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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 2011

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 1832 (112th)referred

STEP Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Servicemembers' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 or STEP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to allow certain licensed health-care professionals to provide care to members of the Armed Forces at any location and regardless of where the professional or patient are located, so long as the practice is within the scope of authorized federal duties. Includes among authorized health-care professionals civilian DOD employees, DOD personal service contractors, or other health-care professionals credentialed and privileged at a federal health care institution or location specially designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on plans to develop and expand programs to use new Internet and communication technologies, including telemedicine, telehealth care services, and telebehavioral health programs, to improve patient access to care and resources.

Bill· HRH.R. 1833 (112th)referred

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve mental and behavioral health services and outreach on college and university campuses. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need, (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services, (3) target underserved and at-risk populations, (4) coordinate with a community mental health center or other community mental health resources, (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies, and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. Allows the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental and behavioral health on college campuses. Requires the Secretary to establish the College Campus Task Force to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 265 (112th)referred

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Expresses support for the observance of National Asian American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Recognizes the importance of: (1) culturally and linguistically competent services as a core element in reducing HIV/AIDS rates in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; and (2) addressing the gaps in research and data in order to fully understand the HIV/AIDS epidemic in such communities. Recognizes the people across the United States infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who are commemorating this day and who work to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Bill· HRH.R. 1809 (112th)referred

Dental Coverage Value and Transparency Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

Dental Coverage Value and Transparency Act of 2011 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prescribe certain health care coverage value and transparency requirements for dental benefits under group health plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 1822 (112th)referred

No Health Care Subsidies for Illegal Aliens Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

No Health Care Subsidies for Illegal Aliens Act of 2011 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to revise the procedures for determining eligibility for participation in a state health care insurance exchange (Exchange), with respect to citizenship or immigration status, to: (1) require an applicant for enrollment in a qualified health plan (enrollee) to appear in person at an Exchange and submit a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, that the enrollee is a citizen or national of the United States or an eligible alien; (2) expand the documentary evidence that enrollees must submit for purposes of verifying eligibility; (3) require Exchanges (currently, the Secretary of Health and Human Services [HHS]) to verify citizenship or immigration status of enrollees based on satisfactory documentary evidence;  (4) eliminate the authority of the Secretary to modify the methods used to verify enrollee eligibility; and (5) eliminate provisions authorizing the Secretary to verify the accuracy of submitted information. Applies this Act as if included in the enactment of PPACA.

Bill· HRH.R. 1810 (112th)referred

Tom Lantos Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Education Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

Tom Lantos Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Education Act of 2011 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, should continue aggressive work on pulmonary hypertension; and (2) the Director of the Institute should continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, pulmonary hypertension. Requires inclusion of information on the status of pulmonary hypertension research at NIH in biennial reports to Congress. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to carry out an educational campaign to increase public awareness of pulmonary hypertension, which may include information on pulmonary hypertension and its symptoms, the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, diseases and conditions that can lead to pulmonary hypertension as a secondary diagnosis, the importance of early diagnosis, and the availability of a range of treatment options. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Director of CDC, to carry out an educational campaign to increase awareness of pulmonary hypertension among health care providers, which may include information on: (1) the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, (2) the importance of early diagnosis, (3) current diagnostic criteria, and (4) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies for the disease. Requires such campaign to target health care providers, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, rheumatologists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 262 (112th)referred

Supporting efforts to raise awareness, improve education, and encourage research and treatment of the psychosocial needs of children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with a childhood cancer and their families.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

Expresses support for efforts that raise awareness about all childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers. Encourages: (1) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to take steps to address the psychosocial needs of the children, adolescents, young adults, and their families living with childhood cancer; and (2) the federal government and the private sector to devote resources to find better treatments for, and build awareness of, childhood cancer and to emphasize the importance of such needs. Urges: (1) public and private sector health organizations to take steps to increase physician, nursing, and other health care providers' awareness of those needs, as well as increase access to readily available mental health services in support of these efforts; and (2) the federal government and the private sector to invest in the development of new and improved psychosocial and medical treatments and therapies for children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with and surviving cancer.

Bill· SS. 915 (112th)referred

American Health Security Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2011

American Health Security Act of 2011 - Establishes the State-Based American Health Security Program to provide every U.S. resident who is a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident alien with health care services. Requires each participating state to establish a state health security program. Eliminates benefits under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (3) TRICARE. Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) related to health insurance coverage, including provisions concerning state health insurance exchanges. Requires each state health security program to prohibit the sale of health insurance in that state that duplicates benefits provided under the program. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to: (1) develop policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements to carry out this Act; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements and quality performance standards; (3) provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council; and (4) establish a national health security budget specifying the total federal and state expenditures to be made for covered health care services. Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council to: (1) review and evaluate practice guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria; and (2) develop minimum competence criteria. Creates the Center for American Health Security Innovation to accelerate the implementation of new models of care that would improve patient care, improve population health, and lower costs. Establishes the Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Creates the American Health Security Trust Fund and appropriates to it specified tax liabilities and current health program receipts, including premium assistance credits under PPACA.

Bill· SS. 906 (112th)referred

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services, except in cases involving rape, incest, or life endangerment.) Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Thus making permanent existing federal policies.) Prohibits the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal or District of Columbia health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District. Excludes from such prohibitions an abortion if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or (2) the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, as certified by a physician. Makes such prohibitions applicable to District of Columbia funds. Codifies the prohibition against a federal agency or program or any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from subjecting any individual or health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Creates a cause of action for any violations of such provisions. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including an injunction or order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, investigate, and refer to the appropriate federal agency complaints alleging a violation of such provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disqualify, for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses, any amounts paid for an abortion. Excludes from the definition of "qualified health plan" after December 31, 2013, for purposes of the refundable tax credit for premium assistance for such plans, any plan that includes coverage for abortion. Excludes from the definitions of "qualified health plan" and "health insurance coverage," for purposes of the tax credit for small employer health insurance expenses, any health plan or benefit that includes coverage for abortions. Includes any reimbursements or distributions to pay for an abortion in the gross income of participants in flexible spending arrangements under a tax-exempt cafeteria plan, Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs). Exempts from the application of such tax provisions: (1) abortions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or in cases where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, endanger her life if an abortion were not performed; and (2) the treatment of any infection, injury, disease, or disorder that was caused by or exacerbated by the performance of an abortion.

Bill· SS. 891 (112th)referred

Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize attending physician assistants as attending physicians to serve hospice patients.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 172 (112th)passed

A resolution recognizing the importance of cancer research and the contributions made by scientists and clinicians across the United States who are dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, and designating May 2011, as "National Cancer Research Month".

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Designates May 2011 as National Cancer Research Month. Recognizes the importance of cancer research and the invaluable contributions of cancer researchers and expresses support for efforts to make cancer research an international priority.

Bill· HRH.R. 1784 (112th)referred

Mammogram and MRI Availability Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Mammogram and MRI Availability Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group or individual health plan that provides coverage for diagnostic mammography for any woman 40 years old or older to provide no less favorable coverage for annual screening mammography for such a woman, and diagnostic mammography, annual screening mammography, and annual magnetic resonance imaging for any high risk woman. Prohibits a health plan from denying enrollment or renewal solely to avoid the requirements of this Act, providing monetary incentives to encourage women to accept less than such minimum protections, penalizing providers for providing care in accordance with this Act, or providing incentives to induce providers to provide care in a manner inconsistent with this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1774 (112th)referred

Increasing Access to Voluntary Screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Increasing Access to Voluntary Screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a state plan to provide coverage of routine screening services for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with no cost sharing for such screening services. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of SSA to require coverage of such screening services. Sets forth requirements for such screenings. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require health plans to provide coverage for such screening under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than the terms and conditions applicable to other routine health screenings. Prohibits certain actions to avoid these requirements. Applies such requirement to the federal employees health benefits program. Permits state Medicaid plans to provide medical coverage of individuals who have HIV/AIDS and whose income and resources do not exceed the maximum amount of income or resources disabled individuals may have to obtain such medical assistance. Provides for reimbursement to states at an enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for such coverage. Excludes such coverage from the limitations on Medicaid payments to territories. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) track national HIV/AIDS and STI screening trends and the burdens of HIV/AIDS and STIs among people with disabilities; (2) make sex education materials that promote voluntary screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs accessible to the deaf and hearing loss community and to people with intellectual disabilities; (3) ensure that national screening guidelines for cervical cancer state that women who have sex with women should have the same guidelines as women who have sex only with men; and (4) improve information collection concerning the transmission, morbidity, and screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs in transgender communities.

Bill· HRH.R. 1770 (112th)referred

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

Bill· HRH.R. 1744 (112th)referred

American Job Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

American Job Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring certain employers who have a workforce of 50 or more full-time employees to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.

Bill· HRH.R. 1773 (112th)referred

Made in America Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Made in America Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase to 20% the rate of the alternative simplified tax credit for research expenses and repeal the taxpayer election to take an alternative incremental credit for such expenses; (3) make permanent the increased expensing allowance for depreciable business property; and (4) reduce to 30% the maximum income tax rate for corporations, including personal service corporations. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct studies of: (1) the impact of workplace employee health care facilities on employee health and and productivity, and (2) the best practices for encouraging college graduates from rural areas to return to those areas after graduation.

Bill· SS. 882 (112th)referred

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Stop Trafficking of Pills Act or STOP Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require state Medicaid plans to: (1) identify prescription drugs that present a high-risk of misuse or overutilization, (2) establish a dosage level for each such drug that would be deemed excessive in the absence of evidence of medical necessity, (3) identify Medicaid-eligible individuals who are either receiving a prescription drug at excessive dosage levels or who have been convicted of a drug-related offense, and (4) ensure that they are assigned to a state-established restricted recipient program. Requires a state to establish a Medicaid Lock-in Program to ensure that a high-risk prescription drug user is assigned to: (1) a single and exclusive physician for purposes of receiving any medical assistance related to a prescription drug, and (2) a single and exclusive pharmacy to receive any physician-prescribed drug. Requires a state to establish a Medicaid prescription drug restriction program to ensure that the state claims processing system does not permit a prescription drug to be dispensed to a high-risk prescription drug user more than once every 20 days. Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of SSA title XXVIII (Medicare) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a similar restricted recipient program for high-risk prescription drug users under the Medicare program.

Bill· SS. 877 (112th)referred

Protect Life Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Protect Life Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Requires any qualified health benefit plan offered through an Exchange that includes coverage for abortions to also offer a qualified health benefit plan through the Exchange that is identical in every respect except that it does not cover abortions. Prohibits a federal agency or program and any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance under PPACA from requiring any health plan created or regulated under PPACA to discriminate against any institutional or individual health care entity based on the entity's refusal to undergo training in the performance of induced abortions, require or provide such training, or refer for such training. Creates a cause of action for any violations of the abortion provisions of PPACA. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including injunctions and orders preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of PPACA abortion provisions. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that no multistate qualified health plan offered in an Exchange provides coverage of abortion services.

Bill· HRH.R. 1709 (112th)referred

Force Protection and Readiness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Force Protection and Readiness Act - Grants, in cases arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for communications made between an alleged victim of sexual assault and a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate of the Department of Defense (DOD), to an individual who consulted with such an Advocate, a victim service organization, or a health care professional the privilege of refusing to disclose a confidential communication made by the individual if such communication was made for the purpose of securing advice, counseling, treatment, or assistance in connection with a sexual assault or other sexual misconduct. Allows the privilege to be claimed by the individual's guardian or conservator. Provides exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide for the expedited consideration of a request for a permanent change of military station or unit transfer submitted by a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who was a victim of sexual assault or other sexual offense. Codifies under federal law a required information database on sexual assault incidents involving members of the Armed Forces. Repeals a superseded requirement under the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a universal hotline to facilitate the reporting of sexual assault involving members of the Armed Forces. Requires: (1) at least one full-time Sexual Assault Victim Advocate to be assigned to each battalion or equivalent military unit, and (2) appropriate training and certification of such advocates. Requires a copy of the record of proceedings of a court-martial involving a sexual assault or other sexual offense to be given to the victim if the victim testified during the proceedings. Directs the Secretary to provide a training module for judge advocates who serve as trial counsel to improve their ability to investigate and prosecute cases involving a sexual assault or other sexual offense.

Bill· HRH.R. 1724 (112th)referred

Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2011 - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or to a state, with respect to hospital services, under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception, (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman, (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request, and (4) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman or her family to pay.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 246 (112th)referred

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and (2) working toward an eventual cure for celiac disease through increased research and treatment. Recognizes: (1) that awareness of celiac disease will have a significant positive impact on the quality of life of people with that disease, and (2) the importance of improving diagnosis rates through increased education about the disease.

Bill· SS. 868 (112th)referred

State Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2011

State Flexibility Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to repeal certain state Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) maintenance of effort requirements under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. (Under "maintenance of efforts" a state is prohibited from having eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures under its state Medicaid or CHIP plan that are more restrictive than those in effect on on July 1, 2008, under ARRA or on March 23, 2010, under PPACA.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1700 (112th)referred

Medicare Patient Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2011

Medicare Patient Empowerment Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow any Medicare beneficiary to enter into a contract with a non-participating (as well as with a participating) physician or practitioner for any item or service covered by Medicare. Allows such beneficiaries to submit a claim for Medicare payment in the amount that would otherwise apply if the claim had been filed by a participating physician or practitioner in the payment area where the physician or practitioner covered by the contract resides. Requires a Medicare beneficiary to agree in writing in such a contract to: (1) pay the physician or practitioner for a Medicare-covered item or service; and (2) submit (in lieu of the physician or practitioner) a claim for Medicare payment. Allows a beneficiary, however, to negotiate, as a term of the contract, for the physician or practitioner to file such claims on the beneficiary's behalf. Preempts state laws from limiting the amount of charges for physician and practitioner services for which Medicare payment is made.

Bill· HRH.R. 1683 (112th)referred

State Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2011

State Flexibility Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to repeal certain state Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) maintenance of effort requirements under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. (Under "maintenance of efforts" a state is prohibited from having eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures under its state Medicaid or CHIP plan that are more restrictive than those in effect on on July 1, 2008, under ARRA or on March 23, 2010, under PPACA.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1676 (112th)referred

Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2011

Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act of 2011 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA): (1) to complete a study to examine the classification of ultraviolet tanning lamps as class I medical devices; and (2) not later than one year after completion of such study, to either issue a rule providing for the reclassification of an ultraviolet tanning lamp as a class II or class III device or submit to Congress a report providing a justification for not issuing such a rule. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) complete a study on the adequacy of performance standards established for ultraviolet tanning lamps; and (2) either issue a rule providing for more stringent performance standards for such lamps, including with respect to the strength of ultraviolet rays emitted by such devices and the amount of time a user should remain exposed to such devices, or submit to Congress a report providing a justification for not issuing such a rule. Directs the Commissioner to carry out recommendations made in a report on labeling requirements for indoor tanning devices regarding ultraviolet tanning lamps. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commissioner with regard to an ultraviolet tanning lamp.

Bill· HRH.R. 1672 (112th)referred

Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2011

Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH activities with respect to scleroderma, with particular emphasis on: (1) research focused on the etiology of scleroderma and the development of new treatment options; (2) clinical research to evaluate new treatments options; and (3) basic research on the relationship between scleroderma and secondary conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, gastroparesis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and Sjogren's Syndrome. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out an educational campaign to increase public awareness of scleroderma. Permits print, video, and web-based materials distributed through this campaign to include: (1) basic information on scleroderma and its symptoms; and (2) information on the incidence and prevalence of scleroderma, diseases and conditions affiliated with scleroderma, or the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma.

Bill· HRH.R. 1666 (112th)referred

Breaking Barriers to Oral Health Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2011

Breaking Barriers to Oral Health Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities to purchase portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with state licensing laws. Directs the Secretary to award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities to collaborate with state, county, or local public officials and other stakeholders in order to develop and implement initiatives to: (1) improve oral health education and dental disease prevention; (2) reduce barriers in a manner that increases dental provider participation in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP); (3) make the dental delivery system providing dental services under Medicaid or CHIP more efficient by taking actions necessary to facilitate the establishment of dental homes; and (4) address geographic, language, or cultural barriers in the provision of dental services.

Bill· HRH.R. 1664 (112th)referred

SAFEGUARDS Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Secure All Facilities to Effectively Guard the United States Against and Respond to Dangerous Spills Act of 2011 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2011 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from issuing a permit or other authorization for exploration for or production of oil and gas under a lease under such Act unless an oil spill response plan for the operations of the facility on which the activity is conducted has been approved by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as meeting requirements for such a plan under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act); (2) require the Secretary to approve an oil and gas exploration plan within 90 (currently 30) days of submission, with a 60-day extension authorized if the Secretary certifies that it's necessary to allow adequate consideration of the plan; and (3) prohibit an exploration plan from being eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Clean Water Act to require: (1) the President to issue regulations to require owners or operators of offshore facilities to have their plans for responding to a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance approved by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (2) such worst case plans of owners and operators of tank vessels, nontank vessels, offshore facilities, or onshore facilities to include plans for responding to uncontrolled or uncontained discharges from wells. Requires the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances to: (1) include water quality monitoring by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of waters affected by discharges of oil or other hazardous substances that begins not later than 48 hours after such a discharge is reported; (2) include designation of the Commandant of the Coast Guard as the National Incident Commander for activities in response to a discharge that results in a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States if such a discharge affects waters with respect to which the Coast Guard is responsible for response efforts under the Plan; and (3) be updated by the President every five years, including separate response plans for discharges of oil or other hazardous materials into or upon land and water.

Bill· HRH.R. 1654 (112th)referred

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) establish a special Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollment period period for individuals enrolled in COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation coverage who elected not to enroll under part B during the individual's initial enrollment period; (2) require a continuous open Medicare part B enrollment, apart from an initial enrollment period or a special enrollment period, during which there shall be an increase in the monthly premium; (3) provide for special enrollment periods to correct errors, misrepresentations, or the inaction of officers, employees, or agents of group health plans or plan sponsors; and (4) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure appropriate coordination of Medicare part B with American Health Benefit Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on enrollment in the Medicare part B program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1639 (112th)referred

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.

Bill· HRH.R. 1656 (112th)referred

Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2011, to revise the criteria and payment formula for "subsection (d) hospitals" which are urban Medicare-dependent hospitals. (Generally a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1633 (112th)open

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from  proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation revising the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 micrometers under the Clean Air Act (CAA) for one year. Exempts nuisance dust from the CAA and excludes nuisance dust from references in such Act to particulate matter, except with respect to geographic areas where such dust is not regulated under state, tribal, or local law if the Administrator finds that: (1) nuisance dust (or any subcategory of nuisance dust) causes substantial adverse public health and welfare effects at ambient concentrations; and (2) the benefits of applying CAA standards and other requirements to such dust outweigh the costs. Defines "nuisance dust" as particulate matter: (1) generated from natural sources, unpaved roads, agricultural activities, earth moving, or other activities typically conducted in rural areas; or (2) consisting primarily of soil, other natural or biological materials, windblown dust, or some combination thereof.

Bill· HRH.R. 1599 (112th)referred

Indian Country Economic Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Indian Country Economic Development Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe and located on its lands is not considered an employer (thus excluding such enterprises or institutions from coverage by such Act). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exclude from gross income student loan repayments: (1) under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and (2) by the Bureau of Indian Education on behalf its employees whose responsibilities include working with or instructing students who attend schools the Bureau oversees. Amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to treat the pension plans of Indian tribal governments as other governmental pension plans are treated. (Currently, tribal government pension plans that include employees performing commercial activities are not considered to be governmental plans.) Permits the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by an Indian tribal government or subdivision if: (1) the obligation is part of an issue substantially all of whose proceeds are to be used in the exercise of an essential government function, or (2) at least 95% of the net proceeds are used to finance facilities on the Indian reservation. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt obligations issued by an Indian tribal government or subdivision from registration requirements. Amends the IRC to provide an employment tax credit to technology companies in Indian country that supply the federal government with domestic sole-sourced technology. Extends to any Indian tribe the discretion granted under current law only to the Navajo Nation to lease restricted lands without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior in specified circumstances. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide that the granting of a preference to a member of an Indian tribe by the tribe on account of such membership is not a violation of the prohibition against discrimination under federally assisted programs on the ground of a person's race, color, or national origin. Allows Indian tribes and tribal organizations to submit proposals to have assistance from more than one federal program integrated to support a community, economic, or business development project that is consistent with the goals of those programs. Requires the federal agency most affected by such a proposal to consult with the other agencies involved and the Department of the Interior in deciding whether or not to approve the proposal and facilitate its implementation. Authorizes federal agencies to enter into agreements with states for joint financing of such projects.

Bill· HRH.R. 1629 (112th)referred

Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem a health professional volunteer providing primary health care to an individual at a community health center to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise from providing services to patients. Sets forth conditions for such liability protection, including: (1) the service is provided to the individual at a community health center or through offsite programs or events carried out by such center; and (2) the health care practitioner does not receive any compensation for providing the service, except repayment for reasonable expenses. Considers an entity as sponsoring the health care practitioner if the entity submits an application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Secretary determines that the health care practitioner is deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service. Requires the Attorney General to submit to Congress an estimate of the amount of claims (together with related fees and expenses of witnesses) that, by reason of the actions or omissions of health professional volunteers, will be paid pursuant to this Act annually. Requires the Secretary to transfer such estimated amount from the claims fund to the appropriate accounts in the Treasury, subject to the extent of amounts in the fund. Makes this Act effective on October 1, 2012.

Bill· HRH.R. 1606 (112th)referred

Special Care Dentistry Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Special Care Dentistry Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state to provide oral health coverage for aged, blind, or disabled individuals through a separate state adult dental program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1589 (112th)referred

Personalize Your Care Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Personalize Your Care Act of 2011 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to cover a Voluntary Advance Care Planning Consultation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish statewide programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment, or (2) expand or enhance existing programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. Directs the Secretary to adopt, by rule, standards for a qualified electronic health record, with respect to patient communications with a health care provider about values and goals of care, to adequately display the patient's current: (1) advance directive, and/or (2) physician order for life-sustaining treatment. Requires under Medicare and Medicaid that an advance directive validly executed outside the state in which the directive is presented must be given effect by a service provider or an organization to the same extent as an advance directive validly executed under the law of the state in which it is presented. Requires that, in the absence of a validly executed advance directive, any authentic expression of a person's wishes with respect to health care be honored.

Bill· HRH.R. 1580 (112th)referred

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to repeal the allowance for disenrollment, between January 1 and March 15 of each year, only from an MedicareAdvantage plan to elect enrollment in the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Restores the option under previous law to elect to change from a MedicareAdvantage to the original Medicare fee-for-service plan, or from the original Medicare fee-for-service to a MedicareAdvantage plan, once a year during the first three months.

Bill· HRH.R. 1578 (112th)referred

Violence Against Women Health Initiative Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Violence Against Women Health Initiative Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and revise a program to award grants to strengthen the response of state, tribal, territorial, or local health care systems to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including by: (1) placing the program in the Office of Women's Health; (2) making victim services programs eligible for grants; (3) extending the grant period from two years to 36 months; and (4) including as a mandatory strategy under the grant that health information technology be used to improve documentation, identification, assessment, treatment, and follow-up care. Reauthorizes and revises a program to provide training to health care professionals on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, including by: (1) placing the program in the Office of Women's Health; (2) including public health staff and allied health professionals in such program; (3) expanding the types of entities eligible for grants; (4) expanding the use of the grants to include developing training for psychology and social work students or providers; and (5) eliminating the matching requirement. Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to reauthorize and revise a research program on effective interventions in health care settings that prevent domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault and that prevent the health effects of such violence and improve the safety and health of individuals who are currently being victimized, including by requiring research on: (1) effective health care interventions to domestic and sexual violence and sexual coercion; (2) factors that increase resiliency for children exposed to dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking or individuals who have lifetime exposure to violence and abuse; and (3) effective interventions within community health centers and adolescent health settings.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 234 (112th)referred

Recognizing the importance of breast cancer early detection efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the federal government should: (1) maintain its commitment to ensuring access to lifesaving breast cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services, particularly for medically underserved women, and to discovering and delivering the cures for cancer and encouraging the development of screening tools that are more accurate and less costly; and (2) increase awareness and improve education about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and the availability of screening services for women in need.

Bill· SS. 862 (112th)referred

Comprehensive Gulf of Mexico Recovery, Restoration, and Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Comprehensive Gulf of Mexico Recovery, Restoration, and Resiliency Act - Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Recovery Council, which shall be composed of members of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Requires the Council, in coordination with the natural resource trustees designated with respect to natural resource damages relating to the Gulf oil spill in connection with the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010, to: (1) develop the Comprehensive Gulf of Mexico Recovery Plan to restore, revitalize, and increase the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem; (2) provide grants to local political subdivisions affected by the oil spill for activities relating to Gulf coast economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public health rehabilitation; (3) establish the Gulf of Mexico Observation System, which shall be implemented through a Gulf of Mexico Exploration Research Center, to observe, monitor, and map the Gulf in a comprehensive manner; (4) establish a Fishery Endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf; and (5) administer the Gulf of Mexico Recovery Fund established by this Act for activities relating to economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public rehabilitation. Establishes the Citizens' Advisory Committee to report on: (1) the achievement of safe operations in the Gulf of oil and gas activities; (2) unresolved problems and concerns with operations, activities, and plans; and (3) the operations and expenditures, needs, issues, and recommendations of such Committee. Establishes the Scientific Advisory Committee to: (1) provide advice to the Council regarding the science behind the Plan and the long-term monitoring and restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem; and (2) report to the Council on the science regarding the impacts to the Gulf and the Gulf coast from the oil spill; (3) the progress of restoration activities; and (4) the Plan's implementation.

Bill· SS. 856 (112th)referred

Medicare Spending Transparency Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Medicare Spending Transparency Act of 2011 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), consistent with applicable information, privacy, security, and disclosure laws, to make public on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services the following data with respect to SSA title XVIII (Medicare): (1) a complete list of service providers and suppliers participating in the Medicare program, including their business addresses; and (2) certain aggregate information about each provider and supplier. Entitles a qualified individual or group, for health research and fraud detection purposes, to access to Medicare claims and payment data of both HHS and its contractors. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the storage and use of data provided to such an individual or group.

Bill· SS. 854 (112th)referred

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Reauthorization Act or the STOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program to reduce underage drinking for FY2012-FY2016. Makes revisions to such program, including by: (1) revising reporting requirements on state programs on underage drinking; (2) expanding the national media campaign to prevent underage drinking; (3) requiring the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to make grants to professional pediatric provider organizations to increase effective practices, including the screening of children and adolescents for alcohol use, to reduce the prevalence of alcohol use among individuals under the age of 21, including college students; and (4) expanding state public health surveillance of alcohol use and alcohol-related conditions among individuals between the ages of 18 and 20.

Bill· SS. 850 (112th)referred

Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish a demonstration project for the implementation of an Autism Care Program to provide grants and other assistance to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in providing comprehensive care to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Sets forth eligibility requirements for the Program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to carry out the Program and facilitate coordination with local communities to be better prepared and positioned to understand and meet the needs of the communities served by autism care programs. Requires each grantee to establish an autism care program advisory council to advise the autism care program regarding policies, priorities, and services. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to provide appropriate services to youth with autism spectrum disorders who are transitioning from secondary education to careers or postsecondary education (transitioning youth) and to adults with autism spectrum disorders, including individuals who are typically underserved, to enable such individuals to be as independent as possible. Requires the Secretary to award: (1) grants for multimedia campaigns to increase public education and awareness and reduce stigma concerning developmental milestones for infants and children and autism spectrum disorders, and (2) multiyear national training initiative supplemental grants to entities for training and technical assistance and to disseminate information to address the unmet needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the legal rights of parents or legal guardians under federal, state, or local law regarding the care of their children.

Bill· SS. 848 (112th)referred

Consumer Information Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

The Consumer Information Enhancement Act of 2011- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare data, data that is publicly available, or private data provided by a requesting entity in order to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care; (2) enhance the education and awareness of consumers for evaluating heatlh care services; and (3) provide the public with reports on national, regional, and provider- and suppplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for secure disclosure of Medicare data to Consumer Information Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Directs the Secretary of HHS to permit researchers that meet criteria used to ensure the appropriateness of the release of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data for research purposes to: (1) have access to all Medicare data; and (2) report on the performance of service providers and suppliers.

Bill· SS. 829 (112th)referred

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the cap on outpatient physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services of the type furnished by a physician or as an incident to physicians' services.

Bill· SS. 818 (112th)referred

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to deem an individual receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital to be an inpatient with respect to satisfying the three-day inpatient hospital requirement in order to entitle the individual to Medicare coverage of any post-hospital extended care services in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

Bill· HRH.R. 1562 (112th)referred

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Reauthorization Act or the STOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program to reduce underage drinking for FY2012-FY2016. Makes revisions to such program, including by: (1) revising reporting requirements on state programs on underage drinking; (2) expanding the national media campaign to prevent underage drinking; (3) requiring the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to make grants to professional pediatric provider organizations to increase effective practices, including the screening of children and adolescents for alcohol use, to reduce the prevalence of alcohol use among individuals under the age of 21, including college students; and (4) expanding state public health surveillance of alcohol use and alcohol-related conditions among individuals between the ages of 18 and 20.

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