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Bill· HRH.R. 1485 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Mother-to-Child Transmission Plus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2003 - Appropriates additional funds for FY 2003 to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health for its (Mother-to-Child Transmission) MTCT-Plus Initiative for the first major multi-country, family-centered AIDS treatment program for developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Bill· SS. 720 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make patient safety data privileged and confidential. Excludes such data from subpoena, discovery, disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), evidentiary use, or any credentialing or licensing situation. Permits disclosures necessary to the proper management and administration of the patient safety organization, including maintenance of a patient's medical record, in a disciplinary proceeding relating to a provider, or as needed by the Food and Drug Administration for regulatory purposes. Authorizes the establishment of a database for non-identifiable patient safety data, consistent, if practicable, with the administrative simplification provisions of the Social Security Act. Authorizes technical assistance, including annual meetings for patient safety organizations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop or adopt voluntary national standards promoting the integration of health care information technology systems. Requires the Secretary to contract for and report to Congress on a study assessing the impact of medical technologies and therapies on patient safety and benefit, health care quality and costs, as well as productivity growth. Directs the Attorney General to survey and report to Congress on State laws and their interpretation as they relate to patient safety data peer review systems.
Bill· SS. 722 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require each manufacturer of a dietary supplement (supplement), and each packer or distributor of a supplement the name of which appears on the labeling, to report serious adverse experiences to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to investigate such occurrences. Defines a serious adverse experience as an adverse event associated with the use of a supplement in a human that involves death or one of other serious calamities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a clinical evaluation of each such reported experience. Requires the manufacturer of a dietary supplement to report periodically on other adverse experiences and to review such occurrences. Allows the Secretary to grant a waiver from the above reporting, reviewing, and investigating requirements with respect to a dietary supplement upon determination that compliance is not necessary to protect the public health. Authorizes the Secretary to require a manufacturer to conduct postmarket surveillance for a supplement under specified circumstances. Permits the Secretary to require a manufacturer of a supplement or of an ingredient in a supplement to demonstrate that its product is safe under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to approve the continued marketing of such a supplement or ingredient or to disapprove it. Prohibits any introduction into interstate commerce of a supplement containing a stimulant unless it is approved by the Secretary under this Act. Amends the Act to exclude a product that bears or contains an anabolic steroid from the definition of a dietary supplement for a specified chapter of the Act. Eliminates a provision of the Act requiring the United States to bear the burden of proof to show a supplement or an ingredient in a supplement is adulterated due to a safety violation.
Bill· SS. 719 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures for determining whether an individual is an eligible individual under this Act who qualifies for compensation for a covered injury or injuries. Defines a covered injury as an injury, disability, illness, condition, or death arising in a specified time period from the administration of a smallpox vaccine or arising in specified circumstances from an accidental smallpox inoculation. Defines a covered individual as: (1) an individual from one of certain professions who is identified in a State, Federal, or local smallpox emergency response plan that is approved by the Secretary and who receives a smallpox vaccine; or (2) an individual to whom the Secretary determines it is advisable to administer a smallpox vaccine and who receives it. Defines an eligible individual as a covered individual who sustains a covered injury from a smallpox vaccine or as an individual who is accidentally inoculated and sustains a covered injury. Allows the Secretary to review and affirm, vacate, or modify determinations of eligibility for compensation under this Act. Directs the Secretary to create a smallpox vaccine injury table identifying adverse effects that shall be presumed to result from the administration of (or exposure to) a smallpox vaccine and the time period in which the first symptom of each such adverse effect must occur for such presumption to apply. Allows the Secretary to amend the table by regulation. Requires the Secretary to make payments for medical items and services as reasonable and necessary to treat a covered injury of an eligible individual. Directs the Secretary to provide compensation according to a specified formula to an eligible individual for the loss of employment income incurred due to a covered injury. Provides separately for death benefits and benefits for permanent and total disability. Amends Public Health Service Act provisions regarding civil actions or proceedings against commissioned officers or employees, including to state that a person may not being a claim regarding the administration of smallpox countermeasures by health professionals unless the person has exhausted such remedies as are available under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1448 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Women's Cancer Recovery Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require certain group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing coverage under a group plan, to ensure specified minimum coverage regarding: (1) the surgical treatment of breast cancer, including mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissections; and (2) secondary consultations by specialists. Prohibits: (1) changing coverage terms and conditions based on a participant's or beneficiary's decision to request less than the minimum coverage; and (2) certain penalties or incentives for providers or specialists. Amends: (1) PHSA to apply similar requirements to health insurance issuers in the individual market; and (2) the Internal Revenue Code to apply those requirements to group health plans. Exempts from the requirements of this Act health insurance coverage in certain States. Provides for coordination of the administration of this Act among the Secretaries of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services.
Bill· SS. 702 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Reauthorizes for FY 2004 through 2009 and revises the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. Requires any Department of Health and Human Services grant to or contract with Papa Ola Lokahi (an organization of public agencies and private organizations focused on improving the health status of Native Hawaiians) to support community-based initiatives that reflect holistic approaches to health. Requires Papa Ola Lokahi to report to Congress on the impact of Federal and State health care financing mechanisms and policies on the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians. Makes Papa Ola Lokahi eligible to receive research endowments under the Public Health Service Act. Adds to authorized services the support of culturally appropriate activities enhancing health and wellness, including land-, water-, ocean-, and spiritually-based projects and programs. Allows a priority for Native Hawaiian health scholarships to be provided to employees of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and the Native Hawaiian Health Centers. Allows the provision of financial assistance to a scholarship recipient during the period of obligated service in any of such health care systems or health centers. Authorizes Papa Ola Lokahi to provide fellowships to Native Hawaiian health professionals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate funds to carry out Native Hawaiian demonstration projects of national significance, including the establishment of specified Native Hawaiian Centers of Excellence. Deems the Papa Ola Lokahi as a qualified Center of Excellence.
Bill· HRH.R. 1413 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures for determining whether an individual is an eligible individual under this Act who qualifies for compensation for a covered injury or injuries. Defines a covered injury as an injury, disability, illness, condition, or death arising in a specified time period from the administration of a smallpox vaccine or arising in specified circumstances from an accidental smallpox inoculation. Defines a covered individual as an individual from one of certain professions who is functioning as part of a Federally approved smallpox emergency response plan. Defines an eligible individual as a covered individual who sustains a covered injury from a smallpox vaccine or as an individual who is accidentally inoculated and sustains a covered injury. Directs the Secretary to create a smallpox vaccine injury table identifying adverse effects that shall be presumed to result from the administration of (or exposure to) a smallpox vaccine and the time period in which the first symptom of each such adverse effect must occur for such presumption to apply. Requires the Secretary to make payments for medical items and services as reasonable and necessary to treat a covered injury of an eligible individual. Directs the Secretary to provide compensation according to a specified formula to an eligible individual for the loss of employment income incurred due to a covered injury. Provides separately for benefits for permanent and total disability and death. Amends Public Health Service Act provisions regarding: (1) tort liability for the administration of smallpox countermeasures; and (2) the administration of smallpox countermeasures by health professionals, including to modify the definitions of covered countermeasure, covered person, and qualified person.
Bill· HRH.R. 1422 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of and reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening tests covered under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) increase reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests; (2) cover an outpatient office visit or consultation for the purpose of beneficiary education before a colorectal cancer screening test consisting of a screening colonoscopy or in conjunction with the beneficiary's decision to obtain such a screening, regardless of whether such screening is medically indicated with respect to the beneficiary; and (3) waive the deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests.
Law· SS. 686 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2003
Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act Amendments of 2003 - Amends the Poison Control Enhancement and Awareness Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) the maintenance of a national toll-free number to access regional poison control centers; and (2) the nationwide media campaign to promote poison control center utilization. Amends provisions pertaining to the poison control center grant program, including to provide funds for: (1) developing standardized poison prevention and poison control centers; and (2) improving national toxic exposure surveillance. Modifies provisions pertaining to the renewal of a waiver of the certification requirements for receiving poison control center grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assist in the implementation and maintenance of continuos national toxicosurveillance of poison control center data to detect new hazards from various sources, including household products.
Bill· SS. 673 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Building Better Health Centers Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide loan guarantees or make grants to eligible health centers for expansion, new construction, or equipment purchase or lease. Makes certain unexpended funds appropriated for FY's 1997 and 1998 under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts of 1997 and 1998, which were made available for loan guarantees for loans made by non-Federal lenders for building costs associated with medical facilities owned and operated by health centers, available for loan guarantees under this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 96 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Resolution to Expand Access to Community Health Centers (REACH) Initiative - Expresses the sense of the Senate that appropriations for consolidated health centers under the Public Health Service Act should be increased by 100 percent over the five fiscal years ending in FY 2006 in order to double the number of individuals who receive health care services at community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 1388 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Medicare Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Direct Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of surgical first assisting services furnished by certified registered nurse first assistants.
Bill· HRH.R. 1400 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 2003 - Requires each participating manufacturer of a covered outpatient drug to make it available for purchase by each pharmacy: (1) in an amount equal to the aggregate amount sold or distributed by the pharmacy to Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) at a price no greater than the manufacturer's average foreign price. Sets forth special provisions with respect to hospice programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1382 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
EMTALA Regulatory Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure to notify hospitals and physicians when an investigation under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is closed. Directs the Secretary to establish a Technical Advisory Group to review issues related to EMTALA and its implementation.
Bill· HRH.R. 1377 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Medicare Safety Net Access Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for coverage of Medicare-covered ambulatory services by Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs); and (2) ensure FQHC reimbursement under hospital and skilled nursing facility prospective payment systems. Amends SSA title XI with respect to criminal penalties for acts involving Federal health care programs, particularly illegal remunerations (kickbacks). Exempts from the prohibition against such remunerations any remuneration: (1) between a certain kind of public or nonprofit private health center entity and any individual or entity providing goods, items, services, donations, loans, or a combination, to such health center entity pursuant to an agreement, if such agreement contributes to the ability of the health center entity to maintain or increase the availability, or enhance the quality, of services provided to a medically underserved population served by the health center entity; and (2) between a FQHC (or an entity controlled by such a health center) and a Medicare+Choice organization pursuant to a specified written agreement. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards relating to the exception for health center entity arrangements to specified anti-kickback penalties. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the payment for certain FQHC services furnished to an individual enrolled with a Medicare+Choice organization under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice), allowing for supplemental reimbursement, among other changes. Amends Medicare+Choice to add additional Medicare+Choice contract requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 1406 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit additional States to enter into long-term care partnerships to promote the use of long-term care insurance.
Bill· HRH.R. 1386 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Building Better Health Centers Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide loan guarantees or make grants to eligible health centers for expansion, new construction, or equipment purchase or lease. Makes certain unexpended funds appropriated for FY's 1997 and 1998 under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts of 1997 and 1998, which were made available for loan guarantees for loans made by non-Federal lenders for building costs associated with medical facilities owned and operated by health centers, available for loan guarantees under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1376 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the U.S. payment to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Trust Fund administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). Authorizes additional appropriations for payment to such Fund to meet the additional financing needs of the Enhanced HIPC Initiative, provided the Secretary of the Treasury determines that an agreement by certain multilateral financial institutions regarding modification of the Initiative has been reached. Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary to commence immediately efforts within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, as well as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions, to accomplish certain modifications in the Initiative, including requiring that: (1) the amount of debt stock reduction for a country eligible for debt relief under the Initiative be sufficient to reduce, for a specified period, the net value of outstanding public guaranteed debt of the country and its annual payments due on such debt to not more than specified formulated percentages; and (2) the debt cancellation under such Initiative not be conditioned on any agreement by an impoverished country to implement or comply with policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment, or that implement user fees on primary education or primary health care, increase the cost to consumers with incomes of less than $2.00 per day for access to clean drinking water, or that undermine internationally recognized worker rights. Makes ineligible for debt relief any country that: (1) supports international terrorism; (2) engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; or (3) has been designated as a "Tier 3" nation pursuant to the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 for its failure to cooperate on international trafficking in persons prevention efforts. Conditions debt cancellation upon the country's agreeing to ensure that the financial benefits of such debt relief are applied to programs to combat poverty and to redress environmental degradation. Amends certain Federal laws to prohibit the provision of foreign assistance or the transfer of certain weapons and technology to countries (or persons) that fail to cooperate with the United States on efforts to combat international terrorism. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on options to expand debt relief to non-HIPC countries.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 107 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Declares that Federal funding for diabetes research should be increased in accordance with the recommendations of the Diabetes Research Working Group so that a cure for juvenile diabetes can be found.
Bill· SS. 666 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Weapons Countermeasures Research Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add a new title, Title 18: Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Countermeasures Research, which may be cited as the Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Weapons Countermeasures Research Act of 2003. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make available to manufacturers of terror weapons countermeasures, and to publish, a list of materials that may be used as weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Directs the Secretary to revise the list on at least an annual basis. Requires the Secretary to determine countermeasures that diagnose, treat, or prevent infection from biological agents or toxins (countermeasures) for each item on the list. Requires private sector entities that are engaged in certain research to register with the Department of Homeland Security if they wish to benefit from various tax, patent, procurement, liability limitations, and other incentives established under this Act. Classifies such research as: (1) countermeasures; (2) equipment to detect a terrorist attack carried out with a terror weapon (detection equipment); (3) diagnostics to detect, identify, or analyze biological agents or toxins (diagnostics); and (4) research tools used in the laboratory (research tools) that enable the rapid and effective development of countermeasures. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a "Terror Weapon Countermeasure Purchase Fund (TWCPF)" to purchase, and provide adequate payment for, countermeasures, detection equipment, diagnostics, and research tools. Extends market exclusivity for new drugs that are countermeasures. Authorizes the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award partnership challenge grants to promote joint ventures between NIH, its grantees, and for-profit biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries for the development of countermeasures and research tools.
Law· HRH.R. 1367 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
National Veterinary Medical Services Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide educational loan repayment and related tax liability assistance to veterinary students who agree to practice in veterinary shortage situations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1359 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Child Healthcare Crisis Relief Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish programs of educational loan forgiveness and scholarships to encourage qualified individuals to provide mental health services to children and adolescents. Sets forth qualifications, including education and licensing requirements. Limits the program to U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Grants priority according to financial need, methodology, and willingness to work with high priority populations in the public sector. Treats such grants as equivalent to those of the National Health Service Corps Programs. Authorizes additional grants for clinical and graduate and paraprofessional training to accredited schools and State-licensed mental health organizations, respectively. Gives priority to applicants with the demonstrated ability to collect data on the numbers trained, certain methodology, and programs to increase the numbers of professionals and paraprofessionals serving high priority populations. Requires training to prioritize cultural competency. Amends the Social Security Act to increase the number of child and adolescent psychiatry residents permitted to be paid under the Medicare Graduate Medical Education Program. Extends the Medicare Board eligibility period for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution and need of child mental health service professionals.
Bill· HRH.R. 1351 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Medicare Puerto Rico Hospital Payment Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise: (1) the payment formula to increase payment amounts to Puerto Rico hospitals that are based on the applicable Federal percentage of the discharge-weighted average of the national adjusted DRG (diagnostically-related group) prospective payment rate for hospitals located in urban and rural areas for discharges beginning in FY 2004; and (2) the calculation of Medicare disproportionate share payments for prospective payment system hospitals in Puerto Rico.
Bill· HRH.R. 1349 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) revise the basis for calculating the projected lost earnings of a person who sustained a vaccine-related injury; (2) increase the award for a vaccine-related death; (3) allow compensation for expenses for family counseling and establishing guardianship; (4) allow payment of interim attorneys' fees and costs; (5) establish a procedure for paying attorneys' fees; (6) extend from two to six years the statute of limitations for injuries or death from a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table; (7) revise the membership and meeting schedule of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines; and (8) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a public service announcement campaign about the availability of the Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limit on Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund administrative expenses.
Bill· SS. 648 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Pharmacy Education Aid Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit payments of up to $35,000 on behalf of an individual (recipient) for the repayment of pharmacy education loans for each year the recipient serves in a health care facility with a critical shortage of pharmacists. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments to recipients to offset tax liability. Requires repayment to the Federal Government by recipients who fail to maintain acceptable levels of academic standing, are dismissed for disciplinary reasons, voluntarily terminate their programs, or fail to provide health services in accordance with their commitments after their academic program is completed. Permits a waiver of liability under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish student loan programs to increase the number of faculty at schools of pharmacy. Directs each school in which such a program is established to pay at least one-ninth of the Federal capital contributions. Caps loans from such programs to individual students at $35,000 annually. Requires, upon completion of specified employment requirements as a faculty member, that an amount up to 85 percent of loans (plus interest thereon) from such a program be canceled, with the Federal Government reimbursing the school for its proportionate share of the canceled amount. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or contracts to qualifying pharmacy schools for computer-based pharmaceutical education systems.
Law· SS. 650 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require license applications for new drugs and biological products to assess such drug's or product's safety and effectiveness for relevant pediatric subpopulations, including dosage. Permits deferral of such assessments under specified circumstances. Permits full waiver of such assessments under certain conditions, including if: (1) studies are highly impractical or impossible; or (2) there is no meaningful therapeutic advantage or benefit in the pediatric population. Permits partial waivers at the request of an applicant for a specific pediatric subpopulation if any of the full waiver grounds apply to that subpopulation or reasonable attempts for a pediatric formulation for that subpopulation have failed. Requires labels to provide indication in cases in which a waiver has been granted due to evidence a product would be unsafe or ineffective in pediatric populations. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a date for submission of pediatric assessments if: (1) the drug or biological product would represent a meaningful therapeutic benefit for pediatric patients for one or more claimed indications and the absence of adequate labeling could pose significant risks to pediatric patients; or (2) it is used for a number of pediatric patients for the labeled indications and the absence of adequate labeling could pose significant risks to pediatric patients. Sets forth criteria for full waiver and partial waivers of such requirement. Requires labels to provide indication in cases in which a waiver has been granted due to evidence a product would be unsafe or ineffective in pediatric populations. Requires the Secretary to issue a written request for related pediatric studies under the Public Health Service Act or under this Act before requiring an assessment for a drug. Directs the Secretary, after determining that there is no agreement to such a written request, to certify whether the Secretary has sufficient funds to conduct the study under the Public Health Service Act, taking into account prioritization of drugs for which pediatric studies are needed. States that if a person fails to submit an assessment under this Act, or a request for approval of a pediatric formulation, the relevant drug or biological product may be considered misbranded and subject to enforcement action.
Bill· SS. 652 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Access to Hospitals Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal specified reductions after FY 2000 and thereby extend certain modifications to disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments provided under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000. Increases the Medicaid DSH allotment for the District of Columbia.
Bill· SS. 653 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicare Puerto Rico Hospital Payment Parity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise: (1) the payment formula to increase payment amounts to Puerto Rico hospitals that are based on the applicable Federal percentage of the discharge-weighted average of the national adjusted DRG (diagnostically-related group) prospective payment rate for hospitals located in urban and rural areas for discharges beginning in FY 2004; and (2) the calculation of Medicare disproportionate share payments for prospective payment system hospitals in Puerto Rico.
Bill· SS. 654 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicare Safety Net Access Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for coverage of Medicare-covered ambulatory services by Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs); and (2) ensure FQHC reimbursement under hospital and skilled nursing facility prospective payment systems. Amends SSA title XI with respect to criminal penalties for acts involving Federal health care programs, particularly illegal remunerations (kickbacks). Exempts from the prohibition against such remunerations any remuneration: (1) between a certain kind of public or nonprofit private health center entity and any individual or entity providing goods, items, services, donations, loans, or a combination, to such health center entity pursuant to an agreement, if such agreement contributes to the ability of the health center entity to maintain or increase the availability, or enhance the quality, of services provided to a medically underserved population served by the health center entity; and (2) between a FQHC (or an entity controlled by such a health center) and a Medicare+Choice organization pursuant to a specified written agreement. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards relating to the exception for health center entity arrangements to specified anti-kickback penalties. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the payment for certain FQHC services furnished to an individual enrolled with a Medicare+Choice organization under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice), allowing for supplemental reimbursement, among other changes. Amends Medicare+Choice to add additional Medicare+Choice contract requirements.
Bill· SS. 646 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) elimination of the lifetime limit on inpatient mental health services; (2) parity in treatment for outpatient mental health services; (3) coverage of intensive residential services under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and of intensive outpatient services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (4) exclusion of clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system; and (5) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare.
Bill· HRH.R. 1342 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicaid Safety Net Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the allowed Federal Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment in "extremely low-DSH" States from one percent to three percent of the State's Medicaid program costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1319 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Second Opinion Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for second opinions. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, of Labor, and of the Treasury to coordinate administration of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1340 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) elimination of the lifetime limit on inpatient mental health services; (2) parity in treatment for outpatient mental health services; (3) coverage of intensive residential services under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and of intensive outpatient services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (4) exclusion of clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system; and (5) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare.
Bill· HRH.R. 1321 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit the late enrollment penalty to a ten percent increase in the monthly part B premium due over a period equal to twice the number of years that the part B beneficiary could have been but was not enrolled under Medicare part B.
Bill· HRH.R. 1314 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Screening Mammography Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require that a group health plan (and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage) that provides coverage for diagnostic mammography for any class of participants or beneficiaries also cover annual screening mammography for that class under terms that are not less favorable. Prohibits: (1) denying screening coverage on the basis that it is not medically necessary or not pursuant to a referral or recommendation; (2) denying eligibility, enrollment, or renewal solely to avoid this requirement; (3) providing monetary incentives to participants or beneficiaries to encourage them to accept less; or (4) penalizing or providing incentives to providers. Allows State laws providing at least these protections. Amends PHSA to apply such requirements and prohibitions to health coverage in the individual market. Amends the Social Security Act to revise title XIX (Medicaid) to mandate coverage of annual screening mammographies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1322 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Emergency Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide emergency protections for retiree health benefits. Prohibits group health plans from making post-retirement reductions of retiree health benefits. Requires group health plans to adopt provisions barring post-retirement reductions in retiree health benefits. Requires group health plans to restore benefits reduced after retirement. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to waive or vary such requirements, if a plan sponsor applies for such exemption, upon finding that compliance would: (1) be adverse to the interests of plan participants in the aggregate; (2) not be administratively feasible; and (3) cause substantial business hardship to the sponsor. Establishes the Emergency Retiree Health Loan Guarantee Program and its Board. Authorizes the Program, through its Board, to guarantee loans provided by private banking and investment institutions to eligible plan sponsors to assist them in meeting obligations under this Act to restore benefits reduced after retirement. Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1307 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a member of the uniformed services on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 180 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 150 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for five years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes such provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from such exclusion is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. Excludes from gross income as a qualified military benefit the amount of the death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10 of the United States Code, effective with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001. Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. Provides a deduction (limited to $1,500) for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. Provides that amounts transferred to any trust fund under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be determined as if this Act had not enacted.
Bill· HRH.R. 1309 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Veterans Prescription Drug Benefits Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a prescription drug benefit program under which drugs and medicines are furnished to eligible veterans on prescription of a duly licensed physician or other authorized health care professional who is not an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to the payment of any required premium and copayment. Makes eligible for the program Priority 1 veterans (those with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more) and Medicare-eligible veterans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse the Secretary for the costs of drugs and medicine furnished to the Medicare-eligible veterans under the program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and maintain a database of veterans who enrolled in and applied for the program; and (2) implement a computerized patient profile system for program participants.
Bill· HRH.R. 1316 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Pulmonary Hypertension Research Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Institute with respect to research on pulmonary hypertension and to coordinate the Director's activities with related activities of other national research institutes and National Institutes of Health agencies. Requires the Director to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of centers to conduct research and programs on pulmonary hypertension, including: (1) basic and clinical research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, and treatment of the disease; (2) training programs for scientists and health professionals; (3) programs to provide information and continuing education to health professionals; and (4) programs for the dissemination of information to the public. Requires the Director to establish: (1) a data system for the collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and dissemination of data derived from patient populations with pulmonary hypertension; and (2) an information clearinghouse to facilitate and enhance knowledge and understanding of pulmonary hypertension by health professionals, patients, industry, and the public.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 99 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Directs Congress to enact legislation by October 2005 to guarantee that every person in the United States, regardless of income, age, or employment or health status, has access to health care that: (1) is affordable and that removes financial barriers to needed care; (2) is as cost efficient as possible; (3) provides comprehensive benefits; (4) promotes prevention and early intervention; (5) includes parity for mental health and other services; (6) eliminates disparities in access to quality health care; (7) addresses the needs of people with special health care needs and underserved populations in rural and urban areas; (8) promotes quality and better health outcomes; (9) addresses the need to have adequate numbers of qualified health care practitioners; (10) provides adequate and timely payments; (11) fosters a strong network of health care facilities; (12) ensures continuity of coverage and continuity of care; (13) maximizes consumer choice of health care providers and practitioners; and (14) is easy for patients, providers, and practitioners to use and reduces paperwork.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 97 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the role played by national and community organizations and health care providers in promoting awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, testing, and ongoing screening for pulmonary hypertension should be recognized and applauded; (2) the Federal Government should raise awareness about the importance of the early detection of and proper treatment for pulmonary hypertension, increase funding for research, and improve access to quality health care services for early detection and treatment; (3) the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute should continue to take a leadership role through the expansion of basic, clinical, and genetic research; (4) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should give priority consideration to the establishment of a pulmonary hypertension awareness program aimed at the general public and health care providers; and (5) National Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month should be established.
Bill· SS. 632 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Amendment Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with cardiovascular diseases.
Bill· SS. 636 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
Rural Home Health Payment Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase payment by ten percent for home health services furnished in a rural area on or after April 1, 2003; but prohibits the Secretary from reducing the standard prospective payment system amount (or amounts) applicable to such services furnished during a period to offset the payment increase resulting from such requirement.
Law· HRH.R. 1298 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 - Requires the President to establish a comprehensive, integrated, five-year strategy to combat the global spread of HIV and AIDS. Establishes within the Department of State a presidentially appointed Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally. Authorizes the United States to participate in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and provide financial assistance for vaccine contributions. Establishes in the Executive Branch an interagency technical review panel which shall serve as a "shadow" panel to the Global Fund. Authorizes the President to provide assistance and coordination between international organizations for the global prevention, treatment, monitoring, and control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the President to establish a program to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating services of U.S. health care professionals in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world severely affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Urges the President, acting through the Administrator of USAID, to establish a program of assistance that would demonstrate the feasibility of providing care and treatment to orphans, other children, and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in foreign countries. Authorizes the President to establish a program, through a public-private family survival partnership, for the provision of medical care and support services to HIV-positive parents and their children to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in countries with or at risk for severe HIV epidemic with particular attention to resource constrained countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 1301 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payment for ambulance services to revise requirements for the establishment of a fee schedule. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for the coding of claims for ambulance services, including a code set specifying the medical condition of the individual transported by an ambulance and the appropriate level of transportation service.
Bill· SS. 622 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or Dylan Lee James Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment of part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain Supplemental Security Income (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.
Bill· SS. 613 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Veterans' New Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, that may include inpatient and outpatient facilities providing acute, sub-acute, primary, and long-term care services. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Air Force to undertake appropriate joint activities to address the health care needs of veterans and members of the Air Force on active duty.
Bill· SS. 621 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Children's Health Equity Act of 2003 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to grant authority for qualifying States to use SCHIP funds for Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 21 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government and the States should make it a priority to ensure a stable, quality direct support workforce for individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities that advances national commitment to community integration for such individuals and personal security for them and their families.
Bill· HRH.R. 1268 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of 2003 or the Melina Bill - Directs: (1) the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to jointly study the health effects of indoor mold growth and toxic mold; (2) EPA to promulgate standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating indoor mold growth; and (3) EPA, NIH, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor related public education programs. Directs: (1) rental property lessors to conduct annual indoor mold inspections and notify the occupants of such results; and (2) the Secretary of HUD and the Administrator of EPA to promulgate mold hazard disclosure regulations with respect to housing offered for sale or lease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, with respect to indoor mold in public housing, inspection requirements for existing housing and construction standards for new housing; and (2) establish model construction standards and techniques for mold prevention in new buildings. Establishes an indoor/toxic mold inspection requirement with respect to federally made or insured mortgages. Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide for industry standards development with respect to building products that are designed to retard mold development. Directs the Administrator of EPA to make grants to States and local governments for mold growth remediation efforts in buildings owned or leased by such governments, including schools and multifamily dwellings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual tax credit for 60 percent of non-reimbursed mold inspection and remediation expenses ($50,000 annual maximum) paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to: (1) establish and carry out a toxic mold insurance program, with priority for one-to-four-family residential properties; and (2) establish in the Treasury a National Toxic Mold Hazard Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to assist qualifying insurers to form a federally-assisted toxic mold hazard insurance pool. Provides for Federal operation of such program under specified circumstances. Authorizes State waiver of income, resource, and other Medicaid requirements for an individual whose health has been adversely affected by toxic mold exposure, and who lacks adequate medical insurance coverage.
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