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Healthcare

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

551 records in US in 2003

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 1757 (108th)referred

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase the personal needs allowance applied to institutionalized individuals under the Medicaid Program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the personal needs allowance deducted from monthly income in determining Medicaid payment for the cost of care in an institution, to increase such allowance: (1) from $30 to $50 for institutionalized individuals; and (2) from $60 to $100 for institutionalized couples.

Bill· HRH.R. 1739 (108th)referred

Medicare Puerto Rico Hospital Payment Parity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Medicare Puerto Rico Hospital Payment Parity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise: (1) the payment formula to increase payment amounts to Puerto Rico hospitals that are based on the discharge-weighted average of the nationally adjusted DRG (diagnostically-related group) prospective payment rate for hospitals located in urban and rural areas for discharges beginning in FY 2004; and (2) the calculation of Medicare disproportionate share payments for prospective payment system hospitals in Puerto Rico.

Bill· HRH.R. 1720 (108th)referred

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects, using funds appropriated for FY 2004 through 2006. Allows such projects to be carried out in order to improve, replace, renovate, update, or establish a new patient care facility, or to improve, replace, renovate, or update, a research facility, in order to improve: (1) seismic protection related to patient safety; (2) fire safety; (3) utility systems and ancillary patient care facilities; (4) accommodation for persons with disabilities; and (5) patient care facilities to specialized programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1736 (108th)open

Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include primary and secondary preventative medical strategies, treatment, and services, including genetic counseling and testing, for individuals who have Sickle Cell Disease as medical assistance under the Medicaid program. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to conduct a demonstration program for the development and establishment of systemic mechanisms, including a National Coordinating Center, to improve the prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.

Bill· HRH.R. 1710 (108th)referred

American Hospital Preservation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

American Hospital Preservation Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) restore the full market basket percentage increase applied to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries starting in FY 2004, and for FY 2005 and each subsequent fiscal year as well; (2) ensure the full market basket update for any fiscal year after FY 2005; and (3) restore the reimbursement factor for indirect medical education payments to teaching hospitals to the FY 2002 level for FY 2005 and each subsequent fiscal year, after providing for an increase in such factor from current levels for FY 2004.

Bill· HRH.R. 1746 (108th)referred

Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, based on recommendations from the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Advisory Panel (established by this Act), to make grants, after a process of peer review and programmatic review, to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not more than eight centers for the purpose of conducting multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer.

Bill· SS. 847 (108th)referred

Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of providing Medicaid coverage for certain low-income HIV-infected individuals. Provides States taking advantage of this option with an enhanced Federal Medicaid match.

Bill· SS. 836 (108th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend by five years the period for the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of noninstitutional extended care services and required nursing home care.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Extends through December 31, 2008, the period during which: (1) noninstitutional extended care services will be considered to be medical services required to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans; and (2) the Secretary shall be required to provide nursing home care to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Amends the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act to require an additional report on the extended care services.

Bill· SS. 845 (108th)referred

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1689 (108th)referred

Legal Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Legal Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1694 (108th)referred

America Rx Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

America Rx Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide qualified U.S. residents with access to discounted prices for outpatient prescription drugs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1699 (108th)referred

Patient Privacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Patient Privacy Act - Amends part C (Administrative Simplification) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal: (1) the requirement of unique health identifiers for each individual, employer, health plan, and health care provider; and (2) penalties for wrongful disclosure of unique health identifiers. Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to repeal provisions for regulations for standards with respect to the privacy of individually identifiable health information. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to develop or implement any database or other system of records containing personal medical information of any U.S. citizen, or to collect medical records for the purpose of storing them in a database or other system of records, with specified exceptions including part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program under SSA title XVIII and the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX.

Bill· SS. 823 (108th)referred

Medicare Innovation Responsiveness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Medicare Innovation Responsiveness Act of 2003 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous Provisions) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) prescribe criteria for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use in making national coverage determinations; (2) direct the Secretary to establish a Council for Technology and Innovation within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to coordinate coverage, coding, and payment processes with respect to new technologies and procedures under Medicare in order to expedite patient access to new technologies and therapies; and (3) revise the Medicare coverage determination appeals process. Directs the Secretary to establish a process that provides for the assignment of inpatient hospital codes for new medical services and related technologies as of April 1 of each year. Requires the Secretary to establish a process for the assignment of Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes each calendar quarter for new medical services and technologies. Amends SSA title XI to provide that, if the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics has not made a recommendation to the Secretary before April 1, 2003, with respect to the adoption of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) as a standard for the reporting of inpatient hospital services, the Secretary may adopt ICD-10-PCS as such a standard without receiving such a recommendation. Revises requirements for the use of internal and external data for annual adjustments to the inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS) and outpatient hospital PPS. Provides for limitation on use of foreign payer data in determining Medicare payment amounts. Revises requirements for the recognition of the costs of new medical services and technologies under the inpatient hospital PPS. Establishes requirements for any agreement or contract to perform the function of making local coverage determinations. Modifies requirements for the use of carriers for administration of benefits with respect to national inherent reasonableness determinations.

Bill· SS. 817 (108th)referred

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit a court from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement disagreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records in a civil case, unless the court has found that: (1) such order would not restrict the disclosure of information which is relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the privacy interest. Prohibits any party from requesting, as a condition for the production of discovery, that another party stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits a court from: (1) approving or enforcing an order prohibited under this Act, or any provision of an agreement between parties to a civil action, that restricts a party from disclosing information to any Federal or State agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information; or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing a case or evidence that involves matters related to public health or safety, except where the court finds that the public interest in disclosure of potential health and safety hazards is outweighed by a confidentiality interest.

Bill· SS. 816 (108th)referred

Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make a variety of changes with regard to rural health care and such matters as: (1) urban and rural standardized payment amounts under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (2) disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (3) payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (4) adjustment to the Medicare inpatient hospital PPS wage index to revise the labor-related share of such index; (5) treatment of certain sole community hospitals to limit the decline in payment under the PPS for hospital outpatient department services; (6) the critical access hospital program; and (7) permanent treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish and use alternative guidelines for geographic reclassification of certain hospitals located in sparsely populated States. Amends the Public Health Service Act to give the Secretary the authority to make and guarantee loans from the loan fund to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a five-year extension of the authorization for appropriations for certain Medicare rural grants.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 109 (108th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to polio.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Expresses serious concern about the continuing menace posed by polio. Implores the private sector and various actors, including the United Nations, concerned States, and international financial institutions, to act hastily to eradicate polio. Calls upon the executive branch to provide the necessary human and material resources to end the scourge of polio, including closely monitoring laboratory stocks of the polio virus.

Bill· HRH.R. 1675 (108th)referred

Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make a variety of changes with regard to rural health care and such matters as: (1) urban and rural standardized payment amounts under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (2) disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (3) adjustment to the Medicare inpatient hospital PPS wage index to revise the labor-related share of such index; (4) treatment of certain sole community hospitals to limit the decline in payment under the PPS for hospital outpatient department services; (5) the critical access hospital program; and (6) permanent treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Amends the Public Health Service Act to give the Secretary the authority to make and guarantee loans from the loan fund to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a five-year extension of the authorization for appropriations for certain Medicare rural grants.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 33 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding scleroderma.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003

Calls for: (1) recognition of private organizations and health care providers for promoting awareness and research on scleroderma; (2) greater awareness of the symptoms of scleroderma and contributions to the fight against it; (3) the National Institutes of Health to continue to take a leadership role in research efforts regarding the fight against scleroderma and to allow for broad dissemination of the information learned from such research; and (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consider additional methods to improve disease surveillance of scleroderma.

Bill· HRH.R. 1657 (108th)referred

Annie Fox Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003

Annie Fox Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Institute regarding breast cancer in younger women. Requires that in carrying out this Act, the Director shall provide for: (1) augmented research into various aspects of breast cancer in younger women, including the long-term effects of treatment; and (2) augmented information and education programs regarding breast cancer in younger women.

Bill· HRH.R. 1655 (108th)referred

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of marriage and family therapist services generally, and particularly such services provided in rural health clinics and in hospice programs. Authorizes marriage and family therapists to develop discharge plans for post-hospital services. Amends Medicare part C (Miscellaneous) to exclude such services from the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 140 (108th)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the awareness of and treatment for kidney disease.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) national and community organizations should be recognized for their work in promoting awareness of kidney disease; (2) health care providers should continue their efforts toward early diagnosis of such disease; and (3) the Federal Government should work to increase kidney disease awareness and research funding and to improve access to detection and treatment services.

Bill· SS. 778 (108th)referred

Medicare Rx Drug Discount and Security Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

Medicare Rx Drug Discount and Security Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Medicare Prescription Drug Discount and Security Program). Establishes, within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a Center for Medicare Prescription Drugs, headed by a Director of Medicare Prescription Drugs, to administer the Voluntary Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Discount and Security Program. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish this Program, under which an eligible beneficiary may voluntarily enroll in a prescription drug card plan offered by an eligible entity and endorsed by the Secretary and receive specified benefits, including a catastrophic benefit. Outlines enrollee protections. Makes the costs of providing program benefits payable from the Medicare Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Establishes a Medicare Competition and Prescription Drug Advisory Board. Amends SSA title XVIII part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to provide for the exclusion of new part D costs from the determination of the Medicare part B monthly premium. Revises Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) requirements with respect to revision of the 1991 National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Regulation to accord with this Act.

Bill· SS. 791 (108th)open

Renewable Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

Reliable Fuels Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require that gasoline contain a specified volume of renewable fuel. Provides for annual increases in the applicable volume through 2012. Establishes a ratio for determining the volume required from 2013 onward. Defines renewable fuel to include motor vehicle fuel produced from biomass (e.g., grain) or natural gas produced from a biogas (e.g., landfill) source. Establishes a system of credits for gasoline containing more renewable fuel than required. Requires studies concerning these renewable fuel requirements, in particular on: (1) seasonal variations in renewable fuel availability; (2) the impact on consumers; and (3) the impact on small refineries. Establishes a system of waivers for States claiming and proving economic or environmental hardship. Establishes a Federal agency ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel purchasing requirement. Requires data collection concerning the monthly consumption of renewable fuels. Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2003 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit the use of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) remediation purposes. Amends the Clean Air Act to revise guidelines pertaining to: (1) water quality protection from fuels; (2) oxygen content requirements for reformulated gasoline; (3) public health and environmental impacts of fuels and fuel additives; (4) analyses of motor vehicle fuel changes; (5) additional opt-in areas under the reformulated gasoline program; and (6) Federal enforcement of State fuels requirements. Requires a joint study of Federal, State, and local requirements concerning motor vehicle fuels.

Law· HRH.R. 1588 (108th)enacted

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2004 for: (1) armed forces procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including authorized end strengths. Increases as of January 1, 2004, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes an incentive bonus for conversion to undermanned military occupational specialties. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including Buy American requirements and the temporary assignment to DOD of certain non-Government personnel; (5) DOD organization and management; (6) space activities, including the provision of space surveillance network services to U.S. and non-U.S. Government entities; (7) DOD civilian personnel policy; (8) matters relating to other nations, including the recognition of superior noncombat achievements by friendly foreign forces or foreign nationals; (9) homeland security, including the sale of chemical and biological defense articles and services to State and local governments; and (10) military construction and military family housing.

Bill· HRH.R. 1633 (108th)referred

SCHIP Web-Based Enrollment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

SCHIP Web-Based Enrollment Act of 2003 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to encourage the use of Internet web-based enrollment systems under SCHIP. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for grants to enable States to develop and implement web-based enrollment systems under their SCHIP child health plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 1622 (108th)referred

Quality Cancer Care Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

Quality Cancer Care Preservation Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the payment amount for covered drugs and biologicals furnished during a calendar quarter that are not paid on a cost or prospective payment basis. Changes such amount from 95 percent of the average wholesale price to 120 percent of the average sales price of the drug or biological for the second preceding calendar quarter. Requires drug manufacturers to report average sales prices each calendar quarter for covered drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) revise the practice expense relative value units for drug administration services (including chemotherapy administration services) in accordance with this Act to determine the units to be used in determining the fee schedule amounts paid for drug administration services under the Medicare program; (2) recognize and make payments under Medicare for chemotherapy support services furnished incident to physicians' services; (3) recognize and establish a payment amount for the service of cancer therapy management to account for the greater pre-service and post-service work associated with visits and consultations conducted by physicians treating cancer patients compared to typical visits and consultations; and (4) develop a revised methodology for determining the payment amounts for services that are paid under the Medicare fee schedule and that do not have physician work relative value units, including radiation oncology services. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide that if the Secretary requires direct supervision of a service by a physician, that supervision requirement may be fulfilled by one or more physicians other than the physician who ordered the service.

Bill· HRH.R. 1580 (108th)referred

Medicare Area Wage Index and Standardized Rate Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

Medicare Area Wage Index and Standardized Rate Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to mandate a single national average standardized payment amount for inpatient hospital services furnished, regardless of whether in an urban or non-urban area, under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for discharges occurring in FY 2004 and thereafter. Provides for an exception from current requirements for adjustment of the proportion of the diagnostic-related group (DRG) PPS rates representing hospital costs attributable to wages and wage-related costs. Declares that, for adjustments made for different area wage levels for discharges occurring in FY 2004 and thereafter for disproportionate share hospitals for which the adjustment factor established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the fiscal year is less than 1.0, the Secretary shall substitute for the proportion of hospital costs otherwise estimated a proportion of 62 percent.

Bill· HRH.R. 1635 (108th)referred

Medicare Outpatient Copayment Reduction Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

Medicare Outpatient Copayment Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services, to provide for an extended period through 2010 of increased graduated reduction of the Medicare beneficiary copayment for a covered OPD service furnished under Medicare.

Bill· HRH.R. 1562 (108th)open

Veterans Health Care Cost Recovery Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003

Veterans Health Care Cost Recovery Act of 2003 - Prohibits the absence of a participation agreement or other contractual arrangement entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under a health-plan contract or with a preferred provider organization from being used to, or from operating to, prevent or reduce the amount of any veterans' medical care cost recovery or collection by the United States. Mandates that whenever the Secretary furnishes care and services to a person other than a veteran, the United States shall have the right to recover the costs of such care and services in the same manner and to the same extent as care and services provided to a veteran.

Law· HRH.R. 1559 (108th)enacted

Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003

Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes emergency war-related appropriations for FY 2003 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Justice (including the Counterterrorism Fund); (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (5) the Judiciary; and (6) the Department of State and related agencies, including the Broadcasting Board of Governors for Middle East Television Network broadcasting to the Middle East and radio broadcasting to Iraq. Makes emergency war-related appropriations for the following Department of Defense-Military items, programs, and activities: (1) Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide; (2) Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (3) Military Personnel, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Reserve Personnel-Army, and National Guard Personnel-Army); (4) Operation and Maintenance, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Defense-Wide, Army National Guard); (5) the Defense Health Program; (6) Procurement, Army, Transfer of Funds (Aircraft, Missiles, Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Ammunition, Other, Defense-Wide); (7) Procurement, Air Force; (8) Procurement, Defense-Wide; (9) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Transfer of Funds (Army and Defense-Wide); (10) Combat, Stability Operations, and Air Force Reconstitution Cost (including Transfer of Funds); (11) Natural Resources Risk Remediation Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (12) Revolving and Management Funds (Defense Working Capital Funds); and (13) other specified Department of Defense Programs (Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, including Transfer of Funds). Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, and the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 to: (1) make available specified additional funds; and (2) provide for a specified transfer of funds by the Secretary of Defense. Makes specified amounts available for transfer by the Secretary of Defense to the Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund. Makes additional funds available for Bilateral Economic Assistance to: (1) the United States Agency For International Development; (2) the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (3) International Disaster Assistance; (4) Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development; (5) the Economic Support Fund; (6) the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (including Transfer of Funds); and (7) Loan Guarantees to Israel. Makes additional funds available to the Department of State for: (1) the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; (2) the Andean Counterdrug Initiative; (3) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (4) the Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs. Makes additional funds available for Foreign Military Assistance Financing Program and Peacekeeping Operations. Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Department of Homeland Security; (2) Citizenship and Immigration Services; (3) United States Secret Service; (4) Border and Transportation Security; (5) Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (6) the Transportation Security Administration; (7) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Operating Expenses; (8) the Office For Domestic Preparedness; (9) the United States Coast Guard; (10) Emergency Preparedness and Response; and (11) Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Makes additional funds available for the Department of Health and Human Services: (1) Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (Disease Control, Research, and Training); and (2) Office of the Secretary (Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund). Makes additional Legislative Branch funds available for: (1) the House of Representatives salaries and expenses; (2) Committee Employees (Standing Committees); (3) Capitol Police; (4) the Office of Compliance; (5) the Architect of the Capitol; (6) the Library of Congress; and (7) the General Accounting Office. Makes additional Department of Defense funds available for: (1) Military Construction (Navy and Air Force); and (2) Family Housing Operation and Maintenance for the Air Force.

Bill· HRH.R. 1568 (108th)referred

Medicare Rx Now Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003

Medicare Rx Now Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for outpatient prescription drug coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), along with an annual deductible, adjusted for inflation, with a three-tiered copayment structure (with reduced copayments for generic drugs). Allows for high-deductible outpatient prescription drug coverage under such new program with the provision of benefits through Medicare approved prescription drug plans, including a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare+Choice (Medicare part C). Directs the Secretary to solicit bids from entities to offer prescription drug discount card plans to individuals enrolled under part B as long as the entity offering a prescription drug discount card plan does not offer benefits to designees of the plan in addition to high-deductible prescription drug coverage, access to negotiated prices, and other required benefits under this Act. Outlines benefits for low-income beneficiaries, including eligibility for low-income subsidies under the Medicaid program (SSA title XIX). Provides for changes under Medicaid with respect to the enrollment process, including providing for automatic reenrollment without need to reapply.

Bill· SS. 754 (108th)referred

Improved Vaccine Affordability and Availability Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Improved Vaccine Affordability and Availability Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize additional appropriations for grants to States to increase influenza immunization rates in high risk populations, including medically underserved adults and adolescents, and extend vaccine availability. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a program of research, demonstration projects, and education to ensure that immunizations are routinely offered to adults and adolescents by public and private health care providers. Requires such program to collect data on adverse impacts associated with immunizations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and disseminate information concerning certain diseases and their vaccines, including bacterial meningitis and hepatitis A and B; and (2) maintain a 6 months supply of prioritized vaccines. Revises provisions governing the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, including provisions regarding: (1) equitable relief; (2) derivative petitions; and (3) an extension of the statute of limitations. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund, including to expand compensated loss for injury or death to include related loss. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science to conduct an ongoing, comprehensive review of new scientific data on childhood vaccines.

Bill· HRH.R. 1548 (108th)referred

Freedom of Conscience Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Freedom of Conscience Act of 2003 - Prohibits any Federal official from expending any Federal funds for any population control or population planning program or any family planning activity (including any abortion procedure), irrespective of whether such program or activity is foreign or domestic.

Bill· HRH.R. 1539 (108th)referred

Hospital Investment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Hospital Investment Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit the hospital ownership exception to physician self-referral restrictions to interests purchased on terms generally available to the public.

Bill· HRH.R. 1545 (108th)referred

Partial-Birth Abortion Funding Ban Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Partial-Birth Abortion Funding Ban Act of 2003 - Prohibits any Federal official from paying Federal funds to any individual or entity that performs partial-birth abortions.

Bill· SS. 747 (108th)referred

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) and military construction for FY 2004. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including authorized end strengths. Sets forth provisions governing continuing military readiness activities on military lands and range preservation. Increases as of January 1, 2004, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes an incentive bonus for conversion to undermanned military occupational specialties. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including Buy American requirements, the temporary assignment to DOD of certain non-Government personnel, and the extension of the Defense Production Act of 1950; (5) DOD organization and management, including protection of the operational files of the National Security Agency; (6) space activities, including the provision of space surveillance network services to non-U.S. Governmental entities and launch and reentry services to commercial entities; (7) DOD civilian personnel policy; (8) matters relating to other nations, including the recognition of superior noncombat achievements by friendly foreign forces or foreign nationals and the expanded use of cooperative threat reduction funds; (9) homeland security, including the sale of chemical and biological defense articles and services to State and local governments; and (10) military construction and military family housing. Establishes a National Defense Heritage Foundation.

Bill· HRH.R. 1522 (108th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income loan payments received under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program established in the Public Health Service Act.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received as loan repayments under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program established under the Public Health Service Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1515 (108th)referred

To provide for reimbursement for unreimbursed costs of emergency medical care for aliens paroled into the United States for medical reasons.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is within the responsibility of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to track medical parolees entering the United States for specified humanitarian reasons, and to ensure that these individuals depart the United States upon completion of their trip. Directs the Secretary to reimburse hospitals and other emergency medical care providers (including physicians and entities providing emergency ambulance services) for their reasonable costs of providing emergency medical care to aliens who are paroled into the United States for medical reasons.

Bill· SS. 732 (108th)referred

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2003 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D to establish the Safety Net Organizations and Patient Advisory Commission to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the health care safety net programs; and (2) report annually to Congress, the Comptroller General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the health care needs of the uninsured and the financial and infrastructure stability of the core health care safety net of the United States based on such review.

Bill· SS. 740 (108th)referred

Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of and reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening tests covered under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) increase reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests; (2) cover an outpatient office visit or consultation for the purpose of beneficiary education before a colorectal cancer screening test consisting of a screening colonoscopy or in conjunction with the beneficiary's decision to obtain such a screening, regardless of whether such screening is medically indicated with respect to the beneficiary; and (3) waive the deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests.

Bill· HRH.R. 1482 (108th)open

Access for Afghan Women Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Access for Afghan Women Act of 2003 - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a fund to assist women and girls in Afghanistan in the areas of political and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter. Requires the funds to support specified activities, including: (1) direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Ministry of Women's Affairs in Afghanistan to promote its strengthening and enable it to fulfill its mandate; (2) direct financial assistance to the National Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan; and (3) construction of women's educational facilities in Afghanistan. Earmarks a minimum percentage of the economic and humanitarian assistance authorized for Afghanistan for each of FY 2003 though 2005 to be made available for assistance directly to Afghan-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Afghan women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Afghan women and children to support their programmatic activities and organizational development. Requires an appropriate percentage of such assistance for FY 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year to be made available to such organizations. Prescribes general requirements with respect to Afghanistan for: (1) its governance; (2) post-conflict stability; (3) training for military and police forces; and (4) relief, resettlement, and repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Bill· HRH.R. 1499 (108th)referred

Reconstructive Surgery Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Reconstructive Surgery Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a plan providing surgical coverage to provide coverage for reconstructive surgery. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide similar coverage for reconstructive surgery offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Sets forth related provisions with respect to collective bargaining agreements.

Bill· HRH.R. 1469 (108th)referred

Women's Obstetrician and Gynecologist Access Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Women's Obstetrician and Gynecologist Access Now Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans permit enrollees direct access to services of obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly and without a referral. States that a plan or issuer shall not be prohibited from establishing: (1) reasonable requirements for a participating obstetrician and gynecologist or family practice physician and surgeon to communicate with the participant's or beneficiary's primary care physician and surgeon regarding the participant's or beneficiary's condition and treatment; or (2) reasonable provisions governing utilization protocols and the use of obstetricians and gynecologists, or family practice physicians and surgeons, participating in the plan or issuer network.

Bill· HRH.R. 1483 (108th)referred

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act of 2003 - Requires the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct jointly and report to Congress on: (1) a comprehensive study of the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions upon uranium-exposed veterans and upon their children born after such exposure; and (2) a public health assessment of persons who are thought to have an epidemiological link to any U.S. military installation or production facility at which depleted uranium munitions have either been, or currently are being used or produced. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct and report to certain congressional committees on a comprehensive environmental evaluation of possible contamination of the soil, air, water, and vegetation by depleted uranium at sites listed by the Secretary of Defense where depleted uranium munitions have been used or produced. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop and implement a plan for the mitigation and cleanup of depleted uranium at the pertinent sites; and (2) submit annual progress reports to the Administrator and such congressional committees.

Bill· HRH.R. 1463 (108th)failed

Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures for determining whether an individual is an eligible individual under this Act who qualifies for compensation for a covered injury or injuries. Defines a covered injury as an injury, disability, illness, condition, or death arising in a specified time period from the administration of a smallpox vaccine or arising in specified circumstances from an accidental smallpox inoculation. Defines a covered individual as an individual from one of certain professions who is or will be functioning as part of a Federally approved smallpox emergency response plan and who receives a smallpox vaccine. Defines an eligible individual as a covered individual who sustains a covered injury from a smallpox vaccine or as an individual who is accidentally inoculated and sustains a covered injury. Directs the Secretary to create a smallpox vaccine injury table identifying adverse effects that shall be presumed to result from the administration of (or exposure to) a smallpox vaccine and the time period in which the first symptom of each such adverse effect must occur for such presumption to apply. Requires the Secretary to make payments for medical items and services as reasonable and necessary to treat a covered injury of an eligible individual. Directs the Secretary to provide compensation according to a specified formula to an eligible individual for the loss of employment income incurred due to a covered injury. Provides separately for benefits for permanent and total disability and death. Amends Public Health Service Act provisions regarding: (1) tort liability for the administration of smallpox countermeasures; and (2) the administration of smallpox countermeasures by health professionals, including to modify the definitions of covered countermeasure, covered person, and qualified person.

Bill· HRH.R. 1477 (108th)referred

Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2003 - Provides for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1470 (108th)referred

WISEWOMAN Expansion Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

WISEWOMAN Expansion Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through a competitive review process, to award grants to States to provide additional specified preventive health services, screenings, education, and referrals under PHSA provisions concerning preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1496 (108th)referred

Consumer Food Safety Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Consumer Food Safety Act of 2003 - Declares that persons who produce or process food for human consumption are responsible for preventing or minimizing food safety hazards. Mandates a national program to protect human health by ensuring that the food industry has effective safety programs for food consumed in the United States. Mandates regulations: (1) setting standards for sanitation and tolerances for biological, chemical, and physical hazards; (2) requiring process controls, recordkeeping, and sampling; (3) providing for agency records access; (4) unannounced inspections at least quarterly of processing and importing facilities; and (5) tolerances (including indicators) for contaminants. Authorizes assistance to a State in planning and implementing a food safety program. Mandates a comprehensive and efficient system to ensure imported food safety. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement with any nation desiring to export food to the United States. Sets forth requirements for the agreement, including reciprocity. Mandates: (1) inclusion of food in an active surveillance system and more accurate assessment of the frequency and sources of U.S. human illness associated with food; (2) establishment of guidelines for a sampling system; and (3) ranking of food categories based on their hazard to human health and approaches to minimize hazards. Requires: (1) a national food safety public education program; (2) regional and national food safety advisories; (3) standardized written and broadcast advisory formats; and (4) incorporation of State and local advisories into the national program. Provides, if there is a reasonable probability that the food would present a public health threat, for voluntary and mandatory recalls. Authorizes the Secretary to impose traceability requirements on a type or class of food when necessary to assure the protection of public health. Authorizes civil actions and monetary penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1466 (108th)referred

Mobilized Reserve Family Health Care Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Mobilized Reserve Family Health Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to cover the cost of insurance coverage under TRICARE for a member (and family) of the National Guard or a reserve component of a U.S. Armed Force who has been called or ordered to active duty for a period in excess of 30 days, or for an indefinite period, during such period of duty. Permits a deduction (for both itemizers and nonitemizers), applicable to such period of duty, for insurance costs in addition to the TRICARE costs.

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