Healthcare

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs. Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop and implement a federal plan to address diabetes mellitus within communities of color. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct and support research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to conduct and support programs to educate the public on diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) education and awareness programs designed to increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (2) mentorship programs for minority researchers who are conducting research on diabetes in minority populations. Provides for studies on the shortage of adult and pediatric endocrinologists specializing in diabetes and on outcomes of minority children with diabetes compared to non-minority children.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings.

Sgt. Jonathan Schulze Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Sgt. Jonathan Schulze Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a requirement that members of the Armed Forces: (1) deploying to a combat theater receive a pre-deployment mental health evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional; and (2) returning from service of more than 30 days in a combat theater, or injured in a combat theater, receive a post-deployment combat stress evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional. Directs the Secretary to implement a program designed to: (1) raise awareness about mental health issues that members may encounter during and after deployment; and (2) reduce the stigma associated with mental health care. Directs the Secretary to develop a program to improve awareness of the availability of mental health services for, and warning signs about mental health problems in, dependents of members who served or will serve in a combat theater during the previous or next 60 days. Requires such program to include a toll-free number and informational website. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding to improve the transition of mental health-related cases from the Department of Defense (DOD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to treat female victims of combat stress; (3) to create an information clearinghouse to improve the availability of information about mental health professionals who treat combat stress; and (4) to provide for the availability (for afour-year period) of mental health services under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) for reserve personnel who performed certain active duty (and their family members).

Enhanced Health Care Value for All Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Enhanced Health Care Value for All Act of 2007 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to expand the scope of research on the comparative effectiveness of health care items and services. Renames as the Comparative Effectiveness Advisory Board the stakeholders group the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to consult in developing research priorities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund. Makes appropriations. Imposes on health insurance policy issuers (including self-insured health plans) a fee for each specified policy for each policy year, whose equivalent amounts shall be transferred into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a permanent council to assist the offices and agencies of the Departments of Health and Human Services, of Veterans Affairs, and of Defense, and any other department or agency, to coordinate the conduct or support of health services research.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of the Ombudsman to act as a liaison for veterans and their family members with respect to the receipt of VA health care and benefits. Requires the: (1) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that Office services are available to all veterans and their families; (2) Secretary to make available to such veterans and family members information on contacting and utilizing the services of the Office; and (3) confidentiality of information provided to the Office by veterans and family members.

Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to consult with and advise the Secretary on the administration of benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for rural veterans, reports and studies relating to rural veterans, and the needs of rural veterans with respect to primary care, mental health care, and long-term care.

Healthy Businesses, Healthy Workers Reinsurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Healthy Businesses, Healthy Workers Reinsurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs). Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Federal Reinsurance, which shall in turn establish a Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs to make reinsurance payments to eligible health plans experiencing catastrophic health care costs during a year with respect to a covered individual. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Reinsurance for Catastrophic Health Care Costs Trust Fund.

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007 - Requires a member of the Armed Forces (member) in an outpatient status at a military medical treatment facility (facility) to be assigned a medical care case manager and a service member advocate, each of whom have completed a training program and curriculum for such management. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a: (1) Department of Defense (DOD)-wide Ombudsman Office; (2) toll-free hotline for reporting deficiencies in medical services and medical support facilities; (3) standardized training program and curriculum for military personnel and health care professionals involved in the disability evaluation system; and (4) pilot program to track and assist outpatient members who are still in need of medical treatment. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) notify appropriate Members of Congress of the hospitalization of members evacuated from a theater of combat; and (2) ensure that members appearing before medical evaluation boards have access to an independent medical advocate. Requires reports concerning: (1) enhanced training for individuals providing assistance to recovering members; (2) the adequacy and quality of medical and medical-support facilities at each military installation; and (3) traumatic brain injury classifications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide a process for the transition of members from the DOD health care and disability systems to those of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) allow reserve members to use facilities closest to home for the treatment of injuries sustained in a combat theater of operations; (3) develop a plan and conduct research for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat veterans; (4) study the provision of support services for families of recovering members; (5) evaluate the Polytrauma Liaison Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer program; (6) study waiting periods for appointments at VA facilities; and (7) study the development of a joint soldier tracking system for recovering members. Establishes the: (1) Department of Defense Medical Support Fund; and (2) Oversight Board for Wounded Warriors.

Medicare Provider Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Medicare Provider Accountability Act - Directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to: (1) take all necessary steps to participate in the Federal Payment Levy Program as soon as possible; and (2) ensure that at least 50% of all payments under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act are processed through such program within one year of enactment of this Act, and all remaining payments within two years. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to offset Medicare provider payments by the amount of the provider's delinquent federal debt. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make notice and opportunity for hearing before levy requirements inapplicable if the Secretary of the Treasury has approved a levy on specified (Medicare provider) payments.

Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a methodology for use in determining the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transportation fuel in commerce; (2) determine a fuel emission baseline; (3) establish a transportation fuel certification and marketing process concerning specified fuels; and (4) establish a requirement applicable to each fuel provider to reduce the average lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of energy of the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel produced, blended, or imported by the fuel provider to a specified level. Authorizes an electricity provider to participate in the advanced clean fuel program under this Act if the provider: (1) provides and separately tracks electricity used for transportation; and (2) generates more than 15% of the electricity it sells from renewable energy sources. Requires the regulations promulgated to carry out such program to permit fuel providers to receive credits for achieving greater reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions. Revises provisions concerning the applicable volume of renewable fuel in gasoline, including by: (1) directing the Administrator to require the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel sold to contain such volume of renewable fuel that will result in the specified total minimum volume for 2011-2025 (currently there are applicable volumes of renewable fuel in gasoline for 2006-2012); (2) requiring the Administrator to ensure that gasoline containing renewable fuel does not result in average per gallon motor vehicle emissions of air pollutants in excess of 2007 emission levels or in a violation of any motor vehicle emission or fuel content limitation under the Clean Air Act; (3) requiring that the determination of the total applicable volume for 2026 and thereafter be based on a review of the implementation of the advanced clean fuel volume standard during 2011-2025 (currently the Administrator is required to determine the applicable volume for 2013 and thereafter); and (4) repealing provisions concerning the required volumes of renewable fuel that are derived from cellulosic biomass. Requires the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on whether the total applicable volume of renewable fuel set forth for 2011-2025 or the advanced clean fuel performance standards for any year would reasonably be anticipated to result in one or more adverse lifecycle impacts or to be technically infeasible. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a voluntary renewable fuels labeling program to promote consumer awareness of renewable fuels; and (2) a grant program to provide for research support concerning sustainable markets and technologies that produce and use woody biomass and other cellulosic biomass for the production of thermal and electric energy, biofuels, and bioproducts. Authorizes the Administrator to control or prohibit the manufacture or sale of any motor or nonroad vehicle fuel or fuel additive an emission product of which causes or contributes to air or water pollution (currently, air pollution) that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare.

Critical Access to Clinical Lab Services Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Critical Access to Clinical Lab Services Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished by a critical access hospital shall be treated as being furnished as part of outpatient critical access services without regard to whether: (1) the individual for whom the services are furnished is physically present in the critical access hospital at the time the specimen is collected; (2) such individual is registered as an outpatient on the records of, and receives such services directly from, the critical access hospital; or (3) payment is available for such services under the fee schedule established for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests.

Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an additional 5% increase in Medicare payments for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2010.

A concurrent resolution expressing support for advancing vital United States interests through increased engagement in health programs that alleviate disease and reduce premature death in developing nations, especially through programs that combat high levels of infectious disease improve children's and women's health, decrease malnutrition, reduce unintended pregnancies, fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, encourage healthy behaviors, and strengthen health care capacity.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Recognizes that contributing to improving health in developing nations is in the vital interest of the United States as it helps protect the health of the American people, facilitates development among partner nations, and cultivates a positive U.S. image. Acknowledges the need to strengthen health care systems to meet essential health needs. Supports U.S. investments in reducing the global burdens of HIV/AIDS and malaria through the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative. Encourages the U.S. government to expand adoption and implementation of policies and programs that alleviate the greatest burden of disease in developing nations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

Rural Health Services Preservation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Rural Health Services Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage organizations to provide for a payment rate for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services that is: (1) at least the applicable payment rate established under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for such services; or (2) 103% of the otherwise applicable payment rate, if the critical access hospital or the rural health clinic determines appropriate.

Healthcare Eligibility for Late Participants (HELP) in Medicare Part D Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Healthcare Eligibility for Late Participants (HELP) in Medicare Part D Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the late enrollment penalty under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) for certain months for individuals who: (1) are first eligible to enroll for such benefit for 2006 or 2007; and (2) enroll by the end of the first annual, coordinated election period following their initial enrollment period. Limits the amount of such penalty for any eligible individual for a continuous period of eligibility to 25% of the base beneficiary premium. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalty.

Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an additional 5% increase in Medicare payments for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2010.

Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement staffing plans that meet specified ratios for direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing levels for each unit and other requirements, including for receiving input from nurses. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to further limit such ratios as needed to ensure public safety and to establish ratios for units not specified. Provides an exception to such staffing requirements for a declared state of emergency. Requires hospitals to provide the Secretary with their staffing plan and annual updates. Requires the Secretary to conduct audits to ensure the implementation of adequate staffing plans. Requires the Secretary: (1) acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to complete a study of licensed practical nurse staffing and its effects on patient care in hospitals; and (2) to establish requirements for hospitals based on the outcome of the study. Requires the Secretary to adjust payments to cover additional Medicare costs that are attributable to this Act. Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to submit to Congress and the Secretary a report estimating total costs and savings attributable to compliance with nurse staffing requirements. Provides nurses with the right to refuse to accept assignments that would violate staffing requirements or for which they are not prepared. Prohibits retaliation by hospitals for such refusals or for reporting violations of staffing requirements.

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement under which an individual agrees to serve as a dentist for a not less than two years at a facility with a critical shortage of dentists in an area with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS in exchange for the Secretary making payments on the individual's dental education loans. Requires such payments to equal 30% of the principal and interest on such loans after the first and second years of service and 25% after the third year of service.

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a small business health benefits program (SBHBP) under which small employers may offer health insurance coverage to employees and their dependents. Outlines program elements and coverage requirements, including that small employers are provided access to qualified health pooling arrangements under which their employees may elect coverage substantially similar to the federal employees benefit program (FEHB) coverage. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a program of premium assistance for small employers under SBHBP that provides a sliding scale of assistance based on the number of employees, the average wage level of such employees, and the employer profit margin; (2) provide for reinsurance coverage for an individual's claims that exceed a specified amount for a year; and (3) provide grants to states for the establishment, initial administration, and operations of qualified health pooling arrangements. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide for a national health pooling arrangement for eligible small employers modeled after FEHB.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide that certain facilities located in areas designated as rural areas before January 1, 2000, qualify as rural health clinics regardless of whether or not such areas remain so designated.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that a facility located in a non-urbanized area so designated by the Bureau of the Census before January 1, 2000, that also satisfies all other applicable conditions, shall qualify as a rural health clinic for purposes of Medicare and SSA title XIX (Medicaid), whether or not such area remains so designated.

Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to place limitations on mandatory overtime for nurses, prohibit retaliation against them in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment, and establish civil money penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on standards to establish for the maximum number of hours that a nurse may work without compromising the safety of patients. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to Congress on the extent to which federally operated medical facilities have in effect practices and policies for overtime requirements for nurses that are inconsistent with the requirements added by this Act.

Parent's Right to Know Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Parent's Right to Know Act of 2007 - Prohibits any funds appropriated for carrying out federal family planning programs from being made available to any family planning project if any service provider in the project knowingly provides contraceptive drugs or devices to a minor, unless: (1) such provider has given actual written notice to a custodial parent or legal guardian at least five business days prior to providing the drugs or prescription devices; (2) the minor has written consent of a parent or legal guardian; (3) the minor is emancipated; or (4) a court has directed that the minor may receive such drugs or prescription devices. Requires providers to certify to the Secretary of Health and Human Services compliance with this Act.

Healthy Kids Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Healthy Kids Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to extend the SCHIP program for FY2008 and each subsequent fiscal year at increased levels. Limits to one year starting FY2008 (currently three years) the initial availability of SCHIP allotments. Revises requirements for redistribution of unused allotments to address state funding shortfalls. Provides for bonus payments for states that implement administrative policies to streamline enrollment procedures under Medicaid and SCHIP. Gives states the option to provide for "express lane" and simplified determinations of a child's financial eligibility for Medicaid or SCHIP. Provides for enhanced federal funding for improvements related to implementation of certain model outreach and enrollment practices. Provides for: (1) optional coverage of targeted low-income pregnant women under SCHIP; (2) optional coverage of legal immigrants under Medicaid and SCHIP; (3) adjustment of SCHIP allotment due to increased outreach; (4) grants to promote innovative outreach and enrollment under Medicaid and SCHIP; (5) authority for qualifying states to use a portion of their SCHIP allotment for any fiscal year for certain Medicaid expenditures; and (6) application of Medicaid outreach procedures to all pregnant women and children. Prohibits limitations on enrollment under SCHIP. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a tax credit for qualified health insurance for qualifying children; and (2) advanced payment of such credit. Requires that, if a broker is otherwise required to make a return with respect to any applicable security, the broker shall include in it the customer's adjusted basis for each such security.

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the Health and Human Services of the identity and location of the food. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions. Sets forth certification and inspection requirements for foreign governments and foreign firms seeking to import food into the Unites States. Directs the Secretary to take certain action during an ongoing recall of human or pet food, including posting information regarding recalled products on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) processing and ingredient standards for feed, pet food, animal waste, and ingredient definitions; (2) update standards for pet food labeling that includes nutritional information and ingredient information; and (3) an early warning and surveillance system to identify contaminations of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness from pet food.

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the Health and Human Services of the identity and location of the food. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions. Sets forth certification and inspection requirements for foreign governments and foreign firms seeking to import food into the Unites States. Directs the Secretary to take certain action during an ongoing recall of human or pet food, including posting information regarding recalled products on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) processing and ingredient standards for feed, pet food, animal waste, and ingredient definitions; (2) update standards for pet food labeling that includes nutritional information and ingredient information; and (3) an early warning and surveillance system to identify contaminations of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness from pet food.

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

THE MELANIE BLOCKER-STOKES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND HEALTH CARE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2007

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Gives priority to communities with significantly above averages rates of teen pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria to evaluate such projects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase authorized appropriations for community learning centers. Authorizes appropriations for physical education programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for TRIO and GEARUP programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies.

Family Budget Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Family Budget Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Provides for establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Prescribes requirements for biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans instead of annual ones if the President and Congress so agree. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Exempts certain Social Security benefits, Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and Medicare benefits from required reductions under the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), along with specified government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman of the House and Senate Committees on the Budget each to maintain a Budget Protection Mandatory Account and a Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Amends the CBA to require: (1) an analysis of long-term unfunded obligations in the President's budget submission; and (2) long-term unfunded obligation analyses by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Makes it out of order to consider legislation which, if enacted, would increase the long-term unfunded obligation under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI)) of the Social Security Act, as defined in the CBA. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement and high-cost discretionary spending program unless such spending authority is reauthorized after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the cancellation (line item veto) of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of direct spending, limited tariff benefit, or targeted tax benefit. Dedicates any cancellation only to deficit reduction or increase of a surplus. Expresses the sense of Congress on abuse of proposed cancellations. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that bills always be considered under open rules. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of: (1) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement Fund; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Makes it out of order in the House to consider any legislation unless: (1) the required list of congressional earmarks, limited tax and tariff benefits, and the name of the requesting Member is also set forth in the text of the measure; and (2) such list is made publicly available on the Internet in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a measure's consideration. Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Repeals Rule XXVII (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution). Amends the CBA to require the President's budget submission to Congress to be based upon the risk-assumed cost of federal insurance programs for accrual budgeting purposes. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.

Mercury in Dental Fillings Disclosure and Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Mercury in Dental Fillings Disclosure and Prohibition Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem any drug or device to be adulterated if it contains mercury intended for use in a dental filling, effective January 1, 2009. Deems a device that contains mercury intended for use in a dental filling to be misbranded, effective December 31, 2007, unless it bears a specified warning label that it: (1) contains mercury, a highly toxic element; (2) should not be administered to children under age 18 or to pregnant or lactating women; and (3) poses health risks.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be an increased commitment supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Urges Congress and the executive branch to: (1) recognize the successful use of advanced imaging technologies in the fight against breast cancer; and (2) provide additional support for the research and development of technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment comparable to mammograms.

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2007 - 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 (HRSA), to establish programs related to mental health services for children and adolescents, to include: (1) entering into contracts with qualified individuals to pay educational loans in exchange for providing mental health services to children and adolescents; (2) awarding scholarships to students who agree to work as child and adolescent mental health service professionals after graduation or completion of residency or fellowship; (3) awarding competitive grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand internship or other field placement programs for students receiving specialized training or clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health; (4) awarding grants to state-licensed mental heath organizations to pay for programs for preservice or in-service training of paraprofessional child and adolescent mental health workers; and (5) awarding grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand graduate child and adolescent mental health programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to adjust the graduate medical education program to: (1) exclude a reasonable number of residents or fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry when calculating the maximum number of residents in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine for which the hospital may be paid; and (2) extend the period of board eligibility for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution of, and need for, child mental health service professionals and on a comparison of such distribution and need on a state-by-state basis.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON H.R. 92, H.R. 315, H.R. 339, H.R. 463, H.R. 538 H.R. 542, H.R. 1426, H.R. 1470, H.R. 1471, H.R. 1527 H.R. 1944, AND DISCUSSION DRAFT OF THE ``RURAL VETERANS HEALTHCARE ACT OF 2007''

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 April 2007

Children's Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Children's Health Care Quality Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to: (1) identify quality and performance measures for pediatric service providers; and (2) award grants or contracts for the development, validation, and testing of new and emerging measures. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish demonstration projects to award grants to states to improve the delivery of health care services to children under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Requires demonstration projects in the categories of: (1) health information technology systems; (2) disease management for children with chronic conditions; (3) evidence-based quality improvement; and (4) quality and performance measures for providers of children's health care services. Requires the Comptroller General to make recommendations to Congress for the design and implementation of a demonstration project to evaluate the suitability of existing quality and performance measures for children's inpatient hospital services for public reporting, differentiating quality, identifying best practices, and providing a basis for payment rewards.

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Health Programs Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should have the capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with health care, rehabilitation, and community integration. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop individualized plans for the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans with TBI, and to provide each plan to the individual before their discharge from inpatient care. Requires: (1) the involvement of family members in plan development; and (2) the Secretary to periodically evaluate plan effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-VA facilities to provide veterans' TBI intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and reintegration services when the Secretary is unable to provide such services or for veterans who reside at such a distance from a VA facility as to make plan implementation impracticable. Requires the Secretary to establish a program on research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with severe TBI, including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise receive nursing home care. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires the Secretary to include research on TBI under ongoing VA research programs.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and risk of anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing such food allergy management guidelines.

Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007 - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or to a state, with respect to hospital services, under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception; (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman; (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request; (4) provides the woman with risk assessment, counseling, and treatment for certain sexually transmitted infections; and (5) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman or her family to pay.

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program. Amends SSA title XI, with respect to criminal penalties for certain illegal remunerations, to exclude from prohibited remunerations (provide safe harbor for) any remuneration paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either in cash or through the distribution or donation of covered Part D drugs, to an individual enrolled in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C.

Medicare Part D Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Medicare Part D Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the Medicare prescription drug program with respect to: (1) counting certain expenditures towards out-of-pocket limits; (2) conforming the late enrollment penalty to the Medicare part B penalty structure; (3) allowing more frequent changes in plans; and (4) removing the asset test and eliminating late enrollment penalties for low-income subsidy eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on how to: (1) eliminate the gap in Medicare part D prescription drug coverage created through the application of an initial coverage limit; and (2) finance such elimination.

Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the state option to include nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants as primary care case managers. Specifies as primary care case managers any nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant that provides primary care case management services under a primary care case management contract. Revises the coverage of certain nurse practitioner services under the Medicaid fee-for-service program to remove the specification of certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified family nurse practitioner in order to extend such coverage to services furnished by a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the mix of service providers which Medicaid managed care organizations are required to maintain.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) the documentation of student allergies and the development of an individual health care plan for each such student; (2) communication with emergency medical services, school staff, parents, and students; (3) reduction of exposure to causative agents of food allergies; (4) food allergy management training; and (5) administration of epinephrine. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing such food allergy management guidelines.

Health Insurance for Life Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Health Insurance for Life Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to remove all limitations on Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage that establish a period by which such coverage must end, and instead provides no deadline for discontinuing such coverage. Sets forth a formula to determine the maximum allowable premium that certain qualified disabled beneficiaries and individuals receiving extended coverage provided pursuant to this Act may be charged based on the average monthly actuarial cost of such continuation coverage. Applies such provisions to continuation coverage provided pursuant to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

Medicare Drug Savings Through Choice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Medicare Drug Savings Through Choice Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) offer a Medicare operated prescription drug plan with a service area that consists of the entire United States; (2) negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs; and (3) encourage the use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally. Requires adjustment of such premium amount in case of supplemental prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Anesthesiology Teaching Funding Restoration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Medicare Anesthesiology Teaching Funding Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.

Improving Children's Access to Health Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Improving Children's Access to Health Care Act of 2007 - Provides that any state with a plan under title XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) has a variety of options to promote enrollment of eligible children under such programs, including an option to create "express lane eligibility." Amends SSA title XIX to authorize states to require satisfactory U.S. citizenship or nationality documentation for Medicaid, including tribal membership or enrollment. Give states the option to allow children of low-income state employees to enroll in SCHIP (thus ending the current mandatory exclusion of such children from SCHIP). Provides for new base SCHIP allotments responsive to increases in health care costs and enrollment expansions. Revises the current two-year initial availability of SCHIP allotments to limit it to fiscal years through FY2007. Requires only a one-year availability of allotments for FY2008 and succeeding fiscal years. Allows a 30-day SCHIP premium grace period.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children. Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based educational and information materials; and (3) carrying out Shaken Baby Syndrome training. Requires the Secretary to work to ensure that the parents and caregivers of children are connected to effective supports through the coordination of existing programs and networks or the establishment of new programs, including a 24-hour phone hotline and the development of an Internet website for round-the-clock support. Establishes a Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council to develop recommendations: (1) regarding the National Action Plan and effective strategies; and (2) related to support services for families and caregivers of young children.

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement for specified emergency care and services of private institutions for mental diseases subject (under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Medicaid (EMTALA) Program) to certain requirements for examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions. Requires the Medicaid program to reimburse such institutions for care and services required to stabilize an emergency medical condition of an individual between ages 21 and 65, if the treatment is within the range of services that such institution typically provides.

Health Protection Amendment of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Health Protection Amendment of 2007 - Declares that health care, including care to prevent and treat illness, is the right of all U.S. citizens and necessary to ensure the strength of the nation.