Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· HRH.R. 1267 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Domestic Violence Screening, Treatment, and Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, under specified conditions, family violence research and education centers to conduct research and disseminate information concerning family violence; and (2) establish an advisory board to recommend the research agenda for such centers. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities capable of conducting such research. Requires the Secretary to award grants to entities that currently work in the field of family violence and health care to enable them to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate family violence education and training curricula, programs, and strategies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families, to award grants for up to four years to State and local governmental and nonprofit entities that currently work in the field of family violence and health care to be used to develop strategies to improve the response of State and local health care systems to domestic violence and to promote education and awareness. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to declare that State health benefits provided may cover domestic violence identification and treatment services. Amends Federal civil service law to require the Office of Personnel Management to require all contracted carriers of health coverage for Federal employees to include coverage for domestic violence identification and treatment services. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to require: (1) the Secretary, with respect to maternal and child health services block grant funds, to provide preference to State applicants who include training of providers in how to identify and treat the effects of family violence; and (2) States to set aside a reasonable portion of such funds to provide for domestic violence identification and treatment. Requires the Secretary to allot funds to States to provide for a separate program for domestic violence identification and treatment. Amends the PHSA to authorize the Secretary to award grants to federally-qualified health centers to improve the identification and treatment of domestic violence.
Bill· HRH.R. 1288 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Access to Cancer Therapies Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend Medicare coverage to all oral drugs prescribed for use as an anticancer agent for a medically accepted indication.
Bill· HRH.R. 1291 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
State High Risk Pool Drug Assistance Program Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the definition of a covered entity for purposes of the limitation on prices of drugs purchased by such entities. Includes as a covered entity a State-operated qualified high risk pool that provides for premium rates and covered benefits for such coverage consistent with standards included in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Health Plan for Uninsurable Individuals. Directs the Secretary to include certain conditions in regulations implementing this Act, including that: (1) pharmacies that fill prescriptions for eligible individuals may bill the administrator or pharmacy benefit manager of the pool; (2) the pool shall maintain records of an eligible individual's health care claims; and (3) individuals shall receive health care services from contracted network providers. States that the pool shall serve individuals who would be eligible as a covered entity but for level of income, though that it shall not be limited to such individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 1287 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a limited tax credit for medical insurance; (2) set forth that a plan or other arrangement shall not cease to count as a cafeteria plan solely because qualified benefits under such plan include a health flexible spending arrangement under which not more than $500 of unused health benefits may be carried forward to the next year of such arrangement or paid to or on behalf of an employee as compensation from employment; (3) provide for (among other things), with respect to Archer Medical Savings Accounts, repealing limitations on the amount that may be contributed, repealing limitations on the number of such accounts, and expanding the availability of such accounts beyond employees of small employers and the self-employed; and (4) repeal the 7.5 percent threshold on the medical expense deduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 1260 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Animal Drug User Fee Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess and collect fees for an animal drug or a supplemental animal drug application (if it requires safety or effectiveness data). Requires payment upon submission or the application will be considered incomplete and not accepted. Excepts from payment applications which were previously filed but withdrawn or not approved without a waiver or refund. Assesses annual fees on animal drug products, establishments, and sponsors. Establishes a fee schedule for FY 2004 through 2008, including total fee revenues for animal drug products, establishments, and sponsors. Adjusts fees to reflect inflation, review workload, and operating reserves of carryover user fees (in the final year). Directs the Secretary to establish before each fiscal year, based on the fee schedule revenue amounts and the adjustments, the following: (1) animal drug application fees; (2) supplemental animal drug sponsor fees; (3) animal drug establishment fees; and (4) animal drug product fees. Reduces or waives fees: (1) in excess of administrative costs; (2) that present a significant barrier to innovation; (3) if an animal drug application or supplemental animal drug application is intended solely for use of an animal drug in specified types of feed; (4) if an animal drug application or supplemental animal drug application is intended solely to provide for minor uses or use in minor species; or (5) for first applications by a small business. Makes fees available for obligation only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Offsets any excess fees against subsequent appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1295 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Diabetic Foot Amputation Prevention Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of qualified diabetic foot sore apparatus as items of durable medical equipment.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 142 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Resolution to Expand Access to Community Health Centers Initiative - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that appropriations for consolidated health centers under the Public Health Service Act should be increased by 100 percent during FY's 2001 through 2006 in order to double the number of individuals who receive health care services at community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 94 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution - Expresses the sense of 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· SS. 607 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003 - Makes changes to the health care liability system, including compensation for injured patients and other issues arising out of health care law suits. Requires a suit to be brought within three years of the date of the manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs first. Specifies exceptions, and rules for actions brought by minors. Sets forth requirements and permissible recovery amounts for compensating patient injury, including: (1) the full amount of economic loss without limitation; (2) noneconomic damages as specified; and (3) a fair share rule. Requires the court to supervise payment-of-damage arrangements, limiting contingency fees. Provides for a reduction in damage awards by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, less any insurance premiums or payments made to obtain such benefits. Limits the availability of punitive damages, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malicious intent to injure or a deliberate failure to avoid substantially certain, unnecessary injury. Prohibits any demand for punitive damages from being included in a health care lawsuit as initially filed. Prohibits the award of punitive damages for products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, absent material and knowing misrepresentation by those submitting required approval or clearance information to the FDA. Authorizes periodic payment of future damages to claimants. Excludes suits for vaccine-related death or injury from the requirements of this Act if otherwise covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Preempts any Federal or State law unless such law imposes greater protections from liability, loss, or damages for a health care provider, a health care organization, or for the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, marketer, promoter, or seller of a medical product.
Bill· HRH.R. 1243 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Prescription Drug Benefit Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (regarding group health plans, health insurance issuers offering group insurance, and health insurance offered in the individual market), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (regarding group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group insurance), the Internal Revenue Code (regarding group health plans), title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) (regarding Medicare+Choice plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), competitive medical plans, Medicare supplemental health insurance policies (Medigap), and Medicare select policies), SSA title XIX (Medicaid) (regarding State plans), and provisions of the U.S. Code relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (regarding contracting with carriers offering health benefits plans) to require that, if mail-order prescription drug coverage is provided, non-mail-order prescription drug coverage must also be provided.
Bill· HRH.R. 1229 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Adoption Information Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to limit grants or contracts for family planning service projects or programs to projects or programs that will provide a pamphlet containing a comprehensive list of adoption centers in that State.
Bill· HRH.R. 1219 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Medical Malpractice and Insurance Reform Act of 2003 - Declares that medical malpractice actions shall be barred unless the complaint is within three years after the right of action accrues. Sets forth criteria for determining the date on which the right of action accrues. Prohibits any individual from bringing a medical malpractice liability action unless it is accompanied by the affidavit of a qualified specialist attesting to the reasonableness of the filing. Requires the attorney of a person filing such an action, or the individual if there is no attorney, to sign a certificate of merit attesting to the justified nature of the action. Directs courts to impose sanctions for violations of the provisions pertaining to the certificate of merit, including to issue fines for multiple offenders. Requires mediation, to be made available by the State, before a trial for any medical malpractice liability action. Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded in a medical malpractice action except upon proof of gross negligence, reckless indifference to life, or one of various types of intentional acts. Requires medical malpractice liability insurance companies to implement a plan to dedicate at least 50 percent of the annual savings from carrying out this section to reducing malpractice premiums. Imposes a civil penalty on medical malpractice liability insurance companies that violate this section. Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants or contracts to geographic areas that have shortages of one or more types of health providers due to the cost of maintaining malpractice insurance. Establishes the Independent Advisory Commission on Medical Malpractice Insurance, which shall investigate the recent dramatic increases in medical malpractice insurance premiums and formulate proposals to reduce such premiums.
Bill· HRH.R. 1228 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Patient and Physician Safety and Protection Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a participating hospital that uses the services of physician residents or postgraduate trainees to limit their working hours to specified schedules. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to monitor and supervise postgraduate trainees assigned patient care responsibilities as part of an approved medical training program, as well as to assure patient quality care. Prescribes whistleblower protections for employees who in good faith report violations of working hour limits. Makes appropriations to the Secretary to provide for additional payments to hospitals for their reasonable additional, incremental costs of compliance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1247 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Quality Health-Care Coalition Act of 2003 - Exempts from Federal antitrust laws any health care professionals negotiating with a health plan regarding contract terms under which they provide health care items or services for which plan benefits are provided. Declares that this Act applies only to health care professionals excluded from the National Labor Relations Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1241 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Better Screening Test for Women Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 2003 through 2007 for the National Cancer Institute to support clinical research concerning early detection for breast cancer, including treatments as well as the link between such detection and reduction of mortality rates.
Bill· HRH.R. 1225 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 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· HRH.R. 1236 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Securing Access, Value, and Equality in Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a tax credit in an amount equal to the amount paid for qualified health insurance, subject to stated limitations. Requires persons who receive payments for health insurance coverage of an individual to make certain information returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments to the provider of an individual's qualified health insurance equal to the Secretary's estimate of the amount of credit allowable for the eligible individual.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 139 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 5 (revising the liability system pertaining to health care delivery).
Bill· SS. 598 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
David Jayne Medicare Homebound Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the definition of homebound for purposes of determining Medicare eligibility for home health services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from disqualifying from consideration as confined to the home, based on the purpose, frequency, or duration of the absences from the home, any individual who: (1) has been certified by a physician as having a permanent and severe condition that will not improve which requires the individual to receive assistance from another individual with at least three out of five activities of daily living for the rest of the individual's life; and (2) requires one or more described home health services to achieve a functional condition giving the individual the ability to leave the home.
Bill· SS. 588 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow certain eligible individuals born after December 31, 2004, who have not attained age 23, to enroll in the MediKids Program under new SSA title XXII established by this Act for entitlement to benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among such benefits early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and prescription drugs and biologicals. Provides for: (1) cost-sharing; (2) a payment schedule for covered benefits; (3) a monthly MediKids premium and the means for payment of it; and (4) a reduction in premium for certain low-income families. Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund for collected premiums, appropriated amounts, and other revenues for use in funding the coverage provided under the MediKids Program and maintaining its financial solvency. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a care coordination services program including specified elements under which eligible individuals may elect to have health care services covered under SSA title XXII managed and coordinated by a designated care coordinator. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer (with certain exceptions) required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for 50 percent of cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids Program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.
Bill· SS. 599 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Access to Diabetes Screening Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of diabetes screening tests and services.
Bill· SS. 590 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Medicare+Choice Equity and Access Act of 2003 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates to: (1) give Medicare+Choice organizations the option to receive payment based on the adjusted average per capita cost for the Medicare+Choice payment area involved; (2) revise the formula used to calculate the national standardized annual Medicare+Choice capitation rate to reflect Medicare+Choice enrollment; (3) remove application of the budget neutrality adjustment factor in the calculation of the blended capitation rate; and (3) provide for increase of the minimum percentage increase.
Law· SS. 15 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Biodefense Improvement and Treatment for America Act - Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to entitle eligible individuals to payment by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for medical items and services to treat covered injuries caused by covered countermeasures against smallpox. Subjects cases of death and total disability to a separate payment structure. Project Bioshield Act of 2003 - Permits the Secretary to conduct and support research and development with respect to biomedical countermeasures. Directs the Secretary, on an ongoing basis, to assess threats of use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and procure biomedical countermeasures to such threats. Allows the Secretary to declare a national emergency under specified conditions and authorize the release of a drug or device intended solely for use in an emergency. Improved Vaccine Affordability and Availability Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) develop and disseminate information concerning certain diseases and their vaccines, including bacterial meningitis and hepatitis A and B; and (2) maintain a six months supply of prioritized vaccines. Revises provisions governing the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, including provisions regarding: (1) equitable relief; (2) derivative petitions; and (3) an extension of the statute of limitations. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund, including to expand compensated loss for injury or death to include related loss. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science to conduct an ongoing, comprehensive review of new scientific data on childhood vaccines.
Bill· HRH.R. 1199 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Medicare Rx Drug Benefit and Discount Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or eligible to enroll under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages. Includes for the standard package a monthly premium of $25, an annual deductible of $100, a coinsurance of 20 percent and an annual out-of-pocket spending limit of $2,000. Directs the Secretary to negotiate fair prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII to provide for the availability of prescription medicine benefits under the Medicare+Choice program. Provides for accelerated generic drug competition under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1214 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit certain payments to States for expenditures for medical imaging procedures or radiation therapy procedures, unless the State meets specified requirements for State medical radiation licenses, including minimum licensing standards the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish.
Bill· HRH.R. 1188 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Amends titles XI and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide American Samoa with treatment under Medicaid similar to that provided to States.
Bill· HRH.R. 1182 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for special payment for brachytherapy under the outpatient hospital services prospective payment system equal to the hospital's charges for each device furnished, adjusted to cost.
Bill· HRH.R. 1178 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Physician Relief Act of 2003 - Sets forth rules governing punitive damages in health care lawsuits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for medical malpractice liability insurance premiums.
Bill· HRH.R. 1200 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
American Health Security Act of 2003 - Establishes the American Health Security Program to be administered by the States. Requires a State to establish a State health security program (program) to receive Federal health care funding. Entitles every individual who is a U.S. resident and is a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful resident alien to benefits under a program. Makes benefits portable. Supersedes titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Prohibits: (1) deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for acute care and preventive benefits, subject to exception; (2) providers from charging a patient for covered services; and (3) duplicative private insurance. Considers a health care provider to be qualified if the provider is licensed or certified and meets State law requirements, Federal requirements, and additional standards specified by the Board. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board (the Board) to develop policies and procedures for enrollment, benefits, provider participation, national and State funding levels, assisting programs with planning for capital expenditures and service delivery, and other functions. Mandates uniform reporting standards. Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council to review and evaluate: (1) practice guidelines; (2) standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria; and (3) develop minimum competence criteria. Directs the Board to establish a national health security budget specifying the total expenditures to be made by the Federal Government and the States for covered health care services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund and appropriates to the Fund specified tax liabilities and current health program receipts.
Bill· HRH.R. 1211 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
State and Local Aid and Economic Stimulus Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to make appropriations for FY 2003 for a one-time revenue grant to States and local governments to carry out programs related to education, substance abuse treatment, and jobs to prevent crime. Specifies amounts to be allotted to each of the States based upon population and changes in unemployment rates. Declares the sense of Congress that priority for using funds allotted under this Act should be given to homeland security, medicaid, public health, highway construction, childcare, elementary, secondary, and higher education, and the prevention of additional property tax increases.
Bill· HRH.R. 1205 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow certain eligible individuals born after December 31, 2004, who have not attained age 23, to enroll in the MediKids Program under new SSA title XXII established by this Act for entitlement to benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among such benefits early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and prescription drugs and biologicals. Provides for: (1) cost-sharing; (2) a payment schedule for covered benefits; (3) a monthly MediKids premium and the means for payment of it; and (4) a reduction in premium for certain low-income families. Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund for collected premiums, appropriated amounts, and other revenues for use in funding the coverage provided under the MediKids Program and maintaining its financial solvency. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a care coordination services program including specified elements under which eligible individuals may elect to have health care services covered under SSA title XXII managed and coordinated by a designated care coordinator. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer (with certain exceptions) required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for 50 percent of cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids Program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.
Bill· HRH.R. 1195 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project under which the Secretary shall, as part of a plan of an episode of care for home health services established for a Medicare beneficiary, permit a home health agency, directly or under arrangements with a medical adult day care facility, to provide medical adult day care services as a substitute for a portion of home health services that would otherwise be provided in the beneficiary's home.
Bill· SS. 583 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2003
Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to day care centers, camps, educational entities, prisons, and other entities that provide dorm-like housing, information concerning bacterial meningitis and the meningitis vaccine.
Bill· SS. 581 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2003
Health Care That Works for All Americans Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to establish a Citizens' Health Care Working Group (the "Working Group"). Directs the Working Group to hold hearings for various purposes, including to examine: (1) the capacity of the public and private health care systems to expand coverage options; (2) innovative State strategies used to expand health care coverage and lower health care costs; and (3) efforts to enroll individuals currently eligible for public or private health care coverage. Requires the Working Group to make a report available to the general public which shall be entitled, "The Health Report to the American People." Directs the Working Group to: (1) initiate health care community meetings throughout the United States; and (2) submit to Congress final recommendations, including any proposed legislative language to implement such recommendations. Permits certain congressional committees to draft legislative language based on the recommendations of the Working Group if the Working Group does not draft such language. Allows the President to submit legislative language to Congress based on the recommendations of the Working Group. Sets forth procedures for consideration by Congress of legislative language proposed under this Act.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 85 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2003
Expresses the deepest condolences of Congress to the family members and friends who lost loved ones as a result of the tragic fire on February 20, 2003, at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, and offers its hope for the quick and full recovery of those persons who were injured in the fire. Expresses immense gratitude for the efforts of countless emergency response personnel, local, State, and Federal officials, health care providers, volunteers, businesses, and citizens who have been part of the response to this tragedy. Urges State and local officials and the owners of entertainment facilities to examine their safety practices, fire codes, and enforcement capabilities in light of this horrific tragedy and to take all necessary action to ensure that such a tragedy never befalls any community again.
Bill· SS. 573 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish an interagency task force on organ donation and research; (2) award grants to carry out studies and demonstration projects to increase organ donation and recovery rates; (3) establish a public education program; and (4) support model curricula to train health care and other professionals in issues surrounding organ donation. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants: (1) to qualified organ procurement organizations to establish programs to coordinate their efforts with hospitals; and (2) for reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses incurred by individuals toward making living organ donations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to: (1) develop scientific evidence supporting increased donation and improved recovery, preservation, and transportation of donated organs ; and (2) support efforts to develop a uniform clinical vocabulary and technology and to enhance the skills of the organ procurement workforce. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to evaluate: (1) existing organ donation practices; and (2) living donation practices and procedures. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an advisory committee to study and report to Congress on existing organ donor registries; and (2) and maintain a registry of living organ donors.
Bill· SS. 558 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Health to facilitate advocacy for the development of appropriate Indian health policy, and promote consultation on matters related to Indian health, in a manner consistent with the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. Elevates the position of Director of the Indian Health Service to such Assistant Secretary position. Makes the Indian Health Service an agency of the Public Health Service.
Bill· SS. 568 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the definition of speech-language pathology services to add a definition for the term "outpatient speech-language pathology services."
Bill· SS. 556 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Reauthorization of 2003 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law). Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with an Office for Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bi-Partisan Indian Health Care Entitlement Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress for providing health services for Indians as an entitlement. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY 2015.
Bill· SS. 569 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy cap.
Bill· SS. 571 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 - States that it is U.S. policy to reduce global poverty through increased economic growth by supporting a new compact for global development in which increased support is provided by developed countries to those developing countries that are ruling justly, fostering economic freedom, and investing in their citizens. Authorizes the President to provide assistance aimed at reducing poverty to eligible developing countries that enter into agreements with the United States establishing multi-year partnership plans for achieving shared development objectives (Millennium Challenge Contracts). Defines "eligible country" in terms of poverty, commitment to democracy, economic freedom, and investment in its people (including educational opportunity and access to health care). Establishes a Millennium Challenge Account for the receipt of funds authorized under this Act. Establishes in the executive branch the Millennium Challenge Corporation to implement the assistance provided under this Act.
Bill· SS. 566 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Alzheimer's Disease Research, Prevention, and Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the purposes of the National Institute on Aging by making Alzheimer's disease research a priority. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative, including accelerating the discovery of new risk and protective factors, rapidly identifying therapies and preventive interventions, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct, or make grants to conduct, research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through FY 2008.
Bill· SS. 545 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises provisions relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. Provides for association health plans with respect to: (1) enforcement; (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities; and (3) treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1158 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Medical Liability Insurance Crisis Response Act of 2003 - Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act (antitrust) to exempt from the antitrust laws joint conduct concerning data, forms, manuals and the provision of medical malpractice insurance pursuant to a public necessity market mechanism or the administration of such mechanism in a State. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the prompt payment of claims. Amends the Public Health Service Act to address the issue of the nursing shortage through the Nursing Workforce Development Student Loan Repayment program, the establishment of a National Nurse Corps Scholarship program, and other grant and scholarship programs to train and retain nurses. Establishes an alternative dispute resolution system for medical malpractice cases which preempts other State and Federal law, excluding vaccine-related claims. Mandates mediation before trial. Requires certifications and affidavits by participating parties and attorneys that certain consultations and investigations have taken place and that their case is reasonable and meritorious. Imposes sanctions, including payment of attorney's fees and costs, for submitting false allegations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint an Advisory Commission on Medical Malpractice. Limits the rate of increase in medical malpractice insurance rates to a specified maximum until after the Commission's report. Addresses other medical malpractice insurance issues, including withdrawal from the market, guaranteed coverage and renewability, and disclosure. Requires the Secretary to establish an interactive, secure Internet site to provide medical malpractice insurance quotes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add deductions for premiums for medical liability insurance for: (1) high risk specialties; and (2) practices serving medically underserved communities. Amends the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 to mandate equal treatment between traditional insurers and risk retention groups.
Bill· HRH.R. 1144 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Minority Populations Diabetes Prevention and Control Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to increase activities regarding diabetes in minorities, including State-based initiatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 1124 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants or contracts to geographic areas that have shortages of one or more types of health providers due to the cost of maintaining malpractice insurance. Declares that medical malpractice actions shall be barred unless the complaint is within three years after the right of action accrues. Sets forth criteria for determining the date on which the right of action accrues. Requires the attorney of a person filing a medical malpractice liability action, or the individual if there is no attorney, to sign a certificate of merit attesting to the justified nature of the action. Directs courts to impose sanctions for violations of the provisions pertaining to the certificate of merit. States that any sanction or relief available under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure shall be available under the provisions pertaining to the certificate of merit. Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded in a medical malpractice action except upon proof of gross negligence, reckless indifference to life, or one of various types of intentional acts. Requires medical malpractice liability insurance companies to implement a plan to dedicate at least 50 percent of the annual savings from carrying out this section to reducing malpractice premiums. Imposes a civil penalty on medical malpractice liability insurance companies that violate this section. Establishes the Independent Advisory Commission on Medical Malpractice Insurance, which shall investigate the recent dramatic increases in medical malpractice insurance premiums and formulate proposals to reduce such premiums.
Bill· HRH.R. 1149 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Asthma Awareness, Education and Treatment Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for projects for specified asthma-related activities for low-income communities, including screening and referrals, information and education, and workshops for parents and other individuals who supervise children. Authorizes the Secretary also to award contracts to provide for a national media campaign to inform the public and health care providers on asthma, allergies, and related respiratory problems, especially in children. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer licensed and engaged in the trade or business of providing pest control services or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, an income tax credit for the aggregate cost of providing such services without charge to: (1) public housing; or (2) any multifamily residential rental property at least 75 percent of whose occupants are reasonably expected to have incomes below 200 percent of the official poverty line. Requires the Secretary to disseminate information about such credit. Directs the Secretary to provide for research into whether and to what extent there is a causal relationship between air pollutants and the occurrence of asthma, allergies, and related respiratory problems. Requires the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, through the National Asthma Education Prevention Program Coordinating Committee, to: (1) identify all Federal programs that carry out asthma-related activities; and (2) develop and submit to Congress a Federal plan for responding to asthma.
Bill· HRH.R. 1138 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Alzheimer's Disease Research, Prevention, and Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the purposes of the National Institute on Aging by making Alzheimer's disease research a priority. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative, including accelerating the discovery of new risk and protective factors, rapidly identifying therapies and preventive interventions, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct, or make grants to conduct, research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through FY 2008.
Bill· HRH.R. 1143 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Keep America Healthy Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make a new optional Medicaid eligibility group for individuals between ages 21 and 65 whose family income does not exceed a State-specified percentage up to 200 percent of the applicable poverty line. Authorizes the State also to require the individual's resources not to exceed whatever level the State may establish, so long as it is not more restrictive than the requirements of the Supplemental Security Income program under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income). Provides for the application to such new group of the enhanced Federal medical assistance percentage described under SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Amends SSA title XI to provide for an increase in the Medicaid payment limit for territories to accommodate expanded coverage for residents of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bill· HRH.R. 1110 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify provisions relating to Federal matching grants for the operation of State high risk health insurance pools. Provides matching grants to States that have established pools that provide premium rates and covered benefits consistent with standards included in the NAIC Model Health Plan for Uninsured Individuals. (Currently, the law specifies other characteristics pools must have for States to receive matching funds, including that premiums charged under a pool are restricted to no more than 150 percent of the premium for applicable standard risk rates.) Amends the formula for appropriating funds such that funds will be allotted to States based on the number of enrollees in qualified high risk pools. (Currently, funds are allotted based upon the number of uninsured individuals in States.) Authorizes appropriations for the matching grants program through FY 2009.
PreviousPage 13 of 14Next