurer or exchange must begin when the pregnancy is reported to the insurer or exchange. The special enrollment period offered by a group health plan must begin when the pregnancy is reported to the plan or is confirmed by a health care provider. Coverage offered by a group health plan or health insurer that covers dependents must provide coverage for maternity care to all covered individuals. The Office of Personnel Management must ensure that eligible pregnant women are allowed to enroll in federal employee health benefit plans outside of the open enrollment period. This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise the range in which a state must establish a maximum level of family income for pregnant women and infants to be eligible for Medicaid. The upper limit of the range is eliminated and the lower limit is set to the level in place, or specified in an amendment to a state plan, on January 1, 2014.

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program Act of 2017 This bill establishes in the Environmental Protection Agency an Office of Environmental Justice. The office must create an environmental justice grant program that empowers and educates communities that are affected by local environmental or public health issues to understand those issues and identify ways to address them at the local level.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish free and comprehensive mental health care to former members of the Armed Services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

This bill: (1) directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish comprehensive mental health care at no cost to any former member of the Armed Forces, and (2) makes former members eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services.