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Bill· HRH.R. 301 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service.
Bill· HRH.R. 335 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Commission on the Future for America's Veterans Act - Establishes the Commission on the Future for America's Veterans to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of health care services provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (2) submit to the Congress a demonstration project bill; and (3) report to the Congress on the projects. Requires the bill to authorize the Secretary to implement temporary demonstration projects for the improvement of veterans' health care services at 20 to 40 specified Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of the bill.
Bill· HRH.R. 250 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Persian Gulf Syndrome Health Benefits Extension Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to extend priority health care to veterans exposed to a toxic substance or environmental hazard while serving in Israel or Turkey during the Persian Gulf War.
Bill· HRH.R. 177 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Comprehensive Preventive Health and Promotion Act of 1997 - Mandates establishment and annual revision of a schedule of recommended preventive health care services. Requires each carrier and employer health benefit plan to include coverage for those services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the failure of a carrier or an employer plan to comply. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include those services in the definition of "medical and other health services." Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to mandate Medicaid coverage of the services and, in some circumstances, for: (1) home and community care for functionally disabled elderly individuals; and (2) community supported living arrangements services. Amends Federal law relating to health care services for veterans to include the services under this Act in the definition of "medical services." Regulates provision of the preventive services on an outpatient basis. Amends Federal law relating to health insurance for Federal employees to add the services to the list of benefits which may be provided under service or indemnity benefit plans. Amends Federal law relating to medical care for dependents of members of the uniformed services to add coverage of the preventive services. Mandates: (1) grants to counties for a project to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing those services to improve and reduce health costs; (2) dissemination of information on the benefits of practicing preventive care; (3) grants to employers to establish and conduct on-site workshops on health care promotion for employees; and (4) a program of on-site workshops on health care promotion for Federal employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 286 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Freedom to Travel Act of 1997 - Prohibits the President from restricting U.S. citizens or legal residents from traveling abroad, except to countries with which the United States is at war, where armed hostilities are in progress, or where there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of U.S. travelers. Revises the areas which the President is expressly denied authority to regulate or prohibit under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Adds to such areas specifically excluded from presidential regulatory authority: (1) normal banking transactions incident to specified travel activities, including the issuance, clearing, processing, or payment of checks, drafts, travelers checks, credit or debit card instruments, or similar instruments; and (2) financial or other transactions, or travel, incident to activities of scholars, educational or academic activities, exchanges, cultural activities, and public exhibitions or performances by the nationals of one country in another country, with specified exceptions. Amends the Trading With the Enemy Act to add similar provisions restricting presidential authority to regulate or prohibit transactions incident to travel by U.S. citizens or residents. Declares that this Act applies notwithstanding certain economic sanctions against Cuba under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 259 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects; and (2) the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Mandates development of uniform criteria for the collection and reporting of data on fetal alcohol conditions by or through agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to require that an activity under these provisions be carried out in collaboration with or through one or more of the other agencies of HHS. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 328 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Genetic Information Health Insurance Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group coverage from discriminating on the basis of a request for or receipt of genetic information or a genetic test. Regulates the collection and disclosure of genetic information by plans and issuers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit group health plans from discriminating on the basis of a request for or receipt of genetic information or a genetic test. Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate the collection and disclosure of genetic information by health insurance issuers offering individual coverage.
Bill· HRH.R. 192 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided to Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries who participate in the project and receive such services through the managed care option of the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program). Requires the project to be conducted during the three-year period beginning on January 1, 1998, in no more than five geographic regions designated by the Secretaries. Makes project enrollment voluntary. Requires the Secretary of Defense to waive the TRICARE enrollment fee for project participants for whom Medicare reimbursement may be made. Requires inclusion in the project of a provision for expansion to incorporate health care services provided to such beneficiaries under the fee-for-services options of the TRICARE program if the Secretaries determine that such expansion is feasible and advisable. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) maintain the DOD health care efforts for Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries; (2) estimate the amount expended by DOD for FY 1997 for providing health care items and services to such beneficiaries; and (3) establish monthly targets for the number of such beneficiaries enrolled in the project necessary to meet DOD maintenance of health care efforts for such individuals. Limits to $65 million the annual payments to DOD for the project. Requires the Comptroller General, for each project year, to submit to the Secretaries and the Congress a report on the extent to which costs under the TRICARE program and the Medicare program have increased as a result of the project. Directs the Secretaries to modify the project at the end of each year to correct for any discrepancy between cost targets and actual spending under the project. Directs the Secretaries to submit to the Congress an interim and final report on various project aspects.
Bill· HRH.R. 341 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Establishes limitations regarding genetic information disclosure and use. Prohibits disclosure about an individual unless specifically authorized by the individual, or the individual's representative, through a written authorization that includes certain elements. Specifies the circumstances in which disclosure is allowed. (Sec. 5) Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Provides for enforcement through the same powers, procedures, and remedies as are provided under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Sec. 6) Prohibits health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Requires, if an insurer requests that an insurance applicant (other than a health insurance applicant) take a genetic test, that: (1) the use of the results of such test be disclosed to the applicant; and (2) the insurer obtain the applicant's specific written authorization for such disclosure. Prohibits an insurer from using such a genetic test as an inducement for the purchase of insurance. (Sec. 7) Directs the National Bioethics Advisory Commission to report to congressional committees its recommendations on appropriate standards: (1) to provide increased protection for the collection, storage, and use of identifiable DNA samples and genetic information obtained from those samples; and (2) for the acquisition and retention of genetic information in all settings, including appropriate exceptions.
Bill· HRH.R. 298 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recreational Camp Reporting Requirements and Data Base Title II: President's Advisory Council on Recreational Camps Recreational Camp Safety Act - Title I: Recreational Camp Reporting Requirements and Data Base - Requires a recreational camp in a State to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on: (1) each medical incident that occurs at the camp; and (2) each incident of sexual abuse that is alleged to have occurred at the camp involving a camper or staff member as a victim and that has previously been reported to another governmental agency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect such information in a central data system in a manner that will enable compilation of separate statistics concerning incidents that involve campers, staff members, and recreational camp operators and directors; and (2) report to the President, the Congress, the National Association of Governors, and the National Association of State Legislatures on a comprehensive analysis of the information. Authorizes the Secretary to issue advisories to assist States in the prevention of deaths, injuries, and illnesses at recreational camps. Requires a recreational camp to record information in a medical log concerning an incident that is required to be reported and such other illnesses and injuries that occur at the camp as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires the Secretary to advise each State agency that has legal responsibility for public health and each State agency that issues a license to a recreational camp of any failure by a camp to comply with any requirements of this Act. Title II: President's Advisory Council on Recreational Camps - Establishes the President's Advisory Council on Recreational Camps to develop model safety guidelines for recreational camps.
Bill· HRH.R. 211 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Health Care Assurance for Retired Employees Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require advance notice to participants and the Secretary of Labor of material reductions in group health plan covered services. Prohibits any such change from taking effect until the Secretary determines that it does not violate the plan, including collective bargaining agreements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require qualified pension plans to provide qualifying persons 55 years of age or older a coverage continuation option until they are eligible for Medicare. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide retired workers who lose their retiree health benefits with specified Medicare enrollment and coverage protections.
Bill· HRH.R. 344 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare to make findings and recommendations to the Congress concerning specified aspects of the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 358 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicaid Infant Mortality Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to phase-in mandatory State coverage of pregnant women and infants whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level. Deducts child and medical care costs from the income eligibility test. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage of prenatal home visitation services for high-risk pregnant women and postpartum home visitation services for high-risk infants.
Bill· HRH.R. 359 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicaid Women's Basic Health Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide State Medicaid coverage of: (1) screening mammographies for women age 35 and older conducted in accordance with the frequency guidelines established by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 for coverage of screening mammographies under the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act); and (2) screening pap smears.
Bill· HRH.R. 337 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protection for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Managed Care Plans Title II: Medicare Title III: Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Protection for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Managed Care Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide beneficiaries under managed care health plans with certain consumer protections against plan abuses through the imposition of an excise tax on managed care group health plans, or issuers offering managed care health insurance coverage, which fail to meet specified requirements. (Sec. 101) Prohibits a plan from denying coverage of or payment for items and services on the basis of a utilization review program, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services certifies (and periodically recertifies) that the programs meet certain standards established by the Secretary in accordance with specified requirements. Includes among such requirements written descriptions of utilization review policies, clinical review criteria, information sources, and the process used to review and approve medical services under the program. Prohibits individuals that perform utilization reviews from receiving financial compensation based upon the number of coverage denials. Requires plans or issuers to: (1) assure enrollees timely access to the covered health services of a sufficient number, distribution, and variety of qualified health care providers, including, when medically necessary, specialty treatment; (2) provide procedures for hearing and resolving grievances between the plan or issuer and enrollees; (3) provide information on physician incentive plans to enrollees upon request, together with disclosure of whether the plan or issuer restricts its malpractice liability in relation to the liability of physicians operating under the plan or coverage; (4) provide certain minimum childbirth benefits; (5) demonstrate that enrollees with chronic diseases or who otherwise require specialized services would have access to designated Centers of Excellence; and (6) cover emergency services without prior authorization and without regard to whether or not the provider furnishing such services has a contractual or other arrangement with the plan or issuer. Prohibits discrimination in any activity against an individual on the basis of race, national origin, gender, language, socioeconomic status, age, disability, health status, or anticipated need for health services. Sets restrictions on commissions for plan or issuer agents. Prohibits plan or issuer interference with physician-patient communications. Prohibits plans or issuers from denying coverage of items or services furnished to an enrollee participating in approved clinical studies. Exempts governmental and church plans from the requirements of this title. Title II: Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Secretary from making payment to an eligible organization under a risk-sharing contract with respect to an enrollee until it certifies to the Secretary that it has provided the enrollee with an orientation meeting certain requirements and has a medical profile with respect to the enrollee. Directs the Secretary to promulgate specific requirements for the orientation and medical profile. (Sec. 202) Makes certain changes in requirements for Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies relating to community rating and loss ratios. Revises the loss ratio to increase from 75 to 85 the percentage of the aggregate amount of premiums collected which a policy can be expected to return to policyholders in the form of aggregate benefits. (Sec. 203) Prohibits Medigap policy issuers from denying or conditioning a policy for certain continuously covered individuals, from discriminating in pricing because of the individual's health status, or from imposing an exclusion of benefits based on a pre-existing condition. Requires extension of the six-month initial enrollment period to non-elderly Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation standards for Medicare Select policies that, to the extent practicable, are the same as the standards established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) with respect to such policies. Requires any additional standards to be developed in consultation with NAIC. Requires Medicare Select policies, generally, to meet the same requirements in effect under Medicare for Medicare risk-sharing contractors. (Sec. 205) Requires eligible organizations to have certain arrangements with out-of-area dialysis providers to assure that enrollees requiring renal dialysis who are temporarily outside of the organization's service area have reasonable access to such services. (Sec. 206) Requires each issuer of a Medigap policy to have an open enrollment period of at least 30 days duration every year during which the issuer may not deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of such a policy, or discriminate in its pricing because of age, health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition. Prohibits the policy from providing any time period applicable to pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, elimination periods, and probationary periods except as provided under Medicare. Authorizes the Secretary to require enrollment through a designated third party. Makes the periods for enrollment applicable for Medicare Select policies the same as those applicable to a Medigap policy. Details enrollment periods for new Medicare beneficiaries and those who move. Requires the Secretary to provide upon request enrollment and other information on eligible organizations and Medigap policies to any individual entitled to Medicare benefits. (Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide on an annual basis for the publication and wide dissemination (through the Internet and otherwise) of information, in a comparative form, on Medicare managed care plans in order for Medicare beneficiaries to make more informed decisions in enrolling with eligible organizations; and (2) establish, within the Health Care Financing Administration, an office of Medicare advocacy for independent review (including expedited review in emergency circumstances) of problems and concerns of Medicare beneficiaries in relation to the programs under Medicare. (Sec. 209) Requires that Medicare service providers agree not to impose any liability on managed care enrollees for amounts owed hospitals by their plans or issuers for emergency services. (Sec. 210) Provides for exclusion from continuing Medicare and Medicaid qualification for health plans that submit material and false information about service quality data. Subjects them also to intermediate sanctions in lieu of such exclusion. Title III: Medicaid - Prohibits the Secretary from making payment to an eligible organization under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to an enrollee until it certifies to the Secretary that: (1) it has provided the enrollee with an orientation meeting certain requirements; (2) it has taken a medical profile of the enrollee; and (3) if responsible for providing immunizations for a child enrollee, it has obtained the child's immunization status and begun to provide for such immunizations according to established standards. Directs the Secretary to promulgate specific requirements for the orientation and medical profile. (Sec. 302) Prohibits Medicaid payment to a State with respect to expenditures incurred for payment to an entity under a prepaid capitation plan (or on any other risk basis) unless the requirements of this title are met respecting the entity's provision of appropriate immunization to enrolled children.
Bill· HRH.R. 356 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Comprehensive Health Access District Act - Defines: (1) "comprehensive health access district" as a community in which unemployment and the percentage of residents with incomes below the poverty line are greater than the national average, and in which a majority of certain diseases and conditions occur at rates greater than the national average; and (2) "comprehensive community-based health access plan" as an entity that provides health care services on a prepaid, capitated basis, or any other risk basis, and that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has certified meets certain requirements. (Sec. 3) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require, among other things, that each Medicaid State plan provide that each comprehensive health access district located within the State is served by a comprehensive community-based health access district plan. (Sec. 4) Requires each Health Alliance or other health insurance purchasing cooperative created out of comprehensive health care reform legislation that receives premiums on behalf of persons formerly insured under Medicaid, and whose boundaries encompass a comprehensive health access district, to ensure that at least one comprehensive community-based health access plan is available to persons living in such district. (Sec. 5) Sets forth specified requirements for an entity to be certified as a comprehensive community-based health access plan. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to designate a community a comprehensive health access district and to certify an entity as a comprehensive health access plan provided they meet certain criteria. (Sec. 7) Requires each health access plan, in order to evaluate its performance in improving the health status of persons living in comprehensive health access districts, to provide the Secretary with specified health-related information.
Bill· HRH.R. 357 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for the establishment or support of adolescent health demonstration projects to: (1) provide health care information, counseling, and services, including related social services; (2) serve adolescents before their graduation from high school; (3) encourage family participation; and (4) establish community advisory committees. Prohibits using grant funds to perform or pay for abortions.
Bill· HRH.R. 288 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.
Bill· HRH.R. 307 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit a petition for vaccine injury compensation to be submitted within 48 (currently, 36) months of the first symptom or manifestation of onset, or of the significant aggravation, of injury if the vaccine was administered after a specified date.
Bill· HRH.R. 297 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for National Cancer Institute prostate cancer research. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to conduct and support such research and to develop and periodically update clinically relevant guidelines, quality standards, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
Bill· HRH.R. 251 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Inspector General for Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1997 - Establishes an independent executive branch Office of the Inspector General for the Medicare and Medicaid Programs to supervise, oversee, and audit the Medicare and Medicaid programs under titles XVIII and XIX, respectively, of the Social Security Act. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 with regard to such office, among other things extending its duties to the prevention and detection of waste, fraud, and abuse under such programs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 184 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicaid Women's Basic Health Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide State Medicaid coverage of: (1) screening mammographies for women age 35 and older conducted in accordance with the frequency guidelines established by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 for coverage of screening mammographies under the Medicare program (SSA title XVIII); and (2) screening pap smears.
Bill· HRH.R. 364 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicare Contractor Reform Amendments of 1996 (sic) - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make specified changes in the way Medicare administers its contracts for administrative operations. Provides chiefly among such changes for: (1) augmenting the types of entities eligible to serve as carriers under the program; (2) allowing service providers their periodic choice of fiscal intermediaries; (3) repealing certain contract termination, cost reimbursement, and non-cost-effective fiscal intermediary requirements; and (4) requiring competition in cases of certain new contracts and in cases involving poor contract performance. Waives competition requirements in specified circumstances.
Bill· HRH.R. 366 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Breast Implant Accountability Act - Requires each manufacturer of a breast implant to notify each individual with a silicone gel or saline implant implanted before 1994 that the manufacturer will pay for removal and will allow the recipient to select the physician and hospital or center for the removal. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct or contract for research on the physiological, neurological, and immunological effects of chemicals found in, or used in the manufacture of, breast implants. Requires inclusion in the research of individuals who are included in a specified class action suit in Alabama, if they volunteer for the research. Prohibits: (1) physicians from doing silicone breast implants without patient execution of a consent form prescribed by the Secretary and from refusing the treatment of a patient because the patient has received a breast implant; (2) grants to an organ procurement organization if the organization has allowed an individual who has a breast implant to donate an organ; and (3) licensing of any blood collection entity if the entity receives blood from such an individual.
Bill· HRH.R. 304 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
HHS Women Scientist Employment Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish policies for the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to the employment of women scientists; and (2) monitor compliance and take appropriate action if policies have been violated. Mandates implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on the Status of NIH (National Institutes of Health) Intramural Women Scientists. Provides for a study and report on pay equity. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 258 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage of services furnished by certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists which are authorized under State law to be performed by such a nurse, regardless of whether or not such services are performed under the supervision of a physician or other health care provider. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who: (1) is a registered nurse licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the individual furnishes services; and (2) has a master's degree in a clinical area of nursing from an accredited institution.
Bill· HRH.R. 216 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the criminal penalty added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for the fraudulent disposition of assets in order to obtain Medicaid benefits under SSA title XIX.
Bill· HRH.R. 183 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Prescription Drug Consumer Information Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare and publish annually a consumer guide to prescription drug prices. Regulates guide contents and dissemination. Mandates (except for public libraries) a fee for providing the guide, not to exceed the costs of publication and distribution.
Bill· HRH.R. 148 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require direct payment to disproportionate share hospitals of any disproportionate share payment adjustments for inpatient hospital services they furnish.
Bill· HRH.R. 362 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Health Fraud and Abuse Act of 1997 - Directs the Inspector General (IG) of each of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs and the Office of Personnel Management to conduct audits, civil and criminal investigations, inspections, and evaluations relating to the prevention, detection, and control of health care fraud and abuse in violation of any Federal law, with exceptions. Provides for the powers of IGs. Directs the IGs to: (1) jointly establish a program to prevent, detect, and control health care fraud and abuse that considers the activities of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, Federal and State agencies responsible for the licensing and certification of health care providers, and State agencies designated under this Act; and (2) develop an annual investigative plan. Requires the Governor of each State to designate State agencies that conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits, civil and criminal investigations, inspections, and evaluations. Authorizes each Governor to establish and maintain a State agency to act as a Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Unit. Establishes: (1) the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account in the Treasury; and (2) the Account Payments Advisory Board to make recommendations to the IGs regarding the equitable allocation of payments from the Account.
Bill· HRH.R. 52 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Fair Health Information Practices Subtitle A: Duties of Health Information Trustees Subtitle B: Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information Subtitle C: Access Procedures and Challenge Rights Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle E: Enforcement Title II: Amendments to Title 5, United States Code Title III: Regulations, Research, and Education; Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws Fair Health Information Practices Act of 1997 - Title I: Fair Health Information Practices - Subtitle A: Duties of Health Information Trustees - Requires, subject to exceptions, health care providers, health oversight agencies, health benefit plan sponsors, or public health authorities to permit an individual to examine his or her own protected health information (physical or mental health records created or received by a health care provider, a health benefit plan sponsor, health oversight agency, or public health authority). Excepts certain mental health or other records which may endanger the individual. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) notice of information practices; (2) disclosure histories; and (3) security. Subtitle B: Use and Disclosure of Protected Information - Sets forth the general rule that health information trustees (health care providers, health oversight agencies, health benefit plan sponsors, public health authorities, and health researchers) may use protected information only for a purpose: (1) that is compatible with and directly related to the purpose for which the information was collected or received by the trustee; or (2) for which the trustee has received disclosure authorization. Makes exceptions regarding: (1) next of kin and directory information; (2) public health; (3) health research; (4) emergencies; (5) judicial and administrative purposes; (6) law enforcement; and (7) subpoenas, warrants, and search warrants. Subtitle C: Access Procedures and Challenge Rights - Sets forth access and challenge procedures for subpoenas, warrants, and search warrants concerning protected health information. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Permits a health information trustee to disclose only such information as is necessary to process a payment when payment is made by a debit, credit, or other payment card. (Sec. 143) Mandates establishment of electronic documents transmission, receipt, and maintenance standards. (Sec. 147) Directs a State to establish a process under which any created or recorded protected health information is delivered to and maintained by the State or its designated entity. Subtitle E: Enforcement - Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act's provisions. Mandates alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve the civil complaints. Title II: Amendments to Title 5, United States Code - Amends provisions of title 5 (Government Organization and Employees) of the United States Code concerning agency records maintained on individuals to direct the head of any agency that is a health information trustee to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from stated provisions of title 5, to the extent that the such system contains protected health information. Title III: Regulations, Research, and Education; Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Authorizes the Secretary to sponsor research concerning protected health information. Directs the Secretary to establish education and awareness programs concerning such information. Establishes, in the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Information Privacy. (Sec. 303) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the applicability of the provisions of this Act to protected health information; and (2) the relationship of the provisions of this Act to other laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 15 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicare Preventive Benefit Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for expanded coverage of preventive benefits under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Makes all women over age 49 eligible for annual screening mammography benefit coverage. Waives the deductible co-payment on such benefit. Makes women of childbearing age (if they have not had a negative result in such a test in each of the preceding three years), or at high risk of developing cervical cancer, eligible for yearly pap smears, by suspending in their cases a specified three-year frequency limitation on benefit coverage for screening pap smears. Makes such women eligible also for yearly screening pelvic exams, including a clinical breast exam. Makes other women eligible for triennial screening pelvic exams. Waives the deductible co-payment for such exams. Adds coverage of screening procedures, with specified payment and frequency limitations, for early detection of colorectal cancer, including fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy for high risk individuals, as well as a barium enema if the Secretary of Health and Human Services finds that to be an appropriate alternative to a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. Directs the Secretary to make a decision within two years about covering screening barium enemas as such an alternative. Adds biennial coverage of certain prostate cancer screening procedures for men over 50 years of age, including a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Adds coverage of the following diabetes screening benefits: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; and (2) blood-testing strips (with payment based on inexpensive, routinely purchased durable medical equipment). Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish outcome measures to evaluate improvement of the health of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus; and (2) submit recommendations to the Congress regarding modifications to the Medicare coverage of services for such beneficiaries.
Bill· HRH.R. 75 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicare Commission Act of 1997 - Establishes the National Commission on the Long-Term Solvency of the Medicare Program to provide analyses of and recommendations with respect to the current and long-term financial condition of the Medicare trust funds for a report to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Outlines steps for the development and consideration of legislation with regard to such recommendations that provides for the long-term solvency of the Medicare trust funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 76 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Health Care Commitment Act - Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which a covered CHAMPUS beneficiary who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in addition to receiving care through a military treatment facility, CHAMPUS, or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires the administering Secretaries and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Secretary of Defense to begin to offer the health benefits option described under this Act no later than January 1, 1998.
Bill· HRH.R. 135 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage, with regard to hospital stays in connection with breast cancer treatment, from: (1) covering less than 48 hours after mastectomies or less than 24 hours after lymph node dissections; or (2) requiring plan or issuer authorization for prescribing any length of stay. Prohibits: (1) denying eligibility, enrollment, or renewal to avoid these requirements; (2) providing payments or rebates to women; or (3) penalizing or providing incentives to providers. Applies the same requirements to issuers in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 58 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicare Diabetes Education and Supplies Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training services and blood-testing strips for individuals with diabetes.
Bill· HRH.R. 16 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Benefits and Eligibility Title II: Participation of Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Hospitals, and Others Title III: Local Administration Title IV: State Administration Title V: National Health Insurance Board; National Advisory Medical Policy Council; General Administrative Provisions Title VI: Eligibility Determinations, Complaints, Hearings, and Judicial Review Title VII: Application of Act to Individuals Covered Under Medicare Program Title VIII: Fiscal Provisions Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Title X: Value Added Tax and National Health Care Trust Fund Title XI: Study and Development of Cost Control Mechanisms National Health Insurance Act - Title I: Benefits and Eligibility - Makes medical services available to eligible individuals. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the National Health Insurance Board to limit services when personnel, facilities, or funds are inadequate. (Sec. 103) Allows patient choice of physicians and hospitals. (Sec. 105) Makes Federal grants to States under the Social Security Act available to the States for services for uninsured needy individuals. Title II: Participation of Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Hospitals, and Others - Authorizes State agreements with individuals or organizations for service provision. (Sec. 208) Regulates payment bases and rates, requiring local adjustments. (Sec. 210) Allows providers to choose their practice locality and, consistent with State law and professional ethics, reject patients. Title III: Local Administration - Decentralizes administration to local administrative committees or officers. (Sec. 303) Requires establishment in each health service area of a local area committee and local professional committees. Title IV: State Administration - Expresses the intent of the Congress that benefit provisions be administered by each State. Provides for Board administration if State plans are not approved and complied with. Title V: National Health Insurance Board; National Advisory Medical Policy Council; General Administrative Provisions - Establishes: (1) in the Department of Health and Human Services the National Health Insurance Board; (2) the National Advisory Medical Policy Council. Title VI: Eligibility Determinations, Complaints, Hearings, and Judicial Review - Requires that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determine benefit eligibility. (Sec. 602) Describes complaint investigation procedures. Title VII: Application of Act to Individuals Covered Under Medicare Program - Limits, for individuals entitled to benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, benefits under this Act to services for which the individual is not eligible under Medicare. (Sec. 702) Mandates a study of the relationship of this Act's program and Medicare. Title VIII: Fiscal Provisions - Makes National Health Care Trust Fund amounts available for expenditures under this Act. (Sec. 802) Directs the Board to determine amounts to be made available from the Fund and allotments to the States. (Sec. 803) Authorizes grants to: (1) educational institutions regarding the training of personnel providing or administering benefits; and (2) individuals in courses regarding the provision or administration of benefits. Requires that funds be made available. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that benefits first become available on a specified date. Title X: Value Added Tax and National Health Care Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on each taxable transaction (the sale of property, performance of services, and importing of property by a taxable person in a commercial-type transaction). Sets the tax rate at zero for: (1) retail food, principal residence housing (sale and rental), and medical care; (2) certain transactions involving governmental entities; and (3) certain tax-exempt organizations. Makes the person selling the property or services liable for the tax. (Sec. 1002) Establishes the National Health Care Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund amounts received from the value added tax. Allows the Fund to be used only to carry out the program under this Act. Title XI: Study and Development of Cost Control Mechanisms - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study on controlling benefit costs, including malpractice claims and malpractice insurance costs; (2) report to the Congress; and (3) implement the report's recommendations.
Bill· HRH.R. 137 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finding that a State Medicaid plan fails to meet Medicaid requirements solely because it does not cover abortions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest if coverage for such an abortion is inconsistent with State law.
Bill· HRH.R. 106 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI (Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund), which establishes in the Treasury the Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund for formula payments to teaching hospitals for the direct and indirect costs of operating approved medical residency training programs. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for certain adjustments in Medicare payments under SSA title XVIII, removing medical education and disproportionate share hospital payments from calculation of adjusted average per capita cost. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services a National Advisory Council on Postgraduate Medical Education to advise the Secretary on appropriate policies for making postgraduate medical education support payments in order to assure an adequate supply of physicians trained in various specialties, consistent with the health care needs of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 66 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Medicare Patient Choice and Access Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, among other things, to: (1) assure Medicare enrollees timely access to in-network primary and specialty health care providers and, under certain conditions, out-of-network providers as well; (2) establish a grievance process for resolving grievances between them and their enrollees; and (3) provide each enrollee with an explanation of the enrollee's rights and a copy of the most recent consumer report card for the organization. Prohibits provider incentive plans that fail to meet specified criteria. Bans interference with certain medical communications. Applies the same requirements to Medicare select policies.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 4 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should pursue policies that: (1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities and access to information technologies; (2) conserve and develop the Nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents to learn or maintain skills in a language other than English; (3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures; (4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and (5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital national interests and individual rights, and oppose "English-only" measures and similar language restrictionist measures.