Healthcare

Informed Health Care Decision Making Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Informed Health Care Decision Making Act - Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to: (1) determine whether standardized, quantitative summaries of the benefits and risks of drugs in a tabular or drug facts box format would improve health care decisionmaking by clinicians, patients, and consumers; and (2) establish and update standards for comparative clinical effectiveness information in the labeling and advertising of drugs and devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Defines "comparative clinical effectiveness" as the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, safety, and clinical appropriateness of a drug or device in comparison to one or more drugs or devices approved to prevent, diagnose, or treat the same health condition in the same patient demographic subpopulation. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require information on comparative clinical effectiveness for drugs and devices in labeling and advertising.

A resolution recognizing June 2009 as the first National Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia (HHT) month, established to increase awareness of HHT, which is a complex genetic blood vessel disorder that affects approximately 70,000 people in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Expresses support for the designation of June 2009 as National Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiecstasia (HHT) month. Recognizes: (1) the need to pursue research to find better treatments and a cure for HHT; (2) the HHT Foundation International as the only U.S. advocacy organization working to find a cure for HHT while saving the lives and improving the well-being of individuals and families affected; (3) the importance of comprehensive care centers in providing complete care and treatment for HHT patients; (4) that stroke, lung, and brain hemorrhages can be prevented through early diagnosis, screening, and treatment of HHT; (5) that severe hemorrhages in the nose and gastrointestinal tract can be controlled through intervention and that heart failure can be managed through proper diagnosis and treatments of HHT; and (6) that a leading medical and academic institution estimated that $6.6 billion of one-time health care costs can be saved through aggressive management of HHT in the at-risk population. Acknowledges the need to identify the approximately 90% of the HHT population that has not yet been diagnosed and that is at risk for death or disability due to sudden rupture of the blood vessels in major organs in the body.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to childhood stroke and designating an appropriate date as "National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Expresses support for the designation of an appropriate date as National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day. Urges support for the efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations that work to enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that reform of our Nation's health care system should include the establishment of a federally-backed insurance pool.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Recognizes that any efforts to reform our nation's health care system should include the establishment of a federally-backed insurance pool.

To amend title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to improve access and choice for entrepreneurs with small businesses with respect to medical care for their employees.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Sets forth rules governing AHPs, including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation and coverage, nondiscrimination, contribution rates, notice of voluntary termination, correction actions, and mandatory termination. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Requires the Secretary to establish a Solvency Standards Working Group. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that commenced operations in such state after the enactment of this Act. Preempts any state law that may preclude a health insurance issuer from: (1) offering health insurance coverage in connection with a certified AHP; or (2) offering health insurance coverage of the same policy type to other employers operating in the state that are eligible for coverage under such AHPs, whether or not such other employers are participating employers in such plan.

Prosthetic and Custom Orthotic Parity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Prosthetic and Custom Orthotic Parity Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits as well as benefits for prosthetic devices and components and orthotic devices to offer such prosthetic and orthotic coverage in the same manner as applicable to medical and surgical benefits. Prohibits separate financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations. Limits required benefits for prosthetic devices and custom orthotic devices and related services to the most appropriate model that adequately meets the medical requirements of the patient. Requires benefits to include repairs and replacements as determined appropriate by the treating physician. Prohibits any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for prosthetic devices and custom orthotic devices and related services unless such limitation applies in the aggregate to all benefits.

No Child Left Unimmunized Against Influenza Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

No Child Left Unimmunized Against Influenza Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a multistate demonstration program designed to test the feasibility of using the nation's elementary and secondary schools as influenza vaccination centers in coordination with school nurses, school health care programs, local health departments, community health care providers, state insurance agencies, and private insurers. Prohibits the Secretary from using such program for children who are eligible under other federally funded programs for payment of the costs of purchasing and administering the influenza vaccine. Requires the Secretary to work with the Secretary of Labor, state insurance agencies, and private insurers to ensure that children who have private insurance have coverage for all reasonable and customary expenses, including the costs of purchasing and administering the vaccine, incurred when influenza vaccine is administered outside of the physician's office in a school or other related setting. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the cost of purchasing and administering the influenza vaccine for children to the extent such cost is not covered through other federally funded programs or through private insurance. Requires the program to be designed to administer vaccines consistent with recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the annual vaccination of all children aged 5 years through 19 years. Sets forth selection criteria for schools. Makes participation by a school or an individual voluntary. Requires the program to be conducted for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 influenza seasons.

Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers' Compensation Settlement Agreements Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers' Compensation Settlement Agreements Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) create an exception to Medicare secondary payer requirements for certain workers' compensation settlement agreements; and (2) provide for the satisfaction of such requirements through use of qualified Medicare set-asides under workers' compensation settlement agreements.

Gender Equity in Health Premiums Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Gender Equity in Health Premiums Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from requiring any individual to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than that for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of the gender of such individual or such individual's dependent. Applies such prohibition to individual health insurance coverage. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate enforcement of group and individual health insurance market rules.

Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a banned mercury-containing vaccine to be adulterated. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that a vaccine is a banned mercury-containing vaccine if one dose of the vaccine contains one or more micrograms of mercury in any form. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other public health emergency makes the administration of such vaccines advisable for a specified period. Requires the Secretary to prohibit the distribution of banned mercury-containing influenza vaccines that are approved as biological products to: (1) any child under the age of three years old (effective July 1, 2009); (2) pregnant women if the vaccine contains thimerosal (effective July 1, 2009); and (3) any child under the age of six (effective July 1, 2010). Requires the Secretary to revise the vaccine information included with mercury-containing vaccines to include: (1) a statement that indicates the presence of mercury in the vaccine; (2) information on the availability of any mercury-free or mercury-reduced alternative vaccine and instructions on how to obtain such an alternative vaccine; and (3) a recommendation against administration of any mercury-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should disseminate, with any vaccine-related information, a recommendation against administration of any thimerosal-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman.

Coercion is Not Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Coercion is Not Health Care Act - Prohibits requiring the purchase or maintenance of health insurance coverage as a condition for participation in, or access to, any federal program or for federal benefit eligibility. Prohibits any individual or agency of the federal government from requiring any individual to purchase health insurance coverage.

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Survey Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Survey Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award a contract or grant to an entity to develop and conduct a health survey regarding Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in the United States, U.S. territories, and affiliated Pacific jurisdictions in order to: (1) identify their unmet health and health care needs; and (2) establish baseline health information to achieve equity in health information for the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander community. Requires such data collection efforts to be targeted to areas with the highest concentrations of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders based on the 2010 decennial census. Directs the Secretary to award a contract or grant to an entity to: (1) analyze and prepare the data collected under this Act for distribution; and (2) submit the data, analysis, and any corresponding documents to the National Center for Health Statistics for internal review. Requires the Secretary to make such information public.

Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission to develop, coordinate, and facilitate implementation of a national plan for rural health quality improvements. Requires that such plan: (1) identify objectives for rural health quality improvement; (2) identify strategies to eliminate known gaps in rural health system capacity and improve rural health quality; and (3) provide for federal programs to identify opportunities for strengthening and aligning policies and programs to improve rural health quality. Directs the Commission to: (1) design demonstration projects to test alternative models for rural health quality improvement, including with respect to both personal and population health; and (2) monitor progress towards identified objectives. Requires the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of health care in rural communities that include: (1) alternative community models; (2) innovative approaches to the financing and delivery of health services; and (3) the development of quality improvement support structures to assist rural health systems and professionals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expedite Medicaid and Medicare waivers as necessary to carry out such demonstration projects; and (2) provide for an independent evaluation of such projects.

Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Agency for Vaccine Safety Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Director for Vaccine Safety Evaluation to: (1) conduct or support safety research and monitor licensed vaccines; (2) develop a vaccine safety research agenda; (3) evaluate means to promote compliance with federal adverse reaction reporting requirements; (4) provide a clearinghouse for vaccine studies; (5) ensure that functions relating to vaccine monitoring or research on adverse reactions are not carried out by anyone with a conflict of interest; (6) oversee the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project; and (7) resolve U.S. conflicts of interest related to international agreements, partnerships, and activities. Allows the Director to establish a program of awarding fellowships for research on vaccine safety. Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to provide the Director, upon request, with complete access to all vaccine-related information submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by vaccine manufacturers. Requires the Director to require vaccine manufacturers to: (1) provide for postmarketing surveillance and clinical testing for any acute or chronic adverse reactions associated with the vaccine; and (2) register in a qualified public registry each clinical trial conducted or supported by the manufacturer with respect to the vaccine. Transfers to the Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responsibilities for the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project, the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Centers, or any other post-licensure vaccine safety monitoring activities. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory council in the Agency.

Medicare Lung Cancer Early Detection Promotion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Medicare Lung Cancer Early Detection Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe an increased radiologist service payment for chest radiography (x-ray) services that use Computer Aided Detection technology for the early detection of lung cancer.

Charles August "CAL" Long Undiagnosed Diseases Registry Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Charles August "CAL" Long Undiagnosed Diseases Registry Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and maintain an undiagnosed diseases registry to facilitate the early recognition, prevention, treatment, cure, and control of such diseases. Authorizes the Secretary to make the information in the registry publicly available, except for: (1) individually identifiable information; or (2) trade secrets or commercial or financial information. Requires such database to be operational one year after enactment of this Act.

Women Veterans Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Women Veterans Access to Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in providing health care services to women veterans, to emphasize: (1) with respect to physical health, conditions including reproductive health, preventive medicine and early detection, sexual trauma, special needs of women with prosthetics, and rehabilitation; (2) with respect to mental health, issues including stress reduction, services for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse, and conflict resolution; (3) improving health-related telecommunications technologies; (4) providing care to women veterans who served in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom, live in a rural area, or are homebound or elderly; and (5) with respect to health professionals employed by the VA, hiring health professionals who are specialist in fields related to women's health, and offering additional training on special issues regarding women veterans. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study on health care for women veterans; and (2) carry out an information outreach program for women veterans and their families.

Veterans Stamp to Honor American Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Veterans Stamp to Honor American Veterans Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a veterans health care stamp to help fund veterans health care, including new shelters, improved medical facilities, and medical and prescription assistance.

Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2009, to revise the criteria and payment formula for "subsection (d) hospitals" which are urban Medicare-dependent hospitals. (Generally a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Congressional Disclosures Protections Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Congressional Disclosures Protections Act of 2009 - Amends federal personnel law to: (1) define "covered disclosure" with respect to federal whistleblower protections to mean a disclosure of information made by an employee to either house of Congress or to a congressional committee or staff member which such employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; (2) allow federal employees to seek de novo review of their whistleblower claims within one year of filing such claims; (3) expand legal remedies for whistleblowers, including triple damages for lost wages, triple attorney fees, and triple compensatory damages; and (4) require the Office of Special Counsel to provide legal representation to whistleblowers, upon request. Amends the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No Fear Act) to expand the reporting requirements of federal agencies relating to reimbursement of the expenses of employees who have filed whistleblower claims.

Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a hospital or ambulatory surgical center to: (1) report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the frequency of performing certain services and administering certain drugs and the charge by the hospital or center for such services or drugs; and (2) prominently post such information at each admission site. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publicly post such information in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and centers; and (2) select which services or drugs are to be reported based on how frequently each service is performed or each drug is administered. Allows the Secretary to impose a civil monetary penalty for violations of this Act.

Protect Patients and Physicians Privacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Protect Patients and Physicians Privacy Act - Grants individuals the ability to opt out of any federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system for maintaining health care information. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) the requirement that the Secretary of Health and Human Servives adopt standards providing for standard unique health identifiers; and (2) the offense of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. Prohibits the use of federal funds to support, encourage, or otherwise promote the use of standard unique health identifiers in any federal, state, or private health care plan. Requires informed consent for the sharing from electronic medical records of any information created pursuant to a federally mandated, created, or funded program. Prohibits health information from an individual medical record from being placed in a federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system of health information, absent a signed, informed consent from the patient involved. States that the federal government may not require a health care provider to participate in any federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system of maintaining health care information. Prohibits sanctions against a health care provider for failing to participate in such a system.

Public Health Workforce Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Public Health Workforce Development Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health workforce shortages in federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies and centers by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies and centers. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health workforce educational degree or certificate in exchange for working at public health agencies or centers for at least three years. Requires the Secretary to award grants to public health agencies that receive public health preparedness cooperative agreements from HHS to operate state, local, and tribal public health workforce loan repayment programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, any eligible entity to award scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in degree or professional training programs for the purpose of enabling mid-career professionals in the public health workforce to receive additional training in the field of public health. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in cooperation with the Secretary, to ensure that included in the OPM website there is an online catalogue, or a link to an online catalogue, of public health workforce employment opportunities in the federal government. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to establish Academic Health Departments to provide for collaboration between the academic and practice aspects of public health.

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for people with pre-diabetes and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.

Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) contract with an entity to establish consensus-based standards to certify patient decision aids; and (2) establish an expert panel to make recommendations about which patient decision aids should be implemented, appropriate training for health care providers on patient decision aids and shared decision making, and appropriate quality measures for use in the related pilot program Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to provide for the phased-in development, implementation, and evaluation of shared decision making under the Medicare program using patient decision aids to improve beneficiary understanding of medical treatment options. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for establishment of Shared Decision Making Resource Centers to support adoption, implementation, and effective use of patient decision aids and shared decision making by eligible Medicare providers. Specifies the medical conditions for approved patient decision aids Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations that: (1) specify for which preference-sensitive conditions beneficiaries should participate in shared decision making; (2) require service providers and suppliers to make sure that beneficiaries receive appropriate patient decision aids; and (3) specify a process for beneficiaries to elect not to use such patient decision aids. Prescribes a penalty for service providers or item suppliers if a patient does not receive a patient decision aid before an item or service is furnished, unless the patient has elected not to use such an aid.

Independence at Home Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Independence at Home Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination pilot programs for high-cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions under the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program.

To amend section 1886 of the Social Security Act to continue sole community hospital treatment for certain hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to additional payments to subsection (d) hospitals for indirect costs of medical education (IME). Declares that, if a subsection (d) hospital (new hospital) begins operations on or after January 1, 2010, within 35 road miles of an existing sole community hospital, the existing hospital shall continue to be treated for payment purposes as a sole community hospital if: (1) the new hospital is privately owned or operated as a for-profit entity; and (2) a portion of the new hospital's ownership is attributable to physicians. (Generally, a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Expressing sympathy to the victims, families, and friends of the tragic act of violence at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq, on May 11, 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives to the families and friends of the victims of the May 11, 2009, shooting at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Conveys its ongoing deep gratitude to the brave members of the Armed Forces who risk their lives in service of protecting the nation. Recognizes the important work of the medical professionals and staff members, who provide essential mental health services to our servicemen and women, at Combat Stress Control Center in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and other clinics in theater and at home. Commits the House to: (1) focus on the mental, in addition to the physical, well-being of the nation's military servicemen and women, and veterans; and (2) support the policies, resources, and funding necessary to combat successfully the mental and physical healthcare challenges that they may confront.

Expressing support for designation of the third week of April 2009 as "National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Expresses support for the designation of National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week. Commends organizations that are: (1) working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children; (2) educating caregivers on protecting children from injuries caused by abusive shaking; and (3) helping families cope with the challenges of child rearing and other stresses. Encourages people to remember the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to participate in educational programs to help prevent it.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for further study of the neurological disorder dystonia.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Urges the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to take a leadership role in the fight against the neurological disorder dystonia. Calls for: (1) increased funding for basic biomedical research for dystonia and other neurological disorders through NIH; (2) additional research to identify an accurate diagnostic test for dystonia and an epidemiological study to determine the frequency of the disease; (3) improved patient access to safe and effective dystonia therapies; and (4) increased public awareness and professional education regarding dystonia through partnerships between the government and patient advocacy organizations.

CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AS A DETERRENT TO HEALTH CARE FRAUD

United States · United States Senate · 20 May 2009

Medical Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Medical Homes Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a three-year demonstration project under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act for the implementation of a patient-centered medical home program to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in providing Medicaid and CHIP assistance to an estimated 500,000 to 1 million targeted beneficiaries.

Special Disability Workload Liability Resolution Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Special Disability Workload Liability Resolution Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with each state to reach an agreement on the amount of a payment for the state related to the Medicare program liability under title XVIII of the Social Security Act as a result of the Special Disability Workload project. (The special workload was the result of discovering a substantial number of recipients of Supplemental Security Income [SSI] benefits whose disability insured status under the title II [OASDI] Disability Insurance program was not previously recognized.) Prohibits any such payment to a state unless it: (1) waives the right to file a civil action (or to be a party to any action) in federal or state court in which the relief sought includes a payment to the state from the United States related to such Medicare liability; and (2) releases the United States from any further claims for reimbursement of state expenditures as a result of the Special Disability Workload project.

Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for operating nurse-managed health clinics. Defines "nurse-managed health clinic" as a nurse-practice arrangement that provides primary care or wellness services to underserved or vulnerable populations regardless of insurance status or ability to pay and that is associated with an educational institution, health center, or social services agency. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and services to such clinics in meeting the requirements of this Act and to develop and implement a plan for evaluating such clinics.

Food Protection Training Institute Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Food Protection Training Institute Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) create a list of uniform food protection training standards for federal, state, and local food regulatory officials and food protection officials as part of overall regulatory program standards; and (2) ensure funding is used to advance food protection and effectiveness and equivalency throughout the food protection system. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to establish and maintain a Food Protection Training Institute to conduct activities to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply, including: (1) improving the response and prevention controls capabilities of the national food protection system; and (2) acting as a clearinghouse for research, studies, and findings concerning all aspects of food protection programs.

Patients' Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Patients' Choice Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention. Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities consistent with such plan. Sets forth provisions governing the establishment and operation of state-based health care exchanges to facilitate the individual purchase of private health insurance and the creation of a market where private health plans compete for enrolles based on price and quality. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for qualified health care insurance coverage. Replaces title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with a program to provide grants to states for: (1) acute medical care assistance to otherwise qualified blind or disabled individuals, foster care children, low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, certain tuberculosis-infected individuals, and certain individuals currently covered; and (2) long-term care services and supports for qualified disabled and elderly populations. Repeals title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to supplement the costs of private health insurance for eligible low-income families through the distribution of supplemental debit cards, which may be used for costs associated with health care and provide direct support in accessing health care. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a competitive bidding mechanism to promote competition among Medicare Advantage plans and to increase the quality of care furnished under the plans. Requires benchmarks for such plans to be established solely through competitive bids. Sets forth programs to prevent Medicare fraud and abuse, including ending the use of social security numbers to identify Medicare beneficiaries. Allows the Secretary to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide for the certification and auditing of the banking of electronic medical records. Establishes: (1) a Health Care Services Commission to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to such services; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2009 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) permit Indians to receive health care through providers outside of the Indian Health Service; and (2) make payments for such care. Terminates the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product or agricultural commodity authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should issue temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, relating to the purchase of U.S. agricultural commodities or products. Amends the Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions incident to such travel. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer.

Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2009, to apply budget neutrality on a national basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor, including a minimum wage index, for each all-urban and rural state for discharges occurring during FY2008 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (through a uniform, national adjustment to the area wage index).

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to rename the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) the Medicare Payment and Access Commission, make it an independent executive branch (instead of a legislative branch) agency, and revise its membership requirements. Directs MedPAC to determine payment rates for items and services furnished under Medicare. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report annually to Congress on changes to payment policies under the Medicare program as a result of the amendments made by this Act. Makes it in order in the Senate or the House to consider any measure that would overrule a MedPAC determination with respect to such payments if three-fifths of the Members agree to such consideration. Authorizes MedPAC to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), on priorities for health services research. Directs MedPAC to establish: (1) an office of ombudsman to handle complaints on the implementation of certain regulations; and (2) a council of health and economic advisers to advise it on its development, analyses, and implementation of payment policies. Establishes: (1) a consumer advisory council to advise MedPAC on the impact of Medicare payment policies on consumers; and (2) a federal health advisory council.

SUN Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Sunscreen Labeling Protection Act of 2009 or the SUN Act - Requires the proposed rule issued by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) pertaining to over-the-counter sunscreen drug products to take effect 180 days after enactment of this Act, unless the Commissioner issues a final rule that includes formulation, labeling, and testing requirements for both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation protection before such time.

Blueprint for Health Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Blueprint for Health Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create the Blueprint for Health program to provide a national infrastructure for disease prevention, health promotion, and education about, and better management of, chronic conditions. Sets forth elements to be included in the Blueprint, including: (1) a strategic plan for designing an integrated medical home model of care; (2) chronic management programs; (3) incentives for the prevention of chronic diseases, including investments in health and sustainable local and regional food systems; and (4) a plan for the assessment of current health information technology initiatives. Requires the Secretary to convene an executive committee to advise the Secretary on the creation and implementation of the Blueprint for Health. Requires the Blueprint for Health to promote the effective, efficient, national use of health care information technology initiatives. Directs the Secretary to commission an assessment that examines the implementation of the health information technology provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Requires the Secretary to recommend to Congress legislation to implement the Blueprint for Health, including the establishment of programs designed to enhance primary care, promote multidisciplinary care coordination, prevent disease, improve quality, contain costs, more effectively manage chronic illness, and promote good health and prevention initiatives.

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental health programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate. Makes only a partnership between a local educational agency and at least one community program or agency that is involved in mental health eligible for such funding. Sets forth assurances required for eligibility, including that: (1) the local education agency will enter into a memorandum of understanding with relevant community-based entities that clearly states the responsibilities of each partner; (2) the program will include training of all school personnel, family members of children with mental health disorders, and concerned members of the community; and (3) the program will demonstrate the measures to be taken to sustain the program after funding terminates. Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop a process for evaluating grant program activities, including: (1) the development of guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) the development of measures of outcomes to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, to include student and family measures and local educational measures.

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

Food Protection Training Institute Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Food Protection Training Institute Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) create a list of uniform food protection training standards for federal, state, and local food regulatory officials and food protection officials as part of overall regulatory program standards; and (2) ensure funding is used to advance food protection and effectiveness and equivalency throughout the food protection system. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to establish and maintain a Food Protection Training Institute to conduct activities to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply, including: (1) improving the response and prevention controls capabilities of the national food protection system; and (2) acting as a clearinghouse for research, studies, and findings concerning all aspects of food protection programs.

Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2009, to apply budget neutrality on a national basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor, including a minimum wage index, for each all-urban and rural state for discharges occurring during FY2008 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (through a uniform, national adjustment to the area wage index).

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act - Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 to lift until September 30, 2012, the numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants (and accompanying family members) hired as nurses and physical therapists, subject to a cap of 20,000 visas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award annual grants to nursing schools to increase the number of faculty and students at such schools. Establishes in the Treasury a Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account to fund such grant program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) allow an alien who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and is a physician or other health care worker to work in a candidate country (defined to include a lower middle income country or one experiencing a natural disaster) without losing eligibility for naturalization; and (2) make inadmissible alien physicians or health care workers who have an outstanding obligation to their country of origin based upon financial assistance received from such country for medical training. Allows a waiver of inadmissibility under certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a partnership program to award grants to certain healthcare and training entities to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for incumbent ancillary health care workers who wish to advance their careers. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect and report to Congress on specified data on alien workers employed as professional nurses or physical therapists.

Medical Rights Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Medical Rights Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to permit any federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over: (1) the practice of medicine, the practice of other health care professions, or the manner in which health care services are provided; (2) the provision by a physician or a health care practitioner of advice to a patient about the patient's health status or recommended treatment for a condition or disease; (3) the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer, employee, or contractor of any institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual providing health care services; or (4) the administration or operation of any such institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual with respect to the provision of health care services to a patient. Sets forth exceptions for the Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Defense (DOD), the United States Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Prohibits federal funds from being used by any federal officer or employee to prohibit: (1) any individual from receiving health care services from any provider under terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the patient, the provider, and the patient's group health plan; or (2) any person from entering into a contract with any group health plan, health insurance issuer, or other business for the provision of, or payment to other parties for, health care services. Sets forth provisions to prohibit specified actions to avoid the prohibitions under this Act. Repeals Medicare provisions restricting private contracts between beneficiaries and physicians or practitioners.

Patients' Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Patients' Choice Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention. Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities consistent with such plan. Sets forth provisions governing the establishment and operation of state-based health care exchanges to facilitate the individual purchase of private health insurance and the creation of a market where private health plans compete for enrolles based on price and quality. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for qualified health care insurance coverage. Replaces title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with a program to provide grants to states for: (1) acute medical care assistance to otherwise qualified blind or disabled individuals, foster care children, low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, certain tuberculosis-infected individuals, and certain individuals currently covered; and (2) long-term care services and supports for qualified disabled and elderly populations. Repeals title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to supplement the costs of private health insurance for eligible low-income families through the distribution of supplemental debit cards, which may be used for costs associated with health care and provide direct support in accessing health care. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a competitive bidding mechanism to promote competition among Medicare Advantage plans and to increase the quality of care furnished under the plans. Requires benchmarks for such plans to be established solely through competitive bids. Sets forth programs to prevent Medicare fraud and abuse, including ending the use of social security numbers to identify Medicare beneficiaries. Allows the Secretary to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide for the certification and auditing of the banking of electronic medical records. Establishes: (1) a Health Care Services Commission to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to such services; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2009 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) permit Indians to receive health care through providers outside of the Indian Health Service; and (2) make payments for such care. Terminates the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

Supporting the designation of National Tourette Syndrome Day.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Expresses support for the designation of National Tourette Syndrome Day. Recognizes the accomplishments of those who work to increase awareness of Tourette Syndrome.

Recognizing World Hepatitis Awareness Month and World Hepatitis Day May 19, 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Recognizes World Hepatitis Day. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Hepatitis Awareness Month; and (2) raising awareness of the risks and consequences of undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections and the urgency for a robust governmental and public health response to protect the health of those who suffer from chronic viral hepatitis.