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Resolution· HRESH.Res. 435 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact legislation that: (1) ensures that prescription drug coverage replaces the need for seniors to rely exclusively on out-of-pocket expenditures for their medicines; (2) ensures that the Medicare program is not further fiscally compromised and its financial solvency is preserved and protected; (3) ensures that existing sources of drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, such as employer-sponsored retiree prescription drug benefits, are not displaced into a government-run program; (4) provides a mechanism to assist low income Medicare beneficiaries to afford coverage; (5) avoids any form of extensive government regulation, including government rationing of life-saving medicines and direct or indirect price controls; and (6) encourages the continued high rate of research and development by the private sector in the United States, and does nothing that creates disincentives for the discovery of new drugs.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 271 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all Americans should take an active role in the fight to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis; (2) the role played by national and community organizations and health care professionals in promoting continued funding for research and in providing information about, and access to, the best medical treatment and support services for multiple sclerosis should be recognized; and (3) the Federal Government has a responsibility to continue to fund research so that the causes of, and improved treatment for, multiple sclerosis may be discovered, to continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for people with multiple sclerosis, and to endeavor to raise public awareness about the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and health professionals' awareness about the diagnosis of, and treatment for, the disease.
Bill· SS. 2160 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000
Fair Access to Infertility Treatment and Hope Act of 2000 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA)to require group health plans and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage in connection with such plans to ensure that coverage is provided for infertility benefits. Authorizes coverage of in vitro fertilization, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, gamete or embryo donation, assisted hatching, embryo transfer, and gamete or zygote intra-fallopian tube transfer to be limited to four completed embryo transfers. Permits the provision of at least two additional embryo transfers if a live birth follows a completed transfer under one of such procedures. Requires coverage of such procedures if: (1) an individual has been unable to attain or sustain a successful pregnancy through reasonable, less costly medically appropriate covered infertility treatments; and (2) the procedures are performed at medical facilities that conform with minimal guidelines and standards for assisted reproductive technology of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Prohibits group health plans and health insurance issuers from: (1) denying an individual eligibility or continuing eligibility to enroll or renew coverage because of the individual's or enrollee's use or potential use of items or services covered by this Act; (2) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage the acceptance of less than minimum protections available under this Act; or (3) providing incentives to a health care professional to induce such professional to withhold infertility services from a covered individual. Amends the PHSA to apply infertility benefits provisions to health insurance coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market in the same manner as they are applied to coverage in the group market. Provides the infertility benefit coverage described by this Act for Federal employee health benefit plans as well.
Bill· SS. 2132 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Vaccines for the New Millennium Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to restate as the goal for the protection of children from immunizable diseases the universal protection of all children from such diseases by December 31, 2009. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 for U.S. contributions to: (1) the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations; and (2) the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Requires the President to include in a required report for such fiscal years information on the effectiveness of the above Global Alliance in meeting its immunization and research and development goals. (Sec. 5) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit of 50 percent of the excess of the qualified vaccine research expenses for a taxable year over a defined base amount. Includes as appropriate vaccine research research with respect to malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, or any infectious disease which causes over one million deaths annually. Prohibits such credit from being taken into account when determining the current credit allowed for increasing research expenditures. Expresses the sense of Congress that if such credit is allowed, then the corporation receiving such credit should certify to the Secretary of the Treasury that, within one year after that vaccine is licensed, such corporation will develop a good faith plan to maximize international access to high quality and affordable vaccines. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of such credit in stimulating vaccine research, and to report study results to Congress. (Sec. 6) Provides a lifesaving vaccine sale credit equal to the amount of qualified vaccine sales for a taxable year. Defines a lifesaving vaccine as one which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and used for malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, or any infectious disease which causes over one million deaths annually. Provides total credit limits for 2002 through 2010 (zero credit after 2011). Provides credit limit allocation and authorized carryover. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Treasury the Lifesaving Vaccine Purchase Fund for purchases of eligible vaccines defined earlier under this Act and vaccine distribution to developing countries. Limits to $100 million Fund expenditures in a fiscal year. Appropriates funds for the Fund. (Sec. 8) States that the President should enter into negotiations with officials of foreign governments and other interested parties for the establishment of an international vaccine purchase fund that would: (1) accept contributions from governments of developed countries; (2) use such contributions to purchase and distribute eligible vaccines in developing countries; and (3) be a significant market incentive for private sector vaccine research. Requires an annual report from the President to Congress. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that flexible or differential pricing for vaccines which provide lower prices for the poorest countries is one of several valid strategies to accelerate the introduction of vaccines in developing countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 3812 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Vaccines for the New Millennium Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to restate as the goal for the protection of children from immunizable diseases the universal protection of all children from such diseases by December 31, 2009. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 for U.S. contributions to: (1) the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations; and (2) the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Requires the President to include in a required report for such fiscal years information on the effectiveness of the above Global Alliance in meeting its immunization and research and development goals. (Sec. 5) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit of 30 percent of qualified vaccine research expenses for a taxable year. Includes as appropriate vaccine research research with respect to malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, or any infectious disease which causes over one million deaths annually. Prohibits such credit from being taken into account when determining the current credit allowed for increasing research expenditures. Prohibits the credit for any research conducted outside the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that if such credit is allowed, then the corporation receiving such credit should certify to the Secretary of the Treasury that, within one year after that vaccine is licensed, such corporation will develop a good faith plan to maximize international access to high quality and affordable vaccines. Directs the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study of the effectiveness of such credit in stimulating vaccine research, and to report study results to Congress. (Sec. 6) Provides a lifesaving vaccine sale credit equal to the amount of qualified vaccine sales for a taxable year. Defines a lifesaving vaccine as one which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and used for malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, or any infectious disease which causes over one million deaths annually. Provides total credit limits for 2002 through 2010 (zero credit after 2011). Provides credit limit allocation and authorized carryover. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Treasury the Lifesaving Vaccine Purchase Fund for purchases of eligible vaccines defined earlier under this Act for distribution to developing countries. Limits to $100 million Fund expenditures in a fiscal year. Appropriates funds for the Fund. (Sec. 8) States that the President should enter into negotiations with officials of foreign governments and other interested parties for the establishment of an international vaccine purchase fund that would: (1) accept contributions from governments of developed countries; (2) use such contributions to purchase and distribute eligible vaccines in developing countries; and (3) be a significant market incentive for private sector vaccine research. Requires an annual report from the President to Congress. (Sec. 9) Establishes the Lifesaving Vaccine Advisory Commission to: (1) review the progress of national and international efforts to develop eligible vaccines; (2) examine the merits of innovative vaccine research financing that combines public subsidies with private sector research and development efforts; and (3) develop consensus among industry and public health advocates on policy recommendations for ways in which the Federal Government can further advance public-private partnerships in vaccine research and development. Requires a final report from the Commission to the President and Congress. (Sec. 10) Expresses the sense of Congress that flexible or differential pricing for vaccines which provide lower prices for the poorest countries is one of several valid strategies to accelerate the introduction of vaccines in developing countries.
Bill· SS. 2123 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 - Requires: (1) Governors of each State receiving monies from the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (established under this Act) to report on June 15 of each year to the Secretaries of the Interior or of Agriculture, as appropriate, accounting for the money received for the previous fiscal year, including the funded projects and activities; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to Congress on monies the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture have spent out of the Fund, including a summary of such Governors' reports. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (CRAF). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into CRAF certain Outer Continental Shelf revenues, undisbursed amounts under title I of this Act, and certain interest earned on CRAF investments. Transfers all amounts deposited into the CRAF as follows: (1) to the Secretary of the Interior for payment of $1 billion to States for impact assistance and coastal conservation, $125 million for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978, $100 million for the National Historic Preservation Act, and $150 million ($100 million for permanent conservation easement and $50 million for endangered and threatened species recovery); (2) to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture for payment of $200 million for Federal and Indian land restoration; (3) to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the amount of $900 million; and (4) to the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund (FAWRF) established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in the amount of $350 million. Provides that any shortfalls less than $2.825 billion in a fiscal year, after FY 2000, proportionally reduce such sums for that fiscal year. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount available for administrative expenses to two percent. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect the prohibition contained in the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (as amended by this Act) that bars the use of funds transferred to the FAWRF by this Act for administrative or execution of program expenses. (Sec. 7) Requires off-budget treatment of the receipts and disbursements of funds under this Act. (Sec. 9) Prohibits a State or local government from receiving funds under this Act during any fiscal year: (1) when its expenditures of non-Federal funds for recurrent expenditures for programs for which such funding is provided will be less than its expenditures were for such programs during the preceding fiscal year; or (2) for a program unless the Secretary of the Interior is satisfied that such a grant will be used to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State, local, or other non-Federal funds available for such program. Exempts a State or local government from such prohibition if the Secretary determines that a reduction in expenditures is attributable to a non-selective reduction in the expenditures in the programs of all executive branch agencies of such entity. Treats all funds received by a State or local government under this Act as Federal funds for purposes of compliance with provisions in effect under other law requiring that non-Federal funds be used to provide a portion of the funding for any program or project. (Sec. 11) Prohibits: (1) the taking of private property in whole or in part, without just compensation; and (2) Federal agencies, using funds appropriated by this Act, from applying any regulation on any lands until the lands or water or an interest therein is acquired, unless authorized to do so by another Act of Congress. (Sec. 12) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to design a standardized sign and, where appropriate, require its installation at sites receiving funds under this Act. Title I: Impact Assistance and Coastal Conservation - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to allocate such transferred CRAF payments to coastal States for impact assistance and coastal conservation only if such States have: (1) a Secretary-approved Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan; (2) agreed to provide specified reports; and (3) certain necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the formula for allocating such funds to coastal States and coastal political subdivisions. (Sec. 102) Requires the development and submission of a Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan by each coastal State seeking to receive grants under this title (and in the case of a producing State, the Governor) to incorporate the plans of the coastal political subdivisions into the Statewide plan for transmittal to the Secretary of the Interior for approval or disapproval before the disbursement of CRAF funds. Specifies authorized uses of the CRAF funds. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to provide that all CRAF funds transferred to the Land and Water Conservation Fund shall be covered into the Fund. (Sec. 203) Makes $900 million available each fiscal year after FY 2001 for expenditure without further appropriation, to be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent for Federal purposes; and (2) 50 percent for State grants. (Sec. 205) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of the Federal portion of such funds for any land or water interest acquisition except those specified and approved by Congress in the appropriate appropriations Act. Prescribes: (1) a procedure for preparing and transmitting to Congress of a list of proposed Federal acquisitions; and (2) notification to specified officials of affected areas with respect to such proposed acquisitions. (Sec. 206) Revises the formula used to allocate amounts made available for State purposes from the Fund each fiscal year. Makes all federally recognized Indian tribes and Native Corporations eligible to receive shares of such apportionment in accordance with a competitive grant program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires each State, with an exception, to make available as grants to local governments at least 50 percent of its annual apportionment or an equivalent amount made available from other sources. (Sec. 207) Revises the requirement that a State have a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan as a prerequisite to consideration by the Secretary of the Interior of financial assistance for acquisition or development projects. Allows each State to define its own priorities and criteria for selection of outdoor conservation and recreation acquisition and development projects eligible for grants under this Act if it provides for public involvement in this process and publishes an accurate and current State Action Agenda for Community Conservation and Recreation, within five years after enactment of this Act, indicating the needs it has identified and the priorities and criteria it has established. Allows an existing Comprehensive State Plan to remain in effect until the appropriate State adopts a State Action Agenda. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to approve, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of property (other than for public outdoor recreation use) acquired or developed with assistance under the Act only if the State demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists. Exempts from such requirement those properties that no longer meet the criteria within the State Plan or Agenda as an outdoor conservation and recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination which endangers public health and safety. (Sec. 210) Provides that nothing in this title shall affect any State or Federal water law or an interstate compact governing water, alter any allocations of water rights, or create any new water rights. Title III: Wildlife Conservation and Restoration - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (FAWRA) to require CRAF funds transferred for FAWRA purposes to be deposited in a new subaccount in the FAWRF, to be made available without further appropriation, for apportionment in each fiscal year for State wildlife conservation and restoration programs. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for: (1) apportionment of such subaccount funds; (2) applications for approval of, and development grants for, State wildlife conservation and restoration programs; and (3) coordination. Prohibits such funds from being used for expenses incurred in the administration and execution of programs. Limits to ten percent the use of such funds for wildlife-associated recreation. (Sec. 305) Allows the subaccount funds to be used for a wildlife conservation education program. Exempts education efforts, projects, or programs that promote or encourage opposition to the regulated taking of wildlife. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a State from receiving FAWRA matching funds if it diverts any funds from wildlife conservation purposes. Title IV: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Amendments - Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 to make transferred CRAF funds available to the Secretary of the Interior, without further appropriation, to assist local governments in improving their park and recreation systems. Sets forth limits on the use of such funds. (Sec. 404) Provides for the development of new recreation areas and facilities (including the acquisition of lands for such development) under the urban park and recreation recovery program. (Sec. 406) Revises requirements for: (1) Federal assistance grant eligibility; (2) matching grants to local governments for rehabilitation, development, and innovation purposes; (3) local park and recreation recovery action programs; (4) State action incentives; and (5) conversion of recreation property for any other purposes other than public recreation purposes. (Sec. 411) Repeals sunset provisions and congressional reporting requirements with respect to: (1) the impact of the urban park and recreation recovery program; and (2) the annual achievements of the innovation grant program. Title V: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to provide that amounts transferred from the CRAF each fiscal year shall be deposited into the Historic Preservation Fund to be available without further appropriation, in that fiscal year, to carry out the Act. (Sec. 501) Requires at least one half of the funds obligated or expended each fiscal year under this Act to be used for preservation projects on historic properties (giving priority to the preservation of endangered historic properties). (Sec. 502) Authorizes a State to provide financial assistance to the management entity for any national heritage area or national heritage corridor to support cooperative historic preservation planning and development. Title VI: Federal and Indian Lands Restoration - Makes CRAF funds transferred to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture available to be used as a dedicated source of funding for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Allocates: (1) 60 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for lands within the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management; (2) 30 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture for lands within the National Forest System; and (3) ten percent to the Secretary of the Interior for competitive grants to qualified Indian tribes (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health). (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) each establish priority lists for the use of funds (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health or safety); and (2) jointly establish a coordinated program for tracking the progress of activities carried out with amounts made available by this title and determining the extent to which demonstrable results are being achieved. Title VII: Conservation Easements and Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Subtitle A: Conservation Easements - Provides that CRAF funds transferred to the Secretary of the Interior shall be used by the Secretary to establish the Conservation Easement Program to provide grants, under specified conditions, to an eligible entity (State or local government, an Indian Tribe, or certain private organizations) to provide the Federal share of up to 50 percent of the total cost of purchasing permanent conservation easements in land with prime, unique, or other productive uses. Subtitle B: Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Makes CRAF funds transferred from the CRAF for this title in a fiscal year available to the Secretary of the Interior without further appropriations, in that fiscal year, to provide financial assistance to persons for development and implementation of Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements entered into under this title. Requires the Secretary to give priority to the development and implementation of Agreements that: (1) implement actions identified under recovery plans approved by the Secretary; (2) have the greatest potential for contributing to the recovery of an endangered or threatened species; and (3) require use of the assistance on land owned by a small landowner or on a family farm by the owner or operator. (Sec. 713) Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for any action that is required by a permit or an incidental take statement issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or that is otherwise required under Federal law. (Sec. 714) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such Agreements and sets forth Agreement requirements, including: (1) requiring activities not otherwise mandated by law that contribute to species recovery; and (2) specifying species recovery goals. Requires the Secretary to review Agreements in compliance, periodically monitor the implementation of each Agreement, and disburse financial assistance to implement the Agreement.
Bill· SS. 2125 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Smoker's Right to Know and Truth in Tobacco Labeling Act - Requires that: (1) cigarette labeling and advertising include one of specified warnings and a statement listing cancer-causing agents inhaled in the cigarette's smoke; (2) cigarette packages include an insert on carcinogens, toxins, and other substances posing a risk to human health contained in the cigarettes; and (3) smokeless, cigar, pipe, or any similar tobacco product labeling and advertising include one of specified warnings. Requires tobacco manufacturers, packagers, and importers into the United States to annually report the identity of any added ingredient or constituent other than tobacco or water and the nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide intake from the product for average consumers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3765 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Health Insurance Liability Recovery Protection Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage from recovering from a participant or beneficiary more than the amounts expended by the plan or issuer on behalf of the participant or beneficiary in the case of amounts recovered as a result of a settlement or judgment in a liability or other action. Amends the PHSA to apply the preceding prohibition to health insurance coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market in the same manner as it is applied to group health plan coverage in the group market. Provides for coordination between the Secretaries of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services with respect to administration of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3710 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Medicaid Safety Net Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals, to require DSH allotments for FY 2002 to be equal to the State allotment for FY 2000. Sets the DSH allotment for FY 2001 and for FY 2002 at the FY 2000 level.
Bill· SS. 2110 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2000
Medicare+Choice Beneficiary Confidence Act of 2000 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) payment of claims against insolvent Medicare+Choice organizations; (2) notification of the States of a Medicare+Choice organization's possible inability to bear the risk of potential financial losses; (3) direct payment by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the amounts owed to providers and suppliers or to enrollees for covered services and supplies furnished to individuals under the Medicare+Choice contract; and (4) provision by each Medicare+Choice organization to the Secretary of a surety bond in a specified amount.
Bill· SS. 2092 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2000
Modifies provisions of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 regarding the use of pen registers and trap and trace devices to require a Government agency authorized to install and use a pen register or trap and trace device under the Act or under State law to use technology reasonably available to it that restricts the recording or decoding of electronic or other impulses to the dialing, routing, addressing, and signaling information utilized in the processing and transmitting of wire and electronic communications. Directs the court, upon application made by: (1) an attorney for the Government, to enter an ex parte order authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or trap and trace device if it finds that such attorney has certified to the court that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation (the order shall, upon service, apply to any entity providing wire or electronic communication service in the United States whose assistance is required to effectuate the order); and (2) a State investigative or law enforcement officer (unless prohibited by State law), to enter an ex parte order authorizing the installation and use of such register or device within the court's jurisdiction if it finds that the officer has certified to the court that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Requires the order to specify a description of the communications to which the order applies, including the number or other identifier and, if known, the location of the telephone line or other facility to which the pen register or trap and trace device is to be attached or applied, and, in the case of an order authorizing installation and use of a trap and trace device with respect to States, the geographic limits of the order. Provides for emergency installation of a pen register or trap and trace device in situations involving: (1) an immediate threat to U.S. national security interests, or to public health or safety; or (2) an attack on the integrity or availability of a protected computer which attack would be an offense punishable under Federal criminal code prohibitions against fraud and related activity in connection with computers. Modifies the definitions of: (1) "court of competent jurisdiction" to mean any U.S. district court or any U.S. Court of Appeals having jurisdiction over the offense being investigated; and (2) "pen register" and "trap and trace device" to cover processes (as well as devices) and dialing, routing, addressing, or signaling information with respect to a wire or electronic communication. (Sec. 2) Revises Federal criminal code (the code) provisions regarding penalties for fraud and related activity in connection with computers to cover certain attempts to commit punishable offenses, and to provide penalties for offenses (or attempts) regarding: (1) loss to one or more persons during any one-year period aggregating at least $5,000 in value; (2) the modification or impairment, or potential modification or impairment, of the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment, or care of one or more individuals; (3) physical injury to any person; (4) a threat to public health or safety; or (5) damage affecting a computer system used by or for a government entity in furtherance of the administration of justice, national defense, or national security. Repeals a limitation on damages in civil actions to economic damages if any of subparagraphs (2) through (5) apply. Directs the court, in imposing sentence on any person convicted of a violation, to order, in addition to any other sentence imposed and irrespective of any State law provision, that such person forfeit to the United States: (1) the interest of such person in any property, real or personal, that was used or intended to be used to commit or to facilitate the commission of such violation; and (2) any property constituting or derived from any proceeds that such person obtained as a result of such violation. Makes specified Controlled Substances Act provisions regarding the criminal forfeiture, seizure, and disposition of property applicable to this section. Sets forth similar provisions with respect to civil forfeiture. (Sec. 3) Amends provisions of the code regarding juvenile delinquency proceedings in district courts, and transfer for criminal prosecution, to cover situations involving fraud and related activity in connection with computers. (Sec. 4) Modifies provisions of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to direct the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that any individual convicted of a felony violation of the prohibition against knowingly causing the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, thereby intentionally causing damage without authorization, to a protected computer is imprisoned for not less than six months.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 260 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2000
Resolution to Expand Access to Community Health Centers (REACH) Initiative - Expresses the sense of the Senate that appropriations for consolidated health centers under the Public Health Service Act should be increased by 100 percent over the next five fiscal years in order to double the number of individuals who receive health care services at community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers.
Bill· SS. 2087 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2000
Military Health Care Improvements Act of 2000 - Title I: Demonstration Programs - Subtitle A: TRICARE Demonstration Programs for Seniors - Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to extend through December 31, 2005, the TRICARE Senior Supplement Program (a demonstration program under which certain Medicare-eligible senior citizens are given medical care and services under TRICARE (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) for which DOD is reimbursed through the Medicare program). Amends the Social Security Act to extend through the same date a similar demonstration program known as TRICARE Senior Prime. Authorizes the latter program to be offered at major medical centers of DOD (currently limited to six military treatment facilities). Subtitle B: Other Demonstration Programs - Amends a demonstration program offering health care coverage to certain military personnel, spouses, and dependents through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to allow eligible beneficiaries who will be at least 65 years of age on December 31, 2002, to enroll, or extend a previous enrollment, during a two-year period of open enrollment for the year 2003. Extends such demonstration program through December 31, 2005. Repeals the ten-site limit for the program. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to charge an enrollment fee for participation in the TRICARE pharmacy system (a program for providing reduced-cost pharmaceuticals to TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries). Authorizes the Secretary to impose one or more cost-sharing requirements upon such participants. Allows participants to pay required premiums on a monthly or annual basis. Title II: TRICARE Prime Permanent Authorities - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) relating to medical and dental care provided to certain members and former members of the armed forces to: (1) make eligible for such services members and former members of the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service; (2) require coverage for immediate family members of eligible individuals to be comparable to coverage for medical care and standards for timely access to such care under TRICARE Prime; and (3) entitle dependents of members performing duty in remote locations who reside with such member to the same care and waiver of such care under CHAMPUS as the members themselves. (Sec. 202) Prohibits a member from being charged a copayment for care provided under TRICARE Prime to an immediate family member. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to improve certain business practices used when administering the access of eligible persons to health care services through the TRICARE program. Title III: Other Defense Health Program Matters - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program that permits the following eligible persons to obtain prescription pharmaceuticals from DOD by mail: (1) individuals 65 years old or older who would be eligible for medical care under CHAMPUS except for also being entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare; and (2) individuals 65 years old or older who are enrolled in the supplemental medical insurance program under part B of Medicare. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an annual program deductible of up to $150. (Sec. 302) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to extend the provision of domiciliary and custodial care for certain CHAMPUS beneficiaries to include a person who formerly was an eligible beneficiary and is enrolled in the TRICARE Senior Prime plan under the Medicare subvention demonstration project for military retirees. Provides a program cost limitation for FY 2000 and thereafter. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to carry out two studies to assess the feasibility and desirability of financing the military health care program for military retirees on an accrual basis. Title IV: Joint Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Initiatives - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly: (1) prescribe a centralized process for the reporting, compiling, and analysis of errors in the provision of health care under their respective departments that endanger patients beyond the normal risks associated with such care and treatment; and (2) develop a system for the use of bar codes for the identification of pharmaceuticals. Requires the Secretary of Defense to experiment with the use of such bar codes in the current DOD mail order pharmaceuticals demonstration project.
Bill· SS. 2080 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2000
Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food misbranded if it contains or was produced with a genetically engineered material unless its labeling contains statements meeting specified requirements. Excludes food: (1) served in restaurants; (2) medical food; or (3) grown on a tree that was planted before the date of enactment of this Act, in a case in which the producer of the food does not know if the food contains a genetically engineered material, or was produced with a genetically engineered material. Authorizes grants to appropriate individuals, organizations, and institutions to conduct research into the public health and environmental risks associated with genetically engineered materials, food that contains a genetically engineered material, and food that is produced with a genetically engineered material. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3677 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Thomas Navarro FDA Patient Rights Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from placing a clinical hold on an investigation of a drug on the basis that the Secretary has determined that: (1) there is another drug (including another investigational drug) that is or may be a safe and effective therapy for the disease or condition involved; or (2) there is a comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy available for a patient who is receiving or will receive the drug as a clinical subject in the investigation, subject to exception.
Bill· HRH.R. 3697 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Directs the Secretary of Defense to expand and make permanent a demonstration project which allows individuals eligible for medical care and services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to obtain pharmaceuticals by mail in order to permit individuals who are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and who are members or former members of the armed forces, dependents of certain former members, or dependents of members who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days to participate in the project. Requires the Secretary to modify each managed health care program which includes a managed care network of community retail pharmacies in order to supply pharmaceuticals to the above individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 3690 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
HMO Solvency Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish solvency-related requirements for Medicaid managed care organizations, requirements that include periodic financial reporting to the State, independent audits, and approval of certain subcontractors. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish solvency-related requirements for application to Medicare+Choice organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for the application of such requirements to organizations other than Medicare+Choice organizations that receive payment on a capitated basis for provision of Medicare services; and (2) report to Congress on protection of health care providers in the event of insolvency.
Bill· HRH.R. 3682 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medicare HMO Administrative Payment Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to prohibit Medicare funds paid to such organizations from being used for expenditures that would not be recognized as reasonable under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Disallows expenditures not recognized as reasonable under the FAR in determining the adjusted community rate for purposes of computing additional benefits in cases where a Medicare+Choice organization has excess amounts available for a contract year.
Bill· HRH.R. 3698 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medicaid DSH Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), to require allotments for FY 2001 (currently, FY 2003) and succeeding fiscal years to DSH to be equal to the allotment for the State for the preceding fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 3672 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medication Error Prevention Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make medication error information privileged for Federal and State administrative and civil judicial proceedings if the information is voluntarily submitted by a health care provider to a program, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the purpose of developing and disseminating recommendations and information regarding preventing such errors.
Bill· HRH.R. 3669 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Congressional Oversight and Audit of Agency Rulemaking Actions Act - Establishes a pilot project under which the Comptroller General may review a published economically significant proposed or interim rule at the request of a committee of either House of Congress with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the rule. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed, final, or interim rule: (1) that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments, small businesses, or communities; or (2) for which an agency has prepared an initial or final regulatory flexibility analysis. Requires that an independent audit and assessment of such a rule by the Comptroller General shall consist of: (1) an analysis of the agency's and the public's assessment of the potential benefits and costs of the rule and of alternative approaches that could achieve the agency's objectives in a more cost effective manner; (2) an analysis and assessment of any impact statement or report prepared by the agency as part of the rulemaking, including any assessment of impacts on State and local governments; and (3) a list of all analyses, groups, entities, and sources consulted in developing the analyses and assessments described above. Grants the Comptroller General discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review. Requires each agency, upon request of the Comptroller General, to provide any available or existing records, information, or data upon which the agency relied in developing such a rule. Requires the Comptroller General to transmit an independent audit containing the prescribed assessments and analyses on a final rule, together with a summary of the differences between the proposed and final rule, within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a five-year period if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently.
Bill· HRH.R. 3659 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Emergency Response Employees Disease Protection Act of 2000 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on: (1) an estimate of the prevalence of hepatitis C among designated emergency response employees in the United States; and (2) the likely means through which such employees become infected with such disease in the course of performing their duties. Defines "designated emergency response employees" as firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians who are employees or volunteers of units of local government. Directs the Secretary to make grants to qualifying local governments for purposes of carrying out demonstration projects that: (1) train such employees in minimizing the risk of infection of hepatitis C in performing their duties; and (2) test such employees for infection with, and treat them for, the disease. Defines "qualifying local government" as a local government whose population of designated emergency response employees has a prevalence of hepatitis C that is not less than 200 percent of the national average for the prevalence of such disease in such populations. Conditions such grants on the local government maintaining confidentiality of information regarding testing or treatment. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on evaluations of such projects and provide recommendations for administrative or legislative initiatives regarding project activities. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3655 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Improved Medical Care for Troops and Retirees Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, Federal armed forces law, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998, and the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to provide, among other things, for: (1) making permanent the current Medicare subvention demonstration project for military retirees and dependents; (2) extending the Federal Employees Health Benefits Optional Demonstration Project; (3) entitling family members of members of the armed forces assigned to certain duty locations far from sources of care to the medical and dental care otherwise available to such member in any facility of any uniformed service; (4) requiring the pharmacy benefits provided under the redesigned pharmacy system under the TRICARE program (a managed health care program of the armed forces) to be at least equivalent to those provided under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993; and (5) eliminating copayments under TRICARE Prime, and imposing a reduction in the catastrophic cap under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. Authorizes appropriations for the redesigned pharmacy system under the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
Bill· HRH.R. 3640 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the receipts and disbursements of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) (thus making the Trust Fund off-budget).
Bill· HRH.R. 3631 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Broken Promises Retiree Health Coverage Act of 2000 - Title I: Access to Medicare For Individuals Losing Retiree Health Coverage - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make certain individuals between the ages of 55 and 65 eligible to enroll in Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) if the individual was covered as a qualified retiree under a group health plan which terminated such coverage. Outlines premium requirements. Provides for an open enrollment period under the Medicare supplemental health insurance policies (Medigap) program for certain retired workers enrolled in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) and entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) whose coverage under a group health plan is terminated. Title II: COBRA Protections for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage for certain retired workers whose coverage under a group health plan is terminated. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in such case as well as permits an increased level of premiums. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth requirements analogous to those under subtitle A. Subtitle C: Amends to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to set forth requirements analogous to those under subtitle B. Title III: Notice Requirements - Amends ERISA and the IRC to mandate that advance notice of any material reduction in covered services or benefits provided under a group health plan relating to retiree health benefits be furnished to participants and beneficiaries as well as to the Secretary of Labor. Prescribes a civil penalty for violations of this title.
Bill· HRH.R. 3636 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Pharmaceutical Freedom Act of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, in the case of an individual who has attained social security retirement age, there shall be allowed a tax credit in an amount equal to 80 percent of the amount paid by the taxpayer (and not compensated for by insurance or otherwise) for any prescribed drug used by the individual. Title II: Amendments to Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to replace drug reimportation provisions with provisions which permit a person who meets applicable legal requirements to be an importer of drugs to import certain drugs (without regard to whether the person is a manufacturer of the drug) if the person submits to the Secretary an application to import the drug and the Secretary approves the application. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the FDCA with respect to the interstate sale of a prescription drug through an Internet site, if the sale was made in compliance with the FDCA and with applicable State laws and accurate information regarding compliance with the FDCA and such State laws is posted on the Internet site.
Bill· SS. 2046 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2000
Next Generation Internet 2000 - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations to carry out the Next Generation Internet Program and Large Scale Networking Program (Federal electronic network research and development programs) for FY 2000 through 2003, including funds for the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Earmarks at least: (1) ten percent of such amounts to fund research grants into the reduction of Internet access service costs to users in geographically remote areas; and (2) five percent of such amounts for grants to institutions of higher education that are Hispanic-serving, Native American, historically Black, or small colleges and universities. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which the Internet backbone and infrastructure contribute to the uneven access to Internet-related technologies and services by rural and low-income Americans. Authorizes appropriations for the study.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 420 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2000
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives in support of a National Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Awareness Month.
Bill· SS. 2038 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Medical Error Reduction Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants available to States to establish reporting systems designed to reduce medical errors and improve health care quality. Requires States, in order to be eligible for such grants, to provide assurances that the grant will be used to establish and implement a medical error reporting system using guidelines developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Directs the Agency to develop and publish such guidelines. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency, to establish a program under which funding will be provided for at least 15 demonstration projects to be competitively awarded in health care facilities and organizations in geographically diverse locations to determine the causes of medical errors and develop specified methods to reduce, minimize, and provide for reporting and corrective action of, such errors. Provides that at least five of such projects shall require participating health care providers to report adverse events and health- or medication-related errors to the patient and patient's family member. Permits the use of reported information only for purposes of evaluating the ability to reduce errors in delivery of care. Subjects such information to confidentiality requirements and makes it inadmissible as evidence in any civil or criminal action. Prohibits disclosure of such information under the Freedom of Information Act as well. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for establishment of a national database of medical errors to contain information collected under this Act; (2) provide information to educate patients and family members about their role in reducing medical errors; (3) develop programs that encourage patients to take a more active role in their medical treatment; and (4) make grants to health professional associations and other organizations to provide training in ways to reduce medical errors. Requires the Secretary to report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) costs associated with implementing a program that identifies factors that contribute to errors and which includes upgrading the heath care computer systems and other technologies in the United States to reduce medical errors; and (2) the success of each demonstration project, data collected by States, best methods for reducing medical errors and costs associated with applying such methods, and sharing information on best practices to reduce such errors in Federal health care programs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3600 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
State Children's Health Insurance Program Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act to allow as reasonable administrative costs any State expenditures for the use of independent administrative vendors in marketing health benefits coverage to low-income children, or in otherwise administering the State child health plan, if certain conflict-of-interest restrictions are observed.
Bill· SS. 2037 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000
Sole Community Hospital Fair Payment Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to revise the payment formula for sole community hospitals for cost reporting periods occurring on or after October 1, 2000, with respect to discharges occurring in FY 2001. Applies the amendments made by this Act as if included in the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 253 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 2000 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2.7 billion in FY 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 3580 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000
Hospital Preservation and Equity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to the one year sole community hospital payment increase, to reset the applicable percentage increase for FY 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year to the market basket percentage increase for hospitals in all areas for purposes of updating payments to prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3576 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2000
American Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to provisions on the one year sole community hospital payment increase, to reset the applicable percentage increase for FY 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year to the market basket percentage increase for hospitals in all areas for purposes of updating payments to prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3569 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2000
Human Research Protection and Promotion Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office for Protection of Human Research Subjects as an independent establishment in the executive branch, to be headed by a director appointed by the President. Requires the Office Director to establish criteria by regulation for the protection of human subjects in research conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by the Federal Government (Federal research projects). Provides that in the case of covered agencies: (1) such regulations supersede all regulations for such criteria that were in effect before this Act's enactment date; and (2) the Director has exclusive authority to issue such regulations after such date. Deems current regulations to have been promulgated by the Director and authorizes their continuation or modification by the Director. Applies such regulations to each Federal agency that: (1) as of October 1, 1999, was subject to the basic policy under current regulations for protection of human research subjects; and (2) takes appropriate administrative action after such date to provide that regulations under this Act apply to the agency. Authorizes the Director to exempt any Federal research project from such regulations. Continues exemptions under current regulations unless modified by the Director. Applies the following provisions under existing regulations to Federal research projects of an agency that currently is not subject to such provisions only to projects that are approved after this Act's enactment date: (1) additional protections pertaining to research, development, and related activities involving fetuses, pregnant women, and human in vitro fertilization; (2) additional protections pertaining to biomedical and behavioral research involving prisoners as subjects; and (3) additional protections pertaining to children as research subjects. Sets forth provisions similar to those under existing law that require entities applying to carry out Federal research projects to establish institutional review boards, but replaces the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with that of the Director. Continues the existence of current institutional review boards that meet this Act's requirements. Requires the Director to establish an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Protection of Human Research Subjects to develop recommendations on carrying out this Act, review regulations, and report to specified congressional committees. Provides that, after this Act's enactment, any office or unit within an agency that was established for the protection of human research subjects in Federal research has only such duties as may be assigned by the Director and authorizes the Director to terminate such office or unit.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 414 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2000
Expresses support for Federal funding directed toward human pluripotent stem cell research to further research into Parkinson's disease and other medical conditions.
Bill· SS. 2018 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2000
American Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to provisions on the one year sole community hospital payment increase, to reset the applicable percentage increase for FY 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year to the market basket percentage increase for hospitals in all areas for purposes of updating payments to prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3565 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2000
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from requiring a covered beneficiary under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to pay a copayment for health care services received under TRICARE Prime (a Department of Defense managed health care program).
Bill· SS. 2015 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2000
Stem Cell Research Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct, support, or fund research on or utilizing human embryos for purposes of generating embryonic stem cells only in accordance with this Act. Requires, for purposes of carrying out research, that human embryonic stem cells be derived only from embryos that otherwise would be discarded that have been donated from in- vitro fertilization clinics with the written informed consent of the progenitors. Prohibits human embryonic stem cell research from resulting in the creation of human embryos or in the reproductive cloning of a human being. Makes it unlawful for any person receiving Federal funds to knowingly acquire, receive, or otherwise transfer any human gametes or embryos for valuable consideration if such action affects interstate commerce. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to issue guidelines governing human embryonic stem cell research. Requires such guidelines to ensure that: (1) all Federal research protocols and consent forms involving human embryonic stem cell research must be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board; and (2) such board is empowered to make determinations as to whether proposed research is in accordance with NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on activities carried out under this Act.
Bill· SS. 2013 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Honoring Health Care Commitments to Servicemembers Past and Present Act of 2000 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that urgent priority be given to the enactment of legislation that provides health care coverage for Medicare-eligible members and former members of the armed forces who first became members before June 7, 1956, and for the dependents of such members, at no cost. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to expand and make permanent a demonstration project which allows individuals eligible for medical care and services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to obtain pharmaceuticals by mail in order to permit the following individuals to participate in the project: (1) a member or former member of the armed forces; (2) dependents of certain former members; or (3) dependents of members who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, who are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to modify each managed health care program which includes a managed care network of community retail pharmacies in order to supply pharmaceuticals to the above individuals. (Sec. 4) Amends the Social Security Act relating to the Medicare subvention demonstration project for military retirees to: (1) exclude from such project any individual who is covered by a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP); (2) repeal the current six-site limit for conducting such project; and (3) repeal the January 1, 2001, project termination date, making such project a permanent program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse the Secretary for Medicare health care services provided to Medicare-eligible military retirees and dependents at a designated site in an amount of up to 95 percent of the cost of services provided on a fee-for- service basis. Authorizes such reimbursement for Medicare services provided at such sites for individuals not enrolled in the program. Provides Medigap protection for such enrollees. (Sec. 5) Makes permanent an agreement between the Secretary and the Office of Personnel Management (currently a demonstration project) under which CHAMPUS-eligible beneficiaries who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of Medicare are offered an opportunity to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the FEHBP. Limits such enrollment to 275,000. Prohibits any individual so electing from continuing to receive CHAMPUS health care, but authorizes such individuals to continue to receive health care in a military medical facility on a space-available basis. Provides limits on other health care coverage for participating individuals. Provides for: (1) required contributions for coverage; (2) participation management; and (3) annual reporting requirements. (Sec. 6) Eliminates any required copayments, deductibles, and other fees with respect to CHAMPUS medical care provided to a dependent of a member who is enrolled in TRICARE Prime (a Department of Defense managed health care program). (Sec. 7) Requires CHAMPUS coverage for dependents residing with members who are assigned to certain remote duty locations to be comparable to the coverage and timely access requirements applicable to TRICARE Prime. (Sec. 8) Establishes in the Treasury the Uniformed Services Retiree Health Care Account to cover costs incurred for the participation of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the FEHBP under this Act. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to contract with private entities for the recovery of overpayments made under the TRICARE program. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to take specified action to enhance the efficiency of administration of the military health care system. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue to covered TRICARE beneficiaries an enrollment card for nationwide participation in such program.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 243 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) all Americans should find out more about mental health services in their communities and seek mental health treatment when necessary; (2) the Secretary of Education should encourage, establish, and promote a mental health campaign in elementary and secondary schools across the Nation; and (3) the Federal Government has a responsibility to endeavor to raise awareness about mental health and continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, mental health services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3529 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Early Medicare Access and Affordability Act of 2000 - Title I: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age). Makes eligible to enroll in Medicare during a specified period individuals between the ages of 62 and 65 who: (1) are not eligible for coverage under group health plans or Federal health insurance; but (2) would be Medicare-eligible if age 65. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine rates for the base monthly premium, the base annual premium, and the deferred monthly premium for individuals age 62 or older. Requires the Secretary to: (1) adjust and limit the maximum base annual premium in a premium area to assure participation in all areas of the United States; and (2) provide for payment and collection of the base monthly premium. Makes the enrollee liable for the deferred monthly premium payment between ages 65 and 85. Requires collection of both premiums in the same manner as for the payment of monthly premiums under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold collected premiums as well as the savings from new fraud and abuse initiatives under the Medicare Fraud and Overpayment Act of 2000 (if enacted), which are transferred to it out of the Medicare trust funds. Directs: (1) the Trust Fund's Board of Trustees to report annually to the Congress on the need for adjustments in the new program in order to maintain its financial solvency; and (2) the Comptroller General to report periodically to the Congress on the adequacy of program financing along with appropriate recommendations to accomplish such end. Requires: (1) individuals enrolled under the new part D program to be treated for Medicare purposes as though they were entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B; and (2) new part D program benefits to be payable under Medicare to such individuals in the same manner as if they were so entitled and enrolled. Provides that the new part D program shall not be treated as Medicare for purposes of the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX, including the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance, nor for purposes of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Title II: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII part D to rename the newly established part D program the Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 55-to-65 Years of Age. Provides for part D coverage for certain displaced workers (who have lost employment-based, including COBRA continuation, coverage) and spouses between the ages of 55 and 62 under arrangements similar to those in title I, except for deferred monthly premiums. Directs the Secretary to provide for continued enrollment of displaced workers who attain 62 years of age. Title III: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Title IV: Financing - Requires any increase in payments under the Medicare program that results from the enactment of this Act to be offset by reductions in Medicare payments pursuant to the anti-fraud and -abuse provisions of the Medicare Fraud and Overpayment Act of 2000 (if enacted). Title V: Provision of Premium Assistance for Low-Income Individuals Purchasing Early Coverage Under the Medicare Program - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require State Medicaid plans to provide for 100-percent Federal Medicare-cost sharing premium assistance for certain low-income individuals enrolled under the new part D program. (Sec. 501) Amends SSA title XI to increase the amount of certain grants to the territories to reflect this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3528 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Health Care for Working Families Act of 2000 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to establish a new title II, Health Benefits for Employees and Their Families. (Sec. 3) Requires each large employer to: (1) offer to each of its employees the opportunity to enroll in a qualifying health benefit plan that provides coverage for the employee and the employee's family; (2) contribute to the cost of such plan; and (3) withhold the employee share of the plan premium from the employee's wages. Defines a large employer as one that employed an average of at least 50 full-time employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and employs at least 50 employees on the first day of the plan year. Considers contract workers as employees for such purposes. Makes this FLSA title II also apply to employers that are not large employers, if the majority of services they perform are on behalf of a single large employer. Defines a qualifying health benefit plan as one that: (1) provides benefits for health care items and services that are actuarially equivalent or greater in value than those offered as of January 1, 2000, under the Blue Cross-Blue Shield (BC-BS) Standard Plan provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP); and (2) meets applicable requirements under the Public Health Service Act. Sets the minimum required contribution by an employer at the same portion of the total premium as the Federal Government pays for such BC-BS Standard Plan under FEHBP. Sets forth a formula for determining such minimum employer contribution with respect to part-time workers who work less than 30 hours per week; but requires no employer contribution for employees working less than ten hours per week. Requires any employee covered under a Federal health insurance program (including Medicare, Medicaid, FEHBP, and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) to accept an employer's offer of health insurance coverage and agree to payroll withholdings, or request the Federal health insurance program to pay the employee share of the premium. Exempts from this requirement: (1) an employee otherwise covered under an employment-based qualified health benefit plan; or (2) a family member of a non-electing employee, where the family member is otherwise covered under an employment-based qualified health benefit plan. Sets forth requirements relating to timing of coverage and withholding, enforcement, and preemption. (Sec. 4) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a health insurance issuer that offers employee health insurance coverage to an employer to ensure that such coverage complies with requirements of title II of FLSA.
Bill· HRH.R. 3527 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Affordable Health Insurance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require, under provisions guaranteeing the availability of individual health insurance coverage to certain individuals with prior group coverage, that for an eligible individual desiring to enroll in, or renew, individual health insurance coverage under such provisions, the health insurance issuer that offers such coverage cannot charge such individual a premium rate for such coverage that is higher than a rate equal to 150 percent of the average standard risk rate (as determined by provisions of this Act) of the issuer for individual health insurance offered in the State or applicable marketing or service area (as determined pursuant to regulations).