Healthcare

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act This bill expands the scope of services that may be performed by clinical social workers under Medicare. Specifically, the bill allows clinical social workers to furnish any services that they are authorized to furnish under state law, rather than only services that relate to diagnosing or treating mental illnesses.

SIREN Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs Reauthorization Act or the SIREN Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise modifies a grant program for improving emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas. The modifications include requiring the use of grant funds to train EMS personnel on caring for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in emergency situations and permitting the use of grant funds to acquire overdose reversal drugs and devices.

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Healthy Moms and Babies Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support maternal health services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For example, the bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover services that are provided by maternity health homes (designated providers or health teams that provide pregnancy and postpartum coordinated care services). It also establishes a demonstration program to expand telehealth services for pregnant and postpartum women under Medicaid. The bill also establishes an advisory group on birthing practices for health care professionals, requires a study on Medicaid coverage of doula services, and establishes other requirements relating to the maternal health care workforce. It also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop guidance on ways to address social determinants of health for pregnant and postpartum women and to reduce maternal mortality for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.

OTC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023 or the OTC Act of 2023 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue guidance on the approval process for over-the-counter oral contraceptives so as to encourage drug manufacturers to submit applications for approval. The FDA must also evaluate (1) whether and to what extent consumers understand the labeling on oral contraceptives, and (2) whether the labeling could be improved.

SAFE through Medicare Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Survival Aid For Emergencies through Medicare Act or the SAFE through Medicare Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of medically necessary services for beneficiaries who are determined to be medically at-risk during a climate or manmade disaster (i.e., home resiliency services), such as heat pumps, batteries for medical equipment, and energy efficient storage for medical supplies.

Community Health Care Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Community Health Care Reauthorization Act This bill extends several programs relating to the health care workforce.  Specifically, the bill extends (1) through FY2029, funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program; and (2) through December 31, 2025, the Community Health Center Fund and the National Health Services Corps. The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program supports education and training of medical students in primary care residency programs in community-based ambulatory patient care centers. The Community Health Center Fund supports (1) grants for outpatient health care facilities that serve medically underserved populations; and (2) the National Health Service Corps, which provides scholarships and student loan repayment awards to health care providers who agree to work in areas with health care provider shortages.

Allied Health Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Allied Health Opportunity Act This bill expands the scope of grants that support the allied health workforce and grants that support health profession opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds (i.e., the Health Careers Opportunity Program). Specifically, it expands these programs to expressly include dual or concurrent enrollment programs (i.e., programs that enable high school students to enroll in postsecondary courses and earn transferable credits that apply towards the completion of a postsecondary degree or recognized educational credential.)

Parity for Public Health Service Ready Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Parity for Public Health Service Ready Reserve Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the Ready Reserve Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). It also extends educational assistance, medical benefits, leave allowances, and other benefits that apply to the reserve components of the armed forces to the Ready Reserve Corps. (The Ready Reserve Corps is comprised of trained health care and public health personnel that may be deployed alongside active-duty officers of the USPHS to respond to health emergencies and improve access to health services.)

VET PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care. For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "American Stroke Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution supports the designation of May 2023 as American Stroke Month.

Emerging Pathogen Preparedness Program Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Emerging Pathogen Preparedness Program Authorization Act This bill establishes a program in the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research to support the development and approval of biological countermeasures. Authorized activities include the development of quality measures for countermeasures, surveillance programs to monitor countermeasures, and research and development of platform vaccine technology to support emergency use authorization requests.

Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023 This bill provides for coverage under Medicare of genetic counseling services that are furnished by genetic counselors. Covered services include those services, as well as incidental services and supplies, that would otherwise be covered under Medicare if provided by a physician.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act This bill removes certain requirements for biosimilars to be designated as interchangeable. (Biosimilars that are designated as interchangeable may be substituted for the reference product at a pharmacy without a new prescription, depending on state pharmacy laws.) Specifically, the bill establishes a presumption that an approved biosimilar is interchangeable with the reference product without the need for additional evidence from the manufacturer, and it removes the applicable exclusivity periods for a first interchangeable biosimilar (i.e., a product that is the first interchangeable biosimilar to be approved with respect to the reference product). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may require a manufacturer of a biosimilar to conduct a safety study with respect to switching or alternating between the biosimilar and the reference product, but only after the FDA briefs certain members of specified congressional committees to explain why the study is necessary.  

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 This bill expands the scope of the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to include research and activities to prevent stillbirths.

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act This bill provides a 90% federal matching rate for Medicaid maternal health care expenditures that exceed 2019 levels. Qualifying services must be provided by maternity care providers or perinatal health workers (e.g., doulas) and include prenatal and postpartum telehealth services, home visits, and behavioral health care.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023 This bill permits the use of the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant to address fentanyl in educational institutions. Specifically, grant funds may be used to (1) purchase naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal drugs for educational institutions, (2) train school nurses and other personnel on how to administer them, and (3) provide fentanyl awareness classes or materials to students.

Medicare PBM Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Medicare PBM Accountability Act This bill establishes reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage, particularly relating to the prices of prescription drugs. Specifically, PBMs must (1) disclose certain information underlying cost performance measurements (e.g., exclusions and terms), and (2) report to prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors (and to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services upon request) an itemized list of prescription drugs that were dispensed during the previous year and related data about costs, claims, affiliated pharmacies, and other specified information. PDP sponsors may audit PBMs to ensure compliance with this bill's requirements and must annually certify their compliance; PBMs are responsible for any associated civil penalties for violations. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must study federal and state reporting requirements for health plans and PBMs with respect to prescription drug price transparency and recommend ways to streamline these requirements.

LINC VA Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities for Veterans Act or the LINC VA Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to establish community integration network infrastructure to provide services for veterans. Under the bill, community integration network infrastructure means infrastructure used to enable the coordination, alignment, and connection of specified entities for communication, service coordination, and referral management of services (e.g., transportation services). The pilot program must be conducted at not fewer than one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (i.e., regional system of VA care). The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on the overall impact of the community integration network infrastructure established under the pilot program with respect to specified factors, such as the changes in access to health care or social services among veterans. The VA must collect, as part of routine screenings, information related to social determinants that may factor into the health of a veteran. The VA must consider data privacy and how to prevent data blocking and promote interoperability in the implementation of this bill.

BLUE Pacific Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act or the BLUE Pacific Act This bill requires and authorizes activities related to U.S. foreign policy in the Pacific Islands, which includes the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The bill authorizes various activities in the Pacific Islands, including to assist the Pacific Islands to improve public health outcomes and build public health capacity; assist efforts to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information; promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals; provide assistance to promote sustainable and quality basic education in the Pacific Islands; build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions; expand trade capacity and promote regional development; help enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies, including by improving critical infrastructure; support sustainable fisheries policies and marine biodiversity conservation; support efforts to expand access to broadband and improve telecommunications infrastructure; and help improve cybersecurity, including by providing assistance to develop and implement incident response plans and risk management frameworks. The bill also requires (1) the Department of State to help Pacific Island countries access development support from international organizations, (2) the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to seek to enter into investment incentive agreements with Pacific Islands countries, and (3) the Department of Commerce to expand the presence of the U.S. Commercial Service and increase the number foreign commercial officers in the Pacific Islands.

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency review of the status of women and lung cancer. The review must report on the status of existing research and current knowledge gaps; identify new opportunities for collaborative research to determine the causes of lung cancer and advance prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and provide recommendations for a national cancer screening strategy and public education campaign.

Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain standards and requirements for guidance documents that are issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill specifies that CDC guidance documents may not create, restrict, or revoke any right of any person, may not be treated as having the force and effect of law, are not binding on the public or state or local agencies, and may not require an individual to take or refrain from an action. The bill also requires the CDC to develop guidance documents with input from the public, including with respect to emerging public health situations. The CDC must post a list of all its guidance documents on its website and provide for an appeals process to address complaints about any violations of the bill's requirements.  

Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies various grants, programs, and activities that address substance use and misuse. This includes reauthorizing (1) data collection, education, and surveillance activities; (2) grants and other support for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery; (3) student loan repayment and other programs for the substance use disorder workforce; and (4) programs for addressing trauma, particularly for children, youth, and their families. Generally, the modifications expand programs. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to the scheduling of controlled substances, including by incorporating illicit xylazine (a compound used in veterinary medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer) into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Further, the bill makes permanent a requirement that Medicaid programs cover medication-assisted treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.

Health DATA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Health Data Access, Transparency, and Affordability Act or the Health DATA Act This bill revises the requirements for contracts between employer-sponsored health plans and provider networks, third-party administrators, or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Specifically, such contracts must also allow health plan fiduciaries to reasonably access and audit certain claims and cost information. Further, a plan fiduciary must annually attest that the plan is in compliance with this requirement. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of these requirements. The Department of Labor must report on the status of health plans' ability to access to certain de-identified claim information.

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act This bill expands the scope of the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to include research and activities to prevent stillbirths.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 This bill authorizes FY2024 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill authorizes appropriations, but does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.  DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE I--PROCUREMENT This title authorizes appropriations for the acquisition or modification of various military items (such as aircraft, ships, tracked combat vehicles, missiles, and ammunition) and sets policy for certain procurement programs. TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION This title authorizes appropriations for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and sets policy for certain RDT&E activities, such as microelectronics and artificial intelligence. TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE This title authorizes appropriations for operation and maintenance (O&M) and sets policy for certain O&M programs, such as sustainable aviation fuel and the treatment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes appropriations for military personnel, sets active component and reserve component end-strength levels, and authorizes certain end-strength variations. TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY This title sets policy regarding officer personnel, reserve component management, military records, military justice and other legal matters, servicemember education and training, family readiness and dependents' education, junior reserve officers' training corps, awards and decorations, and enhanced recruiting efforts. TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS This title sets policy regarding various aspects of military compensation, including allowances, bonus and incentive pays, and other compensation matters. TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS This title sets policy regarding military health care, including TRICARE. TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy regarding acquisitions and acquisition management, general contracting authorities, industrial base matters, and small businesses. TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT This title sets policy regarding the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DOD organization and management. TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in various areas, including financial matters, counterdrug activity, naval vessels, and counterterrorism. TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD civilian employees, such as direct hire authorities, premium pay, and certain limitations on dual pay. This title also establishes a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve. TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including security cooperation initiatives. It includes subtitles related to (1) Syria, Iraq, and Iran; (2) Europe and Russia; and (3) the Indo-Pacific region. TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION This title allocates amounts authorized for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program for specified purposes. TITLE XIV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes appropriations for specified working capital and revolving funds and for other programs, including chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the defense health program. It also sets policy regarding national defense stockpile requirements. TITLE XV--SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to space activities, nuclear forces, missile defense, and electronic warfare. TITLE XVI--CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy on cyberspace-related matters, such as cyber incident reporting. TITLE XVII--SPACE FORCE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT This title sets policy with regards to the management of Space Force military personnel, including (1) transitions between active, inactive, and retired status; (2) appointment and promotion of officers; (3) enlistment qualifications; and (4) separations. DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXI--ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Army construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) new construction, improvements, and planning for Army family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXII--NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Navy construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) new construction, improvements, and planning for Navy family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Air Force construction and land acquisition projects, and (2) improvements and planning for Air Force family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Defense Agency construction and land acquisition projects, and (2) specified energy conservation and utility system projects. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXV--INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS This title authorizes DOD to make specified contributions to NATO for construction and land acquisition projects and to accept specified military construction projects from South Korea and Poland as in-kind contributions. TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES This title authorizes appropriations for specified construction and land acquisition projects for the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXVII--BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES This title authorizes appropriations for base realignment and closure activities as authorized by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. TITLE XXVIII--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in such areas as military construction and military housing. This title also authorizes specified land conveyances. DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS This title authorizes appropriations for the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), defense environmental cleanup, nuclear energy, and other defense activities. This title also sets policy for certain nuclear-related matters and authorizes new plant projects for the NNSA at specified locations. TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD This title authorizes appropriations for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. DIVISION D--FUNDING TABLES TITLE XLI--PROCUREMENT This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for procurement. TITLE XLII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for research, development, test, and evaluation. TITLE XLIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for operation and maintenance. TITLE XLIV--MILITARY PERSONNEL This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military personnel. TITLE XLV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, various working capital funds, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Defense Health Program. TITLE XLVI--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military construction. TITLE XLVII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for DOE national security programs.

RISE from Trauma Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion from Trauma Act of 2023 or the RISE from Trauma Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes, establishes, and extends programs to support youth and families who have experienced, or may experience, trauma. The bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, school-based grants to increase access to trauma-support and mental health services, public health data collection about adverse childhood experiences, and a task force on trauma-informed care. It also establishes grants for multi-sector demonstration projects to mitigate trauma and toxic stress; improving outcomes for hospital patients who experience drug overdoses, suicide attempts, or violent injury; and clinical training in infant and early childhood mental health. Additionally, the bill authorizes (1) federal agencies to use specified discretionary funds for pilot projects to address traumatic exposures among children, and (2) Department of Justice (DOJ) grants to prevent trauma in children by reducing their exposure to violence and trauma. Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must provide resources for training frontline service providers and certain community members about trauma, toxic stress, and resilience. In addition, DOJ must establish a national center to disseminate resources to law enforcement agencies to improve interactions with youth and families who are exposed to violence and trauma. The bill also incorporates trauma-informed practices in programs for health care professional education, health care access, and educators.

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency review of the status of women and lung cancer. The review must report on the status of existing research and current knowledge gaps; identify new opportunities for collaborative research to determine the causes of lung cancer and advance prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and provide recommendations for a national cancer screening strategy and public education campaign.

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take a series of actions relating to palliative-care training. Specifically, HHS must provide support for Palliative Care and Hospice Education Programs. The programs must support the training of health professionals in palliative and hospice care, including through traineeships or fellowships. In addition, HHS may provide support to medical schools, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical-education programs for training physicians who plan to teach or practice palliative medicine. HHS must also (1) provide Palliative Care and Hospice Academic Career Awards to health professional schools to promote the career development of academic hospice and palliative care specialists, (2) support individuals in specified fields who are pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields, and (3) award grants to nursing programs to train individuals in providing palliative care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must provide for a national education and awareness campaign to inform patients, families, and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care. The National Institutes of Health must expand national research programs in palliative care.

Kira Johnson Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Kira Johnson Act This bill establishes various grants for establishing or expanding programs to advance maternal health equity. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants for community-based programs to improve maternal health outcomes for demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, maternal health disparities, and other adverse outcomes; training for health care providers and others who work in maternity care settings on reducing and preventing racism, bias, and discrimination; and programs in hospitals, health systems, and other maternity care settings to establish processes to identify and address instances of racism or evidence of bias in maternity care (i.e., respectful maternity care compliance programs). HHS must contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study issues related to the training programs, and the Government Accountability Office must study issues related to the respectful maternity care compliance programs.

Gender-Affirming CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Gender-Affirming Care Access Research for Equity Act or the Gender-Affirming CARE Act This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2024-FY2029 for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct or support research on barriers to gender-affirming care and related health outcomes.

PREDICT Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Public health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated wastewater Community Testing Act or the PREDICT Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System, which is used to detect and monitor emerging infectious diseases. It also establishes a grant program to support the ability of state, tribal, and local health departments to conduct wastewater sampling and related analysis. 

Transparency in Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Hidden Fee Disclosure Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Transparency in Billing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Restroom Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Restroom Access Act of 2023 This bill requires retailers to allow a customer to use a nonpublic restroom if the customer has an eligible medical condition (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) that requires immediate access to a restroom and other conditions are met.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the inclusion of a biological attribution strategy, and an early warning strategy and implementation plan, in the National Health Security Strategy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

This bill expands the required components of the National Health Security Strategy (a coordinated strategy among federal, state, and local entities to address public health emergencies). Specifically, the National Health Security Strategy must address (1) coordination of federal efforts related to biological attribution (i.e., determining the source of biological hazards and pathogens of pandemic potential); and (2) early warning of emerging biological, chemical, and radiological threats, including synthetic drugs and fentanyl.

Reignite Hope Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Reignite Hope Act of 2023 This bill establishes a tax credit for the hiring of critical employees and makes permanent certain expiring provisions that increase the child tax credit. Specifically, the bill allows a $3,500 tax credit for the hiring of a critical employee. The bill defines critical employee as a healthcare professional, a law enforcement officer, member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew, a firefighter, an eligible child care provider, or a personal or home care aide. The employer of these professionals must certify that they worked full-time for not less than 75% of the taxable year in their professional capacity and that their primary place of employment for the majority of hours worked during the year is located in a qualified opportunity zone.

SHOPP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Supporting all Healthy Options when Purchasing Produce Act of 2023 or the SHOPP Act of 2023 This bill modifies the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which provides grants for projects that provide incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase fruits and vegetables.  Specifically, the bill amends GusNIP to require the Department of Agriculture to give priority to projects that increase year-round availability of nutrition incentives by offering fresh frozen fruits or vegetables in the program. The bill also amends the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program to include fresh frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh and fresh frozen legumes. Currently, only fresh fruits and vegetables are covered under the program. (This program supports projects that demonstrate and evaluate the impact of fruit and vegetable prescriptions on increasing procurement and consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing individual and household food insecurity, and reducing healthcare usage and associated costs.) 

Medicare Patient Access to Cancer Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Medicare Patient Access to Cancer Treatment Act This bill requires payment for cancer care services to be made in the same manner under Medicare regardless of whether they are provided in a hospital outpatient department or physician's office (i.e., site-neutral payment). ( Cancer care services are services that are furnished in relation to cancer diagnosis or treatment and that may be provided in either a hospital outpatient department or physician's office for purposes of Medicare payment.)

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2023 This bill provides additional funding through FY2028 for the Social Services Block Grant to support the provision of menstrual products (e.g., menstrual cups and underwear, sanitary napkins, and tampons) to low-income individuals. (This grant is a flexible funding stream used by states and territories to support a wide range of social services.) The bill also exempts the additional funds from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, across-the-board reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

To amend the Controlled Substances Act to authorize pharmacies to deliver certain controlled substances to an administering practitioner in lieu of delivering such substances to the ultimate user, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

This bill broadens the authority of pharmacies under the Controlled Substances Act to deliver certain controlled substances to health care practitioners for the purpose of administering the substance to a patient. Under current law, pharmacies may deliver controlled substances in schedules III, IV, or V to a practitioner if it is for maintenance or detoxification treatment and is administered via injection or implantation, among other requirements. The bill applies this authority to any controlled substance in schedules III, IV, or V that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be administered by, or under the supervision of, a practitioner.

To amend the 21st Century Cures Act to clarify that grants for State and Tribal response to opioid use disorders may, at the discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, also be used to address associated health conditions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

This bill specifies that grants that are awarded under the State and Tribal Opioid Response Grant Program may be used to address health conditions that are associated with opioid misuse and use disorders.

Improving Contract Transparency for the SNS Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 July 2023

Improving Contract Transparency for the SNS Act This bill establishes a maximum period for a contract for supplies for the Strategic National Stockpile. Specifically, an initial contract to procure a drug, vaccine or other biological product, medical device, or other supplies for the stockpile may be for up to 5 years; initial contracts that are particularly difficult or complex to perform may be for up to 10 years, if determined necessary. Contracts may be renewed for up to five years at a time. 

Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 July 2023

Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act This bill establishes a maximum period for a contract between the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and another entity.  Specifically, BARDA may initially contract with another entity for up to 5 years; initial contracts that are particularly difficult or complex to perform may be for up to 10 years, if determined necessary. Contracts may be renewed for up to five years at a time. 

To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to clarify manufacturer transparency reporting requirements for certain transfers used for educational purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

This bill specifies that manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics, or medical supplies covered by Medicare, Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are not required to report peer-reviewed journals, journal reprints, journal supplements, medical conference reports, or medical textbooks that are provided to health care practitioners or teaching hospitals.

Medicare Advantage Integrity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Medicare Advantage Integrity Act of 2023 This bill temporarily establishes geographic adjustments for certain Medicare Advantage payment formulations, and specifies that a certain percentage of corresponding payment increases must be directed toward payments for basic benefits.

John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (a protein deficiency that raises the risk of lung and other diseases). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of at-home augmentation therapy for beneficiaries with emphysema as a result of severe hereditary AAT deficiency. Treatment must be provided through qualified home infusion therapy suppliers; beneficiaries must be under the care of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies public health preparedness and response programs and activities. This includes initiatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to address public health or national security threats, such as pandemic influenza; the Hospital Preparedness Program and other efforts to enhance the capacity of the health care system to respond to threats and emergencies; and various programs to support the response of volunteer health care providers and other professionals to disasters and emergencies (e.g., the Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps).