Healthcare

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act This bill establishes in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of the Ombudsman, which shall: investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of patients receiving medical care or hospital services at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility (covered patients) that relate to action, inaction, or decisions made by VA employees that may adversely affect such patients; assist covered patients in finding patient advocates, veterans service organizations, or other similar entities to advocate for their health, safety, welfare, and rights; ensure that covered patients have regular and timely access to Office services; administer the reporting system provided for by this Act; and provide training to local ombudsmen and volunteers. The Office shall establish a reporting system to collect and analyze complaint data in order to determine how to resolve significant VA medical facility problems. Each VA medical facility shall have a local ombudsman responsible for carrying out the duties of the Office at such location.

Protecting Veterans Credit Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Protecting Veterans Credit Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to exclude from consumer report information: (1) a veteran's medical debt if the hospital care or medical services relating to the debt antedates the credit report by less than one year; and (2) a fully paid or settled veteran's medical debt that had been characterized as delinquent, charged off, or in collection. The bill defines a "veteran's medical debt" as debt from health care provided in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility under the laws administered by the VA, including medical debt that the VA has wrongfully charged a veteran. A dispute process for veterans medical debt is established whereby: a veteran may submit a notice along with proof of VA liability for the debt or documentation that the VA is in the process of paying for authorized medical services to a consumer reporting agency or a reseller in order to dispute such debt's inclusion in the consumer report; the VA shall submit to a veteran a notice it has assumed liability for part or all of the veteran's medical debt; and if such notice and proof of liability or documentation is received, the consumer reporting agency shall delete all information relating to the veteran's medical debt from the file of the consumer and notify the furnisher and the consumer of such deletion.

Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017 This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a pay system for health care professionals employed by Indian Health Service (IHS) that is competitive with the salary of health care professionals employed by the Veterans Health Administration. HHS may establish incentives related to IHS employee recruitment and retention by providing relocation costs and rental assistance to employees under certain circumstances. In addition, IHS must: centralize its credentialing system for licensed health professionals seeking to provide health care services at its facilities, establish standards to measure the timeliness of health care services in its facilities, implement an annual mandatory program that provides cultural training for certain IHS employees and contractors, and establish a demonstration project to provide additional staffing resources to understaffed IHS facilities. Liability protections are given to certain health care professionals who volunteer at IHS facilities. The bill expands the IHS student loan repayment program to include loan repayments for degrees related to health administration. HHS may: (1) directly hire candidates to positions within IHS; and (2) remove, transfer, or demote certain IHS employees based on performance or misconduct. HHS must establish a tribal consultation policy for IHS. The bill establishes: (1) whistle blower protections for IHS employees, and (2) requirements concerning IHS fiscal accountability and transparency.

Enhancing Veteran Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Enhancing Veteran Care Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with a nonprofit organization that accredits health care organizations and programs in the United States to investigate a VA medical center to assess and report deficiencies of the center's facilities. The VA shall delegate such authority to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) in which the medical center is located or to the director of such medical center.

Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of State to work through nongovernmental organizations to provide public health commodities, basic food commodities, and related technical assistance to Venezuela. The State Department shall submit a multi-year strategy to Congress that: (1) describes how the United States will secure international support for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, and (2) identifies governments that will provide financial and technical assistance. The President shall use U.S. influence to place the humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela on the United Nations Security Council agenda and to secure a statement urging the Venezuelan government to allow the delivery of humanitarian relief. If the government of Venezuela refuses to allow such delivery, the President shall use U.S. influence to secure a U.N. Security Council resolution: (1) directing the government of Venezuela to allow access for humanitarian agencies; and (2) calling on such government to allow the delivery of food and medicine, end human rights violations, agree to free elections, cease violence, and release all political prisoners. The State Department shall work: (1) with the Organization of American States to ensure international observation that contributes to free and transparent electoral processes in Venezuela, and (2) to defend internationally recognized human rights for the people of Venezuela, support the efforts of independent media outlets to share information beyond the limited channels made available by the Venezuelan government, facilitate open access to the Internet, and combat government corruption. The State Department shall report to Congress regarding: (1) the involvement in corruption of senior Venezuelan officials, including members of the National Electoral Council, the judicial system, and government security forces; and (2) Russian cooperation with the government and armed forces of Venezuela. The bill amends the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 to: (1) direct the President to impose sanctions on any current or former official of the Venezuela government who is determined to have perpetrated significant acts of public corruption or actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions, and (2) extend the requirement to impose sanctions under such Act until December 31, 2022.

Veterans Health Administration Reform Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Veterans Health Administration Reform Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Care in the Community Program to furnish specified hospital care and medical and dental services to eligible veterans through provider agreements with eligible non-VA health care providers. (This program replaces the Veterans Choice Program and other specified programs.) The bill provides for timely provider reimbursement by the VA. Reimbursement authority for veterans emergency treatment and urgent care in non-VA facilities is expanded, including by providing emergency transportation reimbursement. The VA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the coordination of care, and (2) jointly develop and administer a veterans benefits education program. The VA shall develop and administer an education program to instruct veterans about their VA health care options.

Veterans Emergency Room Relief Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

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

Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017 This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a pay system for health care professionals employed by Indian Health Service (IHS) that is competitive with the salary of health care professionals employed by the Veterans Health Administration. HHS may establish incentives related to IHS employee recruitment and retention by providing relocation costs and rental assistance to employees under certain circumstances. In addition, IHS must: centralize its credentialing system for licensed health professionals seeking to provide health care services at its facilities, establish standards to measure the timeliness of health care services in its facilities, implement an annual mandatory program that provides cultural training for certain IHS employees and contractors, and establish a demonstration project to provide additional staffing resources to understaffed IHS facilities. Liability protections are given to certain health care professionals who volunteer at IHS facilities. The bill expands the IHS student loan repayment program to include loan repayments for degrees related to health administration. HHS may: (1) directly hire candidates to positions within IHS; and (2) remove, transfer, or demote certain IHS employees based on performance or misconduct. HHS must establish a tribal consultation policy for IHS. The bill establishes: (1) whistle blower protections for IHS employees, and (2) requirements concerning IHS fiscal accountability and transparency.

Home Health Documentation and Program Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Home Health Documentation and Program Improvement Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to use an individual's medical record from a home-health agency, as appropriate, to support certification of such individual's Medicare eligibility for home-health services. The bill requires the CMS to establish a process for home-health agencies that are entitled to an administrative appeal after being denied eligibility for Medicare reimbursement to, instead, enter into a settlement with the CMS.

Incentivizing Medicaid Expansion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Incentivizing Medicaid Expansion Act of 2017 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide the enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to every state that expands Medicaid coverage for individuals who are newly eligible under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regardless of when such expansion takes place. Under current law, the enhanced FMAP is equivalent to 100% in 2014 through 2016, 95% in 2017, 94% in 2018, 93% in 2019, and 90% thereafter. The bill retains this enhanced FMAP, but bases it on a term of years rather than on specific dates. The bill applies retroactively.

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to adults for residential addiction treatment facility services under the Medicaid program if such services are offered as part of a full continuum of evidence-based treatment services. "Residential addiction treatment facility services" are medically necessary inpatient services provided in an accredited, size-limited facility for the purpose of treating a substance use disorder within a specified time period. The provision of medical assistance for such services to an individual shall not prohibit federal financial participation for medical assistance with respect to other services provided to the individual within the same time period. Subject to specified conditions, a woman who is eligible for medical assistance on the basis of being pregnant may remain eligible for residential addiction treatment facility services for specified time periods without regard to eligibility limits that would otherwise apply as a result of her pregnancy ending. In addition, the bill establishes a grant program for states to expand infrastructure and treatment capabilities of existing youth addiction treatment facilities that: (1) provide addiction treatment services to youths under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and (2) are located in communities with high numbers of medically underserved populations of at-risk youths. At least 15% of grant funds awarded to a state must be used for making payments to rural facilities.

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.

Affirming the need to achieve environmental justice, commending the work of environmental justice advocates, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Reaffirms the importance of clean air, clean water, resource conservation, and other policy goals that led to the enactment of existing environmental and public health protections. Affirms the need to achieve environmental justice so that environmental and public health policies adequately and equally protect all Americans. Commends environmental justice advocates for their work to achieve fairer, healthier, more sustainable policies and outcomes. Acknowledges the prevalence of environmental injustices that directly affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the country, especially racial minority, rural, indigenous, and low-income communities. Affirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to ameliorating existing environmental injustices and preventing future injustices.

Establishing the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Establishes the House Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to investigate and report on: the causes of mass shootings, methods to improve the federal firearms purchaser background check system, connections between access to firearms and dangerously mentally ill individuals, strengthening federal penalties for trafficking and straw purchasing of firearms, closing loopholes that allow some domestic abusers continued access to firearms, linkages between firearms and suicide, gun violence's effect on public health, the correlation between state gun violence prevention laws and the incidence of gun violence, the importance of having reliable and accurate information on gun violence and its toll on our nation, the implementation of effective gun violence prevention laws in accordance with the Second Amendment to the Constitution, and rates of gun violence in large metropolitan areas.

Health Care for Small Business Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Health Care for Small Business Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for the employee health insurance expenses of small employers, to: (1) repeal the two-year limit on the credit period to permit certain small employers to be eligible for the credit in any year, (2) replace the formula for the phaseout of the credit based on the number of employees and average annual wages with a new phaseout formula based only on average annual wages, (3) permit certain employers that have no more than 50 employees (25 under current law) to be eligible for the credit, (4) modify the limit on the average annual wages of an eligible small employer, and (5) provide for a cost-of-living adjustment after 2017.

A resolution designating May 2017 as "Melanoma Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Designates May 2017 as Melanoma Awareness Month. (Melanoma is the type of skin cancer that causes the most deaths.) Expresses support for melanoma research and efforts to promote awareness of sunsafe behaviors, including the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2017 This bill modifies provisions relating to coverage for and access to treatment for chronic kidney disease, including Medicare payment provisions for renal dialysis services.

Promoting Life-Saving New Therapies for Neonates Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Promoting Life-Saving New Therapies for Neonates Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to award the sponsor of a new drug or biological product for the treatment of newborns a neonatal drug exclusivity voucher upon approval of the medication. A neonatal drug exclusivity voucher is a transferable voucher for a one-year extension of all existing patents and marketing exclusivities for a brand name medication. For a sponsor to be eligible for a voucher, the new medication must: (1) treat a condition identified in the Priority List of Critical Needs for Neonates required under this bill, and (2) have been studied in newborns. A voucher may be revoked if the new medication is not marketed in the United States within one year of approval. A voucher may not be used: (1) to extend the marketing exclusivity period for a drug for which the FDA requires an assessment of the safety and effectiveness in newborns, or (2) on the same product as a priority review voucher. A sponsor intending to use a voucher must notify the FDA at least 15 months before the expiration of the patents or exclusivity to be extended. The Government Accountability Office must study the effectiveness of this voucher program.

Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act This bill requires the Children's Health Insurance Program and state Medicaid programs to provide 12-month continuous enrollment for eligible individuals.

Representation Fairness Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Representation Fairness Restoration Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to replace the current legal standard for determining the appropriateness of a collective bargaining unit. Under a 2011 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Specialty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Mobile , the NLRB must approve a requested bargaining unit unless an employer can show that an overwhelming community of interest exists between the requested unit and some other portion of the workforce, thus allowing the formation of smaller bargaining units (i.e., micro-bargaining units). This bill requires the NLRB to determine a unit appropriate for collective bargaining if it consists of employees who share a sufficient community of interest and sets forth factors for the NLRB to consider in determining whether employees share a sufficient community of interest.

Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act of 2017 This bill alters provisions relating to enrollment under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), including by requiring states to provide 12 months of continuous enrollment for eligible individuals.

Representation Fairness Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Representation Fairness Restoration Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to replace the current legal standard for determining the appropriateness of a collective bargaining unit. Under a 2011 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Specialty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Mobile , the NLRB must approve a requested bargaining unit unless an employer can show that an overwhelming community of interest exists between the requested unit and some other portion of the workforce, thus allowing the formation of smaller bargaining units (i.e., micro-bargaining units). This bill requires the NLRB to determine a unit appropriate for collective bargaining if it consists of employees who share a sufficient community of interest and sets forth factors for the NLRB to consider in determining whether employees share a sufficient community of interest.

U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO THE ZIKA VIRUS: CONTINUING CHALLENGES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 May 2017

VICTOR Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2017

Veterans Increased Choice for Transplanted Organs and Recovery Act of 2017 or the VICTOR Act of 2017 This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to include among veterans eligible to receive hospital care and medical services through agreements with the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service, federally-qualified health centers, or health care providers that participate in the Medicare program a veteran who: (1) requires an organ transplant, (2) lives more than 100 miles from a Department of Veterans Affairs transplant center, and (3) is seeking such care and services related to a required organ transplant at a transplant center that is located within 100 miles of such veteran's residence and operated by such an entity.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2017

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017 This bill makes a series of changes relating to payment for orthotics and prosthetics under Medicare, including by establishing additional requirements (e.g., federally issued supplier identification numbers) for organizations to become accredited suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics and for such suppliers to receive payment.

Medical Nutrition Equity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Medical Nutrition Equity Act of 2017 This bill provides for coverage, under Medicare, Medicaid, other specified federal health-care programs, and private health insurance, of foods and vitamins that are medically necessary for the management of certain digestive and metabolic disorders and conditions.

Verify First Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Verify First Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit advance payments of the premium assistance tax credit from being made to an individual unless the Department of the Treasury has received confirmation from the Department of Health and Human Services that the Social Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security has verified the individual's status as a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully present in the United States. The verification process must include the appropriate use of information related to citizenship or immigration status, such as Social Security numbers (but not individual taxpayer identification numbers). The bill also amends the Public Health Service Act and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to permit adjustments to certain health insurance coverage dates for an individual whose eligibility for advance payments is delayed due to the verification requirements. The bill is contingent on the enactment of the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA). If the AHCA is enacted, the bill applies to: (1) the existing tax credit after December 31, 2017; and (2) the tax credit, as modified by the AHCA, after December 31, 2019.

Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2017 This bill amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to waive, for individuals diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage. Current law generally applies this waiting period to individuals deemed eligible for OASDI benefits.

Health Care Options for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

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

Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2017 This bill amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to waive, for individuals diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage. Current law generally applies this waiting period to individuals deemed eligible for OASDI benefits.

Medical Nutrition Equity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Medical Nutrition Equity Act of 2017 This bill provides for coverage, under Medicare, Medicaid, other specified federal health-care programs, and private health insurance, of foods and vitamins that are medically necessary for the management of certain digestive and metabolic disorders and conditions.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017 This bill makes a series of changes relating to payment for orthotics and prosthetics under Medicare, including by establishing additional requirements (e.g., federally issued supplier identification numbers) for organizations to become accredited suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics and for such suppliers to receive payment.

Broader Options for Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the premium assistance tax credit to be used for unsubsidized COBRA continuation health coverage. (Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 [COBRA], an individual may continue to receive coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan after an event that would otherwise end coverage, such as a termination of employment. This bill applies to COBRA continuation coverage if the premiums are solely the obligation of the taxpayer.) "COBRA continuation coverage" includes continuation coverage provided under: the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, or the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; a state law or program that provides comparable coverage; or a church plan that provides comparable coverage. It does not include coverage under a health flexible spending arrangement. For the coverage to qualify for the tax credit, the plan administrator of the group health plan must certify that the COBRA continuation coverage meets the requirements for qualified health plans. The bill is contingent on the enactment of the American Health Care Act of 2017 and applies (if at all) after December 31, 2019.

Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Elimination Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Elimination Act of 2017 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of a DNA Specimen Provenance Assay clinical diagnostic laboratory test following a positive prostate cancer biopsy.

Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act of 2017 This bill requires entities that offer or furnish health care related products or services to the public, including health insurers and government agencies, to disclose the price for those products and services at the point of purchase and on the Internet. The entities must disclose all prices, including wholesale, retail, and discounted prices, that are accepted as payment in full for products and services furnished to individual consumers. The Department of Health and Human Services may investigate and impose civil penalties on entities that fail to comply with this requirement.

BENES Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act of 2017 or the BENES Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to: establish requirements for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to notify individuals of their potential eligibility for Medicare, require the Internal Revenue Service to disclose to CMS specified taxpayer information for the purpose of establishing individuals' potential Medicare eligibility, and restructure Medicare enrollment periods and coverage periods.

CONNECT for Health Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2017 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2017 This bill makes a series of changes to expand coverage of telehealth services under Medicare, including by exempting certain telehealth services (e.g., specified renal dialysis and stroke evaluation services) from originating site requirements.

Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 201 7 This bill provides for the incremental expansion of telehealth coverage under the Medicare program. Specifically, the bill expands the lists of: qualified telehealth originating and distant sites; qualified telehealth providers; and covered telehealth services. Additionally, the bill provides for coverage of remote patient-monitoring services for chronic health conditions. The bill also allows for a patient-specific waiver process of the required monthly face-to-face visit between an individual with end-stage renal disease and a qualified professional.

Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award matching grants to enable states to implement scholarship programs to ensure an adequate supply of health professionals. Scholarships must cover tuition and educational expenses and provide a cost-of-living stipend. Scholarship recipients must agree to serve as providers in shortage areas in the state for one year for each year they receive the scholarship. HHS may award grants to assist medical schools in developing and strengthening primary care mentorship programs and cultivating leaders in primary care among its students. In order to foster curricular innovations to improve the education and training of health care providers, HHS must award grants to medical and other health professions schools to promote priority competencies that are selected annually by the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry. The National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) must study the documentation requirements for cognitive services under Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers, including whether the requirements are overly burdensome.

Access to Birth Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Access to Birth Control Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require pharmacies to comply with certain rules related to contraceptives, including: (1) providing a customer a contraceptive without delay if it is in stock; (2) immediately informing a customer if the contraceptive is not in stock and either transferring the prescription to a pharmacy that has the contraceptive in stock or ordering the contraceptive and notifying the customer when it arrives, based on customer preference, except for pharmacies that do not ordinarily stock contraceptives; and (3) ensuring that pharmacy employees do not take certain actions relating to a request for contraception, including intimidating, threatening, or harassing customers, interfering with the delivery of services, intentionally deceiving customers about the availability or mechanism of action of contraception, breaching or threatening to breach medical confidentiality, or refusing to return a prescription. The bill does not prohibit a pharmacy from refusing to provide a contraceptive to a customer if: (1) it is unlawful to dispense the contraceptive to the customer without a prescription and no prescription is presented; (2) the customer is unable to pay for the contraceptive; or (3) the pharmacy employee refuses to provide the contraceptive on the basis of a professional clinical judgment. The bill does not preempt state law or any professional obligation of a state board that provides greater protections for customers. Civil penalties and a private cause of action are established for violations of this bill.

Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Healthcare Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Healthcare Services Act This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules to prohibit, as an unfair and deceptive act or practice, a person from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that: (1) such person is a provider of abortion services if such person does not provide such services, or (2) such person is not a provider of abortion services if such person does provide such services. "Abortion services" is defined as providing surgical and non-surgical procedures to terminate a pregnancy, or providing referrals for such procedures. The bill sets forth the enforcement authority of the FTC, including with respect to nonprofit organizations.

Making Pharmaceutical Markets More Competitive Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Making Pharmaceutical Markets More Competitive Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize the review of generic drug applications and supplements with respect to drugs that are in a shortage or for which there are not more than three approved drugs. The holder of an approved drug application must notify the FDA within 180 days of withdrawing or transferring the application or withdrawing the drug from sale. The FDA must maintain a list of generic drugs with three or fewer holders of approved applications.

Patient Safety and Toxicology Modernization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Patient Safety and Toxicology Modernization Act of 2017 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to issue and periodically update guidance on: (1) novel tools for testing the toxicology and efficacy of medications, and (2) three-dimensional human tissue models.

Expressing support for designation of May 2017 as "National Brain Tumor Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Expresses support for: (1) the designation of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month; (2) research to develop better treatments for brain tumors that will improve the quality of life and the long-term prognosis for those with brain tumors; and (3) those who are battling brain tumors and their families, friends, and caregivers. Encourages increased public awareness of brain tumors to honor individuals who are living with or who have lost their lives to brain tumors. Urges a collaborative public-private approach to brain tumor research.

Urging the President to faithfully carry out the Affordable Care Act.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Urges the President to take care that the laws are faithfully executed by: (1) ensuring cost sharing reduction payments under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) are paid; (2) enforcing PPACA's individual mandate provisions; (3) working with states and insurers to make sure that consumers have options; and (4) providing adequate funding for specified PPACA activities. Discourages the President from using executive actions to undermine PPACA.

Expressing support for a month to be known as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Supports the designation of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. (Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.) Congratulates the cystic fibrosis community for their dedication to patients. Recognizes that the care delivery system for cystic fibrosis can be a model for care coordination. Acknowledges the investments and scientific achievements that have improved the lives of cystic fibrosis patients. Urges researchers, developers, patients, and providers to do everything possible to find a cure for this deadly disease.

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act This bill amends title V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand grant activities under the Hispanic Serving Institutions program to include: (1) support programs that facilitate student advancement to doctoral degree programs in health care occupations, and (2) the development of or expanded access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.

Veterans' Health Care Integrity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Veterans' Health Care Integrity Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the director of each VA medical facility annually certifies that: (1) the facility is in full compliance with all provisions of law and regulations relating to scheduling appointments for veterans hospital care and medical services, and (2) any official data on appointment wait times is accurate. The VA may not waive any applicable provision of such laws or regulations. If unable to make such certification, a director shall provide the VA with an explanation of any noncompliance and a description of compliance actions being taken. If a director does not make a certification for any year, each covered official may not receive specified awards or bonuses during the subsequent year. "Covered officials" are a facility's director, chief of staff, associate director, associate director for patient care, and deputy chief of staff. The VA shall ensure that its directives and policies apply to, and are implemented by, each VA office or facility in a uniform manner. The following VA positions shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management, (2) Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services, (3) Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, (4) Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, and (5) Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017 This bill authorizes: (1) appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2018-FY2019, and (2) a specified level of end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and military training student loads for such fiscal years. The bill addresses: (1) training for public safety personnel, (2) service member benefits for Coast Guard personnel, (3) unmanned aircraft systems, and (4) ports and waterways safety. The bill revises or sets forth policies relating to the Coast Guard, including Coast Guard health care professionals; incentive contracts for Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishments; contracting for major acquisition programs; National Security Cutters; vessel operations; numbering for undocumented barges; drawbridges; the alternate safety compliance program; visual distress signals; vessel certification; the land-based enhanced LORAN, positioning, navigation, and timing system; the installation and use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessels; commercial fishing vessel classification requirements; aids to navigation; maritime domain awareness technologies; and towing vessel inspections.

Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equality Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017

Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equality Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to automatically enroll eligible residents of Puerto Rico in Medicare's medical insurance program. Under current law, automatic enrollment applies to eligible residents of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.