Healthcare

PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES IN OUR NATION'S CAPITAL

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2009

Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to reasonable cost reimbursement contracts with qualified health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or competitive medical plans for Medicare reimbursement of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Extends until January 1, 2013, the period during which such reasonable cost reimbursement contracts can remain in the market. Revises conditions for approval of an application for a modification to a reasonable cost contract to expand the contract's service area. Applies to extended or renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage).

Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to reasonable cost reimbursement contracts with qualified health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or competitive medical plans for Medicare reimbursement of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Extends until January 1, 2013, the period during which such reasonable cost reimbursement contracts can remain in the market. Revises conditions for approval of an application for a modification to a reasonable cost contract to expand the contract's service area. Applies to extended or renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage).

Foreign Relations Authorization and Reform Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Foreign Relations Authorization and Reform Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of State (Department) for the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) centers and foundations. Revises provisions regarding local guard and protective service contracts in high risk areas abroad. Extends the program of grants for scholarships to U.S.-sponsored elementary and secondary schools in countries with predominantly Muslim populations. Names scholarships under the United States-South Pacific Scholarship Program as Burton Scholarships. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an educational exchange program between the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries (Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program). Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an exchange and scholarship program in cooperation with the Women's Legislative Caucus in Liberia; and (2) a public diplomacy plan in the event that temporary protected status is extended to Haitian nationals in the United States. Extends the passport surcharge authority. Directs the President to provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historical preservation, health care, education, and environmental projects for Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in the the People's Republic of China (PRC). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Tibet Section within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, PRC, until such time as a U.S. consulate in Tibet is established. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship Program and a Security Officers Exchange Program under which the Secretary may temporarily assign a Foreign Service member to a position with any designated country or entity that permits an employee to be assigned to a Department position. Revises Foreign Service member-related provisions. Directs the Secretary to provide for the protection of intellectual property rights of U.S. persons in other countries. States that it should be U.S. policy to ensure that same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service Officers are provided with the same benefits, protections, and services currently provided to eligible family members under the Foreign Affairs Manual. Authorizes appropriations for the refurbishment or replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Prohibits U.S. contributions from being made to: (1) the Durban Review Conference; (2) Iran-led organizations within the United Nations; (3) the United Nations Human Rights Council; and (4) the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Withholds certain U.N. funds. Authorizes appropriations for international broadcasting. Establishes permanent authority for Radio Free Asia. United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2009 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to: (1) shifting the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the United Nations from an assessed to a voluntary basis; (2) reform of U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (3) Security Council expansion. Withholds a portion of nonvoluntary U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations unless the Secretary of State makes specified certifications. Establishes the Office of the United States Inspector General for Contributions to the United Nations System. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of a U.S. contribution to any U.N. entity unless the entity has provided the Inspector General with a transparency certification. Withholds annual U.S. contributions to UNRWA and to the United Nations Human Rights Council until certain conditions are certified. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to: (1) establish an Office of Compliance in the Secretariat of the IAEA; and (2) prohibit Iran's access to nuclear material, technology, equipment, or assistance until the IAEA determines that Iran is providing full access to IAEA inspectors and has permanently ceased and dismantled all nuclear-enrichment and reprocessing activities. Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act of 2009 - Authorizes the President to impose specified sanctions on any country in the Western Hemisphere that the President has determined is engaged in state sponsored terrorism, is carrying out policies that threaten U.S. national security interests, or is not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism or nonproliferation efforts. Redirects 50% of the U.S. contribution to the Organization of American States (OAS) to the OAS Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, and the Western Hemisphere Regional Coordination Centers. Directs the Secretary to negotiate the establishment of: (1) Western Hemisphere Regional Coordination Centers; and (2) the Western Hemisphere Nonproliferation Partnership Initiative. Places restrictions on nuclear cooperation with countries assisting the nuclear program of Venezuela or Cuba. Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the President to perform a strategic review and assessment of the U.S. export controls system. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specified performance requirements for license applications to export or import United States Munitions List items; (2) ensure that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has the necessary staff and resources; and (3) review the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the United States Munitions List to determine those technologies and goods that warrant different or additional controls. Authorizes the President, under specified conditions, to provide for special licensing authorization for exports of spare and replacement parts or components of defense items exported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand. Directs the President to make available to the appropriate congressional committees Arms Export Control Act-related directives concerning export policies, practices, and regulations. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the PRC. Directs the Inspector General to review Department investigations of possible misuse of United States-origin defense items. Revises penalty provisions with respect to: (1) control of arms exports and imports; and (2) military sales agent fees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training, procurement, and capacity-building for foreign military and counterterrorism forces in order to: (1) conduct counterterrorist operations; or (2) participate in military and stability operations with the United States. Extends through FY2011 the President's authority to transfer excess items to the Department of Defense War Reserve Stockpile. Authorizes the President for FY2010-FY2011 to provide for the crating, packing, handling, and transportation of excess defense articles to specified countries. Directs the President to designate a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative. Authorizes the the President to incorporate the CARICOM countries into the Merida Initiative. Sets forth specified reporting and assessment provisions. Authorizes assistance to support the reunification of Cyprus. Places specified limitations on assistance to: (1) the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM); and (2) the Palestinian Authority (PA). Sets forth U.S. policy and sense of Congress statements regarding: (1) Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate; (2) civilian nuclear cooperation with Jordan; (3) religious freedom in Vietnam; (4) Israel; and (5) the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to administer a grant program to promote freedom of the press worldwide. Directs the President, through the Secretary, to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage in developing countries. Authorizes a program to improve building construction in Haiti. Makes FY2010-FY2011 funds available for contributions to the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance. Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to direct the President to impose two or more current sanctions under such Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, made an investment of $20 million or more (or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period) that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources. (Under current law the sanction thresholds are $40 million, $10 million, and $40 million, respectively.) Directs the President to impose: (1) sanctions established under this Act (in addition to any current sanctions imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996) if a person has, with actual knowledge, sold, leased, or provided to Iran any goods, services, technology, information, or support that would allow Iran to maintain or expand its domestic production of refined petroleum resources; and (2) sanctions established under this Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, provided Iran with refined petroleum resources or engaged in any activity that could contribute to Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources. Establishes additional sanctions prohibiting specified foreign exchange, banking, and property transactions. Limitation on Nuclear Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Act of 2009 - Prohibits any agreement for cooperation from entering into force or any license to be issued for the export of nuclear material, equipment, or technology between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unless the President makes specified certifications. Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2009 - Provides that a state law creating a cause of action against an insurer or related company based on a claim arising out of a covered policy (in effect at any time after January 30, 1933, and before December 31, 1945, issued to a policyholder in any Nazi-controlled area) shall not be invalid by reason of any Executive agreement between the United States and any foreign country. Belarus Arms Transfers Accountability Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding: (1) exports of weapons and related services by the government of Belarus and Belarusian enterprises; (2) whether civilian nuclear cooperation agreements and activities involving Iran, Belarus, or Venezuela are being used to spread nuclear arms technology and expertise; and (3) sale or delivery of weapons or weapons-related technologies from Belarus to any country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to recognized independent accreditation organizations which apply quality standards for suppliers of items and services relating to prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate and approve an independent accreditation organization for such purposes only if it is the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification, or a program that the Secretary determines has accreditation and approval standards essentially equivalent to those of such a Board. Requires such organization to satisfy all applicable criteria of the provider qualification designation for each of specified categories of prosthetics and orthotics. Requires application to prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics generally of existing accreditation and licensure requirements for certain custom-fabricated prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics, as well as those categorized as custom-fitted high or custom-fitted low. Modifies the Medicare payment methodology for prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics to require the Secretary, for payment purposes, to take into account practitioner qualifications and complexity of care. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the steps taken by the Department of HHS to ensure that such licensure and accreditation requirements are enforced; and (2) the effect of the requirements of this Act on the occurrence of fraud and abuse under the Medicare program with respect to prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics.

Children's Health Insurance Accessibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Children's Health Insurance Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to prohibit application under CHIP of coverage eligibility waiting periods to children: (1) who are under two years of age; (2) who lost group health insurance coverage; or (3) for whom private coverage is unaffordable.

Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2009 - Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to provide for a program of comparative effectiveness research for health care. Defines "comparative effectiveness research" as research evaluating and comparing the implications and outcomes of two or more health care strategies to address a particular medical condition. Establishes the Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute as a nonprofit, nongovernmental corporation to conduct research on the effectiveness of health care treatments, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and procedures, and other therapies. Requires the Institute to: (1) identify national priorities for comparative clinical effectiveness research; (2) establish and update a research project agenda and provide for peer review of research; (3) establish a standing methodology committee for developing the science of comparative effectiveness research; and (4) disseminate research findings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund. Provides revenues for the Trust Fund by: (1) transferring amounts from certain appropriations for comparative effectiveness research, from the General Fund, and from the Medicare Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds; and (2) imposing a fee on certain accident or health insurance policies and self-insured health plans. Requires the Comptroller General to review financial audits of the Institute and assess the adequacy and use of funding. Terminates all funding for the Trust Fund after FY2020.

Medicare Ambulance Access Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Medicare Ambulance Access Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase to 6% permanently the rate of increase in the fee schedule for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, in rural and urban areas. Makes permanent the increase in the base rate of the fee schedule the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to make for a trip in the case of ground ambulance services furnished on or after July 1, 2004, (and beyond January 1, 2010) for which the transportation originates in a qualified low population density rural area.

Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a United States Council on Overweight-Obesity Prevention with duties to include developing strategies to comprehensively prevent, treat, and reduce overweight and obesity. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a grant demonstration and pilot program to address overweight and obesity issues, including through promoting increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants to promote health behaviors for women and children in target populations. Provides for the collection and analysis of data on fitness levels, health, and nutrition. Includes community education programs designed to address and prevent overweight, obesity, and eating disorders as activities states may carry out under preventive health services and health services block grants. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to update and reform federal oversight of food and beverage labeling. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide additional funding to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available in elementary schools. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), and Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant titles of the Social Security Act to cover certain services related to overweight and obesity, including diet and exercise counseling, medical nutrition therapy services, and weight and body mass index (BMI) measurement and monitoring. Directs the HHS Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to issue guidelines concerning the development of pediatric obesity prevention programs for at-risk populations.

Right to a Second Medical Opinion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Right to a Second Medical Opinion Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require a group health plan to provide coverage for a second opinion requested by a participant or beneficiary or a health care practitioner if certain conditions are met, including that the medical condition threatens loss of life, quality of life, loss of limb, loss of bodily function, loss of cognitive function, or substantial impairment of the mind or body. Directs that the financial responsibility of the participant or beneficiary for a second opinion shall be the same as that for comparable services furnished by a participating physician in connection with an initial opinion. Sets forth provisions governing a health plan: (1) limiting coverage of a second opinion to a participating physician; (2) requiring preapproval for a second opinion; and (3) denying coverage or denying preapproval for a second opinion. Allows a plan to condition payment for a second opinion on the physician providing a consultation report to the health care practitioner making the initial opinion. Requires plans to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) a timeline for providing reimbursement of claims for second opinions and for responding to requests for preapproval of second opinions. Applies the provisions of this Act to individual health insurance coverage.

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Specifies how loss of earning is to be calculated for vaccine-related injuries to individuals under the age of 18. Increases the award for vaccine-related deaths. Allows compensation under the Program for expenses for family counseling and for establishing and maintaining a guardianship, conservatorship, or trust for an individual with a vaccine-related injury. Allows a special master to make an interim award of attorneys' fees and costs under certain circumstances. Allows such award to be payable directly to the petitioner's attorney. Extends the statute of limitation for vaccine-related injury or death to six years after the date of injury or onset of symptoms. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of expenses for administering the Program that are allowed to be paid from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Allows the payment from the Trust Fund of administrative and personnel expenses that the Bureau of Public Debt incurs for financial services for the Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to include a public service announcement in efforts to inform the public about the Program.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to childhood stroke and designating an appropriate date as "National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 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.

Of inquiry requesting the President to provide certain documents in his possession to the House of Representatives relating to the Environmental Protection Agency's April proposed finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2009

Requests the President to furnish the House of Representatives all documents in his possession produced by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) relating to the EPA's April proposed finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare, including: (1) a specified untitled, undated memo; (2) any cost benefit or systematic risk analysis related to such proposed finding; and (3) scientific evidence that demonstrates health effects of greenhouse gases.

Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of provisions concerning the National Health Service Corps. Makes physical therapists eligible for repayment of their educational loans in order to ensure an adequate supply of physical therapists.

Howard M. Metzenbaum MEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Howard M. Metzenbaum Menu Education and Labeling Act or the Howard M. Metzenbaum MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require chain restaurants with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to a standard menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated plus trans fat, grams of carbohydrate, and milligrams of sodium in each such item; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such nutrition information is available in writing at the point of ordering; and (4) the number of calories in food on a drive-through menu board, adjacent to each menu item. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or counter for general use, daily specials, and temporary menu items. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food and beverages, such as through a salad bar, buffet line, or cafeteria lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per serving adjacent to each food item or beverage offered. Requires vending machine operators who operate 20 or more vending machines to provide a conspicuous sign disclosing the number of calories contained in each article of food dispensed from such machines. Permits restaurants and vending machine operators to voluntarily provide, and states to require, additional nutritional information.

Informed Consumer Choices in Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Informed Consumer Choices in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop standards for health insurance issuers in providing information to group health plans, for forms used in connection with group health insurance coverage, for quality assurance, for marketing of group health insurance coverage, and for the accuracy and clarity of coverage for out-of-network providers; (2) undertake activities to promote accountability of health insurance issuers in meeting federal health insurance requirements; (3) provide grants to Departments of Insurance in states to assist in enforcement of federal health insurance requirements governing health insurance issuers operating in such states; (4) undertake activities to promote transparency in costs, market practices, and other factors for health insurance coverage; and (5) establish within HHS an Office of Health Insurance Oversight to promote accountability and transparency in health insurance and provide for assistance to consumers in selecting health care coverage. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury to establish standards and accountability and transparency initiatives for group health plans comparable to the standards established by the HHS Secretary under this Act.

Seniors' Medication Copayment Reduction Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Seniors' Medication Copayment Reduction Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to test Value-Based Insurance Design methodologies for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. Defines "Value-Based Insurance Design" as a methodology for identifying specific medications or classes of medications for which, because of their high value and effectiveness when prescribed for particular clinical conditions, copayments or coinsurance should be reduced or eliminated.

Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the research and training activities with respect to scleroderma. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out an educational campaign to increase public awareness of scleroderma.

Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to implement an Autism Care Center Program to provide grants and other assistance to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in providing comprehensive care to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Directs the Secretary to award grants for: (1) services to enable adults with autism spectrum disorders to be as independent as possible; and (2) multimedia campaigns to increase public education and awareness and reduce stigma concerning such disorders. Establishes the Interdepartmental Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate all federal efforts concerning autism spectrum disorders. Repeals provisions establishing the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning autism spectrum disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) the National Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Services to provide resources for, and facilitate communication between, autism spectrum disorder researchers and service providers; and (2) a National Data Repository for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Services to facilitate the development and rapid dissemination of research into best practices that improve care. Requires the Secretary to award national training initiative supplemental grants to address the unmet needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Applies such requirement to coverage offered in the individual market, under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and under Department of Defense (DOD) health benefit plans.

Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

Medicare Ambulance Access Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Medicare Ambulance Access Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase to 6% permanently the rate of increase in the fee schedule for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, in rural and urban areas. Makes permanent the increase in the base rate of the fee schedule the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to make for a trip in the case of ground ambulance services furnished on or after July 1, 2004, (and beyond January 1, 2010) for which the transportation originates in a qualified low population density rural area.

Informed Consumer Choices in Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Informed Consumer Choices in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop standards for health insurance issuers in providing information to group health plans, for forms used in connection with group health insurance coverage, for quality assurance, for marketing of group health insurance coverage, and for the accuracy and clarity of coverage for out-of-network providers; (2) undertake activities to promote accountability of health insurance issuers in meeting federal health insurance requirements; (3) provide grants to Departments of Insurance in states to assist in enforcement of federal health insurance requirements governing health insurance issuers operating in such states; (4) undertake activities to promote transparency in costs, market practices, and other factors for health insurance coverage; and (5) establish within HHS an Office of Health Insurance Oversight to promote accountability and transparency in health insurance and provide for assistance to consumers in selecting health care coverage. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury to establish standards and accountability and transparency initiatives for group health plans comparable to the standards established by the HHS Secretary under this Act.

Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act - Allows a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system to elect to receive covered health services through a non-VA facility. (Under current law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may contract for such services when VA facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required.) Directs the Secretary to authorize such services pursuant to a contract with such facility. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish to veterans through a VA health care facility drugs and medicines ordered on prescription of a duly licensed private physician under contract with the VA.

MEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require chain restaurants with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to a standard menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated plus trans fat, grams of carbohydrate, and milligrams of sodium in each such item; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such nutrition information is available in writing at the point of ordering; and (4) the number of calories in food on a drive-through menu board, adjacent to each menu item. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or counter for general use, daily specials, and temporary menu items. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food and beverages, such as through a salad bar, buffet line, or cafeteria lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per serving adjacent to each food item or beverage offered. Requires vending machine operators who operate 20 or more vending machines to provide a conspicuous sign disclosing the number of calories contained in each article of food dispensed from such machines. Permits restaurants and vending machine operators to voluntarily provide, and states to require, additional nutritional information.

Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of State (Department) for the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) centers and foundations. Authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish in the Foreign Service a Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps consisting of mid- and senior-level former Foreign Service officers and other individuals to serve for a period of six months to two years abroad. Provides for the enhancement of U.S. diplomatic outreach, including: (1) establishment of new, and maintenance of existing, libraries and resource centers in connection with U.S. diplomatic and consular missions; and (2) grants for documentary film programs. Extends the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) grants to U.S.-sponsored elementary and secondary schools in countries with predominantly Muslim populations for scholarships; (2) the United States-South Pacific Scholarship Program (Burton Scholarships); and (3) scholarships for indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central and South America to study in the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Central Asia scholarship pilot program for public policy internships in the United States; (2) an exchange program to provide scholarships for Sri Lankan students from various ethnic, religious, linguistic, and other minority groups to participate in post-conflict resolution workshops; and (3) an exchange and scholarship program in cooperation with the Women's Legislative Caucus in Liberia. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an educational exchange program between the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries (Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program). Revises provisions regarding the Vietnam Education Foundation. Authorizes grants for academic management programs in Vietnam. Makes the passport surchage authority permanent. Directs the Secretary to revise the refugee processing system to prioritize refugees who are most urgently in need of resettlement. Directs: (1) the President to implement policies to address the resettlement needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs); (2) the Secretary to seek to increase FY2010 resources available to process such applicants in Iraq; and (3) the Secretary to work with the international community to develop a long-term international strategy for Iraqi refugees and IDPs. Directs the President to: (1) require the National Security Council (NSC) to ensure that U.S. policy on Tibet is coordinated with all executive agencies in contact with the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC); and (2) provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historical preservation, health care, education, and environmental projects for Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in the PRC. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Tibet Section within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, PRC, until such time as a U.S. consulate in Tibet is established. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet. Authorizes Foreign Service personnel increases at the Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Directs the President to: (1) develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a national U.S. diplomacy strategy; and (2) conduct a comprehensive review of such strategy every four years (Quadrennial Review of Diplomacy and Development). Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the Department a Lessons Learned Center as a central organization for the collection and analysis of best practices and lessons learned by Foreign Service officers and USAID personnel. Foreign Service Overseas Pay Equity Act of 2009 - Extends comparability pay adjustments to Foreign Service members assigned abroad. Amends the death gratuity computation payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship Program and a Security Officers Exchange Program under which the Secretary may temporarily assign a Foreign Service member to a position with any designated country or entity that permits an employee to be assigned to a Department position; (2) suspend a Foreign Service member without pay when the member's security clearance is suspended or when there is reasonable cause to believe that the member has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed; and (3) establish a personal services contractor pilot program. Revises additional Foreign Service member-related provisions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the protection of intellectual property rights of U.S. persons in other countries; and (2) appoint 10 intellectual property attaches. Extends specified benefits under the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service members. Establishes the Office for Global Women's Issues. United States International Leadership Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees whether a new cone should be established for the Foreign Service that concentrates on members of who serve at international and multilateral institutions or are primarily responsible for participation in multilateral negotiations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Office on Multilateral Negotiations. Authorizes appropriations to pay U.S. arrearages to the United Nations recognized by the United States. Establishes in the Department the Fund to Promote Multiculteralism in the Americas. Extends the 27.1% U.S. share of assessed contributions for U.N. peacekeeping operations through 2011. Authorizes appropriations for the refurbishment or replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Authorizes appropriations for international broadcasting. Establishes permanent authority for Radio Free Asia. Authorizes: (1) the Director of the Peace Corps to establish a special program that assigns returned Peace Corps volunteers to provide short-term development or other relief assistance; and (2) appropriations for the Peace Corps. Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2009 - Establishes in the executive branch the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation. Requires the Foundation to award grants, including for study in nontraditional study abroad destinations, to: (1) U.S. students; (2) nongovernmental institutions that provide and promote study abroad opportunities for U.S. students in consortium with institutions of higher education; and (3) institutions of higher education, individually or in consortium. Authorizes appropriations. Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the President to perform a strategic review and assessment of the U.S. export controls system. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specified performance requirements for license applications to export or import United States Munitions List items; (2) ensure that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has the necessary staff and resources; and (3) review the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the United States Munitions List to determine those technologies and goods that warrant different or additional controls. Authorizes the President, under specified conditions, to provide for special licensing authorization for exports of spare and replacement parts or components of defense items exported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to make available to the appropriate congressional committees Arms Export Control Act-related directives concerning export policies, practices, and regulations. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the PRC. Directs the Inspector General to review Department investigations of possible misuse of United States-origin defense items. Revises penalty provisions with respect to: (1) control of arms exports and imports; and (2) military sales agent fees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training, procurement, and capacity-building for foreign military and counterterrorism forces in order to: (1) conduct counterterrorist operations; or (2) participate in military and stability operations with the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Extends through FY2011 the President's authority to transfer excess items to the Department of Defense War Reserve Stockpile. Authorizes the President for FY2010-FY2011 to provide for the crating, packing, handling, and transportation of excess defense articles to specified countries. Directs the President to designate a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative. Authorizes the the President to incorporate the CARICOM countries into the Merida Initiative. Directs the President to establish the Task Force on the Prevention of Illicit Small Arms Trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. Sets forth monetary and prison penalties for illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons to Mexico. Includes in the Department rewards program the arrest or conviction of any individual for illegally exporting small arms or light weapons to Mexico. Expresses congressional support for U.S. ratification of the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials. Directs the Secretary to submit to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) an assessment on the continuing needs of the Special Court for Sierra Leone; and (2) a report for a government-wide strategy and the strengthening of U.S. civilian capacities for preventing genocide and mass civilian atrocities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a bilateral commission between the United States and Nigeria to support multifaceted cooperation. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) establish a diabetes prevention and treatment program for Pacific Island countries and for safe water and sanitation; and (2) improve United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) assistance to de jure or de facto stateless individuals. Directs the President to make the prevention and reduction of de jure or de facto statelessness an important goal of U.S. foreign policy and human rights efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits, with waiver authority, the Secretary from providing hurricane preparedness and other weather cooperation assistance to countries that do not cooperate with the United States in such matters. Authorizes the Secretary to use specified funds to carry out and expand Global Peace Operations Initiative programs. Authorizes appropriations. Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to administer a grant program to promote freedom of the press worldwide. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President, through the Secretary, to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth sense of Congress and policy statements regarding: (1) Afghan women and the Shi'ite Personal Status Law; (2) Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate; (3) consular services in Moldova; (4) the global arms trade; (5) Dina Babbitt; (6) Somalia; (7) Sri Lanka; (8) West Papua; (9) Soviet nuclear tests and Kazakhstan's commitment to nonproliferation; and (10) Holocaust-era property restitution.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) the finding of the President's Commission on Mental Health that the nation's failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy. Recognizes that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for people, the economy, and the country. Applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in working to promote public awareness of mental health and in providing critical information and support to the people and families affected by mental illness. Encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Asian American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Expresses support for the observance of National Asian American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Recognizes the importance of: (1) culturally and linguistically competent services as a core element in reducing HIV/AIDS rates in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; and (2) addressing the gaps in research and data in order to fully understand the HIV/AIDS epidemic in such communities. Recognizes the people across the United States infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who are commemorating this day and who work to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to the Environmental Protection Agency's April proposed finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Requests the President, and directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to furnish the House of Representatives all documents relating to the EPA's April proposed finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare, including: (1) a specified untitled, undated memo; (2) any cost benefit or systematic risk analysis related to such proposed finding; and (3) scientific evidence or opinion that demonstrates health effects of greenhouse gases.

Healthy Schools Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Healthy Schools Act of 2009 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require the state to certify that it has implemented procedures to pay for covered items and services furnished by school-based health clinics under Medicaid and CHIP.

National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement nurse-to-patient staffing plans that provide adequate, appropriate, and quality delivery of health care services and protect patient safety. Sets forth minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios for emergency units, operating rooms, critical care units, and nursery units. Prohibits hospitals from imposing mandatory overtime and layoffs to meet required ratios. Requires hospitals to post a uniform notice that sets forth nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and requirements and to maintain records of actual direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios in each hospital unit. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish a grant program to cover the costs of purchasing safe patient handling equipment; (2) establish procedures to allow the filing of complaints against a hospital for violations of this Act; (3) carry out a registered nurse workforce initiative to ensure an adequate number of registered nurses and reduce critical workforce shortages in hospitals; (4) establish nursing educational assistance grant programs; and (5) award grants to hospitals for a five-year nursing preceptorship and mentorship demonstration project to address nurse workforce shortages, improve patient care, and promote the retention of nurses in the workforce. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a federal safe patient handling standard to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct care registered nurses and other health care providers. Grants nurses certain rights, including the right to act as a patient advocate and to refuse assignments that violate the requirements of this Act or for which the nurse is not prepared by education, training, or experience. Prohibits hospitals from discharging, discriminating, or retaliating against a nurse for refusing a work assignment. Amends the Social Security Act to make Medicare and Medicaid providers subject to the requirements of this Act.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2010. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (6) research, development, test, and evaluation; (7) operation and maintenance, including for the Iraq Freedom Fund, the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, environmental restoration, humanitarian aid, and cooperative threat reduction; (8) Working Capital Funds; (9) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (12) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (13) the Defense Inspector General; (14) the Defense Coalition Support Fund; (15) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (16) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; and (17) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) retired pay and survivor benefits; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management; (6) DOD organization and management; (7) financial matters, including counter-drug activities; (8) civilian personnel matters; (9) matters relating to foreign nations; and (10) matters relating to military construction, family housing, and real property. Provides for reimbursement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for certain costs associated with the former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia. Establishes in the Treasury the Refined Petroleum Products, Marginal Expense Transfer Account for DOD purchases of refined petroleum products. Provides a special monthly allowance to servicemembers recovering from combat or combat-related catastrophic injuries.

Strengthening America's Public Health System Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Strengthening America's Public Health System Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) establish the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program to assist public health agencies in improving surveillance for, and response to, infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance; and (2) issue guidelines for public health entities relating to information systems to receive, monitor, and report infectious diseases and other such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) address documented workforce shortages in state and local health departments in applied public health epidemiology and public health laboratory science and informatics; and (2) provide for the expansion of applied epidemiology training programs. Requires the Director, upon request, to assist the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists in developing or improving a process for states to conduct surveillance and submit reports to the Director on nationally notifiable diseases and conditions. Requires the Secretary to adopt and use guidelines to develop improved standards and protocols for binational epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory analyses, and control of infectious diseases between the United States and Mexico. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a committee to: (1) evaluate best practices in public health surveillance; and (2) assess systems needed for improving coordination among public health surveillance and monitoring systems.

Pregnant Women Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Pregnant Women Support Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to increase public awareness of resources available to pregnant women to carry their pregnancy to term and new parents. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women. Prohibits a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Provides for continuation coverage for newborns. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtain informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion. Directs the Secretary to provide for: (1) higher education pregnant and parenting student services offices; and (2) programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to complete high school. Authorizes grants for services to pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to require a pregnancy determination for homicide victims. Requires the Secretary to provide for supportive services for pregnant women, mothers, and children. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC program). Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Authorizes grants to provide to eligible mothers education on the health needs of their infants through visits to their homes by registered nurses. Authorizes grants for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Expresses the sense of the Senate that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Labor to propose a standard on safe patient handling and injury prevention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct-care registered nurses and all other health care workers that requires the use of engineering controls to lift patients and the elimination of manual lifting of patients through the use of mechanical devices, except where patient care may be compromised. Requires health care employers to: (1) develop and implement a safe patient handling and injury prevention plan; (2) provide their workers with training on safe patient handling and injury prevention; and (3) post a uniform notice that explains the standard and the procedures to report patient handling-related injuries. Requires the Secretary to conduct unscheduled inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Allows health care workers to: (1) refuse to accept an assignment in a health care facility that violates safety standards or for which such worker has not received required training; and (2) file complaints against employers who violate this Act. Prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against any health care worker who in good faith reports a violation, participates in an investigation or proceeding, or discusses violations. Authorizes health care workers who have been discharged, discriminated, or retaliated against in violation of this Act to bring legal action for reinstatement, reimbursement of lost compensation, attorneys' fees, court costs, and other damages. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program for purchasing safe patient handling and injury prevention equipment for health care facilities.

American Health Benefits Program Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

American Health Benefits Program Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish under a new title XXII (American Health Benefits Program) a program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all Americans who are: (1) not covered under certain federal health insurance programs; and (2) not eligible for employer-provided insurance coverage. Requires provision of such coverage in a manner similar to that in which coverage has been provided to Members of Congress, federal government employees, retirees, and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Requires federal government contributions towards the coverage of eligible individuals. Establishes in the Treasury an American Health Benefits Program Trust Fund. Directs the Administrator of Health Benefits to establish a schedule of cost-sharing subsidies for lower-income individuals. Establishes an independent Health Benefits Administration, headed by the Administrator. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a premium on individuals enrolled in a qualified health plan under SSA title XXII, which shall be reduced by the amount of government contribution; (2) allow a tax credit to covered individuals equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of premiums paid (other than government contributions) with respect to the individual's coverage, and the applicable premium subsidy; (3) impose on every employer an excise tax equal to the applicable percentage of the wages paid employees; (4) allow a tax credit against such excise tax for periods during which an employee is covered by qualified employer-provided coverage; and (5) impose a tax on hospital revenues. Makes related amendments to SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP). Directs the Administrator of Health Benefits to establish new guidelines that promote the proper use and understanding of health information technologies. Establishes the Health Benefits Commission in the legislative branch to examine and make recommendations regarding the major issues and cost drivers affecting the delivery of healthcare services as it pertains to the American Health Benefits Program.

Physician Availability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Physician Availability Act of 2009 - Requires each covered hospital to have a qualified physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to the needs of the hospital's inpatients. Defines a "covered hospital" to: (1) include hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid or receiving federal funds; and (2) exclude hospitals in a federal facility or hospitals that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines have fewer than 100 licensed beds. Considers a physician to be available if: (1) the physician is physically present in the hospital; (2) the physician's primary responsibility is to be in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's inpatients without delay; and (3) the physician is not physically present in, assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover the hospital's emergency room or emergency department. Sets forth penalties for violations.

Woman's Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Woman's Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit health insurance issuers offering individual health insurance coverage from: (1) considering the gender of an enrollee when determining premium; (2) imposing any preexisting condition exclusion relating to pregnancy; or (3) otherwise discriminating against women on the basis of a current or past pregnancy, past or future method of delivery, and past pregnancy outcome. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop a minimum benefit standard for the provision of comprehensive maternity coverage under an individual health plan, which shall require coverage for the full scope of maternity services from preconception through postpartum; and (2) require health insurance issuers to provide data to the Secretary to monitor compliance. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees on health insurance coverage offered on the individual insurance market and on problems remaining for women after the enactment of this Act.

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Antimicrobial Resistance Office. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to advise the Director of the Office (Director). Requires the Director to update the Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance within 18 months. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to: (1) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan; and (2) establish at least ten Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network sites. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary to require each sponsor of an approved human antimicrobial drug product sold or distributed in the United States to submit antimicrobial drug sales and distribution data. Requires that an application for a new animal drug contain information to ensure that reported data is comparable and reliable. Requires (currently, permits) the Secretary to share information reported in a new animal drug application with the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force. Sets forth provisions for the Secretary to secure reliable and comparable animal and human antimicrobial drug consumption data. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Director to work together to identify and report upon interventions that prevent and control the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Guidance, Understanding, and Information for Dual Eligibles (GUIDE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Guidance, Understanding, and Information for Dual Eligibles (GUIDE) Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a three-year demonstration program under which the Secretary awards grants and contracts to appropriate, qualified community programs and clinics for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or certain programs under the Public Health Services Act, to employ qualified social workers and case managers to provide one-on-one counseling about benefits under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to a full-benefit dual eligible individual (eligible for benefits under both Medicare and SSA title XIX [Medicaid]) who has one or more mental disabilities.

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct and sustained communication and contact with the beneficiary family members, involvement of family members in the critical care decisionmaking process, and responsiveness of critical care providers to family requests. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2015 for augmenting the delivery of critical care services in the rural or other medically underserved area inpatient setting through the use of telecommunications systems that allow for consultation with critical care providers not located in the rural or other medically underserved area facility regarding the care of such patients. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to give preference in awarding telehealth grant funds to entities to develop plans for, or to establish, such critical care telehealth networks. Requires the Secretary to undertake an initiative to recruit providers of critical care services into the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to repay education loans in exchange for an individual working as a full-time member of the faculty of an accredited school of nursing. Terminates the provisions of this Act on December 31, 2020.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week, which begins on May 10, 2009. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings.

A resolution designating May 15, 2009, as "National MPS Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Designates May 15, 2009, as National MPS Awareness Day (mucopolysaccharidosis) and expresses support for the goals and ideals of such Day.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (5) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund; (6) procurement; (7) research, development, test and evaluation; (8) Defense Working Capital Funds; (9) the Defense Health Program; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (12) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (13) the Office of Inspector General; (14) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and DOD; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (16) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Makes supplemental appropriations for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service for Public Law 480 Title II grants (supplemental food program) and wildland fire management; (2) the Department of Justice (DOJ), including for the National Security Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System; (3) the Department of Energy for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (4) the National Nuclear Security Administration for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (5) the Executive Office of the President for the National Security Council; (6) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for firefighter assistance grants; (7) the Department of the Interior for wildland fire management; (8) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (8) the Capitol Police; (9) the Department of State for diplomatic and consular programs, the Office of Inspector General, and embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (10) contributions for international peacekeeping activities; (11) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for operating expenses, the Capital Investment Fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (12) global health and child survival; (13) international disaster assistance; (14) the Economic Support Fund; (15) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (16) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (17) nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related programs; (18) migration and refugee assistance; (19) peacekeeping operations; (20) international military education and training; (21) the Foreign Military Financing Program; and (22) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Earmarks funds for specified assistance programs.

Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require a group health plan providing benefits for intravenously administered or injected cancer medications to provide no less favorable coverage for prescribed, orally administered anticancer medication used to kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells. Applies such requirement to individual health insurance coverage.

Health Promotion FIRST Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Health Promotion Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis, and Training Act or the Health Promotion FIRST Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a plan for health promotion that includes coordinating the health promotion activities of HHS and addressing how best to: (1) develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; (2) synthesize and disseminate health promotion research; (3) meet health promotion needs in rural and low-income inner city areas; (4) support and develop the health promotion and scientific community; and (5) modify or develop resources, policies, structure, and legislation to integrate health promotion into all health professions and sectors of society. Requires the Secretary to request other federal agencies to develop health promotion strategic plans. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, to: (1) develop a plan on how best to develop the science of health promotion through NIH agencies; and (2) conduct or support early research programs and research training regarding health promotion. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a plan to establish a research agenda regarding health promotion for CDC. Requires the Director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to award grants to develop Health Promotion Research Centers. Requires the Secretary to modify the application process for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts awarded under this Act to attract the most qualified individuals and organizations.

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare payment for the rent of oxygen and oxygen equipment. Repeals the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use.

Improving the Quality of Mental and Substance Use Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Improving the Quality of Mental and Substance Use Health Care Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the Commission for Evidence-Based Mental and Substance Use Health Care; (2) convene an interagency collaborative group to coordinate mental health and substance use services and primary care services; (3) change Medicaid reimbusement rules to cover same-day visits for primary care services and mental health and substance use services; (4) implement a plan for ensuring that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) activities promote health information technology that is accessible and pertinent to mental health and substance use health care providers and consumers; and (5) establish the Council on the Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care Workforce. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make grants for a network of national centers of excellence in mental health and substance use health care. Requires specified federal programs that provide mental health and substance use care to pay for peer support and illness self-management programs and provide for appropriate payment and coverage reforms. Directs the Secretary to develop uniform methodologies related to payments for mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Requires the Comptroller General to study the use of publicly-supported mental health and addiction services by individuals with private health insurance coverage. Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year project to demonstrate the impact of creating delivery and financing structures that deliver high-quality, integrated, mental health and substance use health care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require states to prohibit discrimination against patients being treated for, or health care providers providing treatment for, any medical condition, illness, or injury involving intoxication as a result of alcohol or other substance.