Healthcare

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2019 This bill establishes circumstances under which an occupational therapist may conduct an initial or comprehensive assessment for an individual who is eligible for home health services under Medicare. Specifically, an occupational therapist may conduct the assessment if the physician's referral order does not include skilled nursing care but does include (1) occupational therapy, and (2) physical therapy or speech language pathology.

INVESTING IN AMERICA'S HEALTHCARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 June 2019

Comprehensive TB Elimination Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019

Comprehensive TB Elimination Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 and revises the tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment grant program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Health Resources and Services Administration may also award grants to state and local governments and federally qualified health centers for TB prevention and treatment efforts. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on national TB prevention and treatment efforts.

Expressing support for the designation of the first Tuesday in June as "National Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day.

Expressing support for the designation of June 21 as National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to promote children's health and safe storage of guns in the home.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019

This concurrent resolution expresses support for the designation of National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to encourage parents to ask, before their child visits another home, whether there is an unlocked gun in the home.

DISARM Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019

Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms Act of 2019 or the DISARM Act of 2019 This bill requires additional payment under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system for services that involve certain antimicrobial drugs, in accordance with specified limitations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the barriers to developing such antimicrobial drugs and must recommend ways to address such barriers.

FEMA Modernization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

FEMA Modernization Act of 2019 This bill revamps, modifies, and revises the organization, activities, and processes of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Among other things, it requires FEMA to divide its Office of Response and Recovery into an Office of Disaster Response and an Office of Disaster Recovery, and to report on its ability to support a state managed and locally executed casework management system to coordinate and deliver direct assistance to disaster survivors. Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant Act The bill establishes within the Small Business Administration an Office of Disaster Recovery Small Business Grants. It also reauthorizes through FY2029 the temporary reassignment of state and local personnel during a public health emergency.

Continuing Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Continuing Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care Act This bill temporarily extends the Medicaid demonstration program for certified community behavioral health clinics.

TICK Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Ticks: Identify, Control, and Knockout Act or the TICK Act This bill establishes the Office of Oversight and Coordination for Vector-Borne Diseases within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The office must develop a national strategy to address, and coordinate the federal response to, Lyme disease and other tick- and vector-borne diseases. The office must support research initiatives, tick- and disease-surveillance programs, and diagnostic-testing development, among other activities. HHS must also award grants to support the establishment of Regional Centers of Excellence in Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must form cooperative agreements with state, local, and tribal health departments to address such diseases.

Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2019 This bill repeals specified limitations, for purposes of Medicare participation, on self-referrals by newly constructed or expanded physician-owned hospitals.

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act This bill modifies certain changes that are scheduled to take effect under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act relating to the coverage of former foster youth under Medicaid. Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youth until the age of 26 if the youth were in the state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in the state's Medicaid program while in foster care; a state may choose to also cover former foster youth from other states. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act altered these provisions to require a state Medicaid program to cover former foster youth from other states until the age of 26; such changes apply to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2023. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to also cover former foster youth who were placed in a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver or were emancipated from foster care before the age of 18. The bill also repeals the provision that requires former foster youth to have been enrolled in a state Medicaid program while in foster care in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage until the age of 26. States must also establish Medicaid outreach and enrollment programs for former foster youth.

VIP Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Vaccination Information and Promotion Act of 2019 or the VIP Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a program to improve the national rate of childhood vaccinations, including a public-awareness campaign and a grant program that supports vaccine education. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on changes in public attitudes toward childhood vaccinations.

Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act This bill accelerates the application of certain changes that are scheduled to take effect under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act relating to the coverage of former foster youth under Medicaid. Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youth until the age of 26 if the youth were in the state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in the state's Medicaid program while in foster care; a state may choose to also cover former foster youth from other states. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act altered these provisions to require a state Medicaid program to cover former foster youth from other states until the age of 26; such changes apply to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2023. The bill instead applies these changes to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after the date of enactment of this bill.

DSH Cuts Delay Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

DSH Cuts Delay Act of 2019 This bill delays certain reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital allotments.

Acknowledging the contributions of America's addiction professionals and their commitment to delivering evidence-based practice to individuals with substance use disorders through recognized standards of education, training, and competencies.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

This resolution expresses the support of the House of Representatives for recognized standards of education, training, and skills to deliver substance use disorder counseling and recognizes the addiction professionals who provide these services.

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act This bill modifies certain changes that are scheduled to take effect under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act relating to the coverage of former foster youth under Medicaid. Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youth until the age of 26 if the youth were in the state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in the state's Medicaid program while in foster care; a state may choose to also cover former foster youth from other states. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act altered these provisions to require a state Medicaid program to cover former foster youth from other states until the age of 26; such changes apply to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2023. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to also cover former foster youth who were placed in a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver or were emancipated from foster care before the age of 18. The bill also repeals the provision that requires former foster youth to have been enrolled in a state Medicaid program while in foster care in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage until the age of 26. States must also establish Medicaid outreach and enrollment programs for former foster youth.

Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act This bill accelerates the application of certain changes that are scheduled to take effect under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act relating to the coverage of former foster youth under Medicaid. Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youth until the age of 26 if the youth were in the state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in the state's Medicaid program while in foster care; a state may choose to also cover former foster youth from other states. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act altered these provisions to require a state Medicaid program to cover former foster youth from other states until the age of 26; such changes apply to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2023. The bill instead applies these changes to former foster youth who reach the age of 18 on or after the date of enactment of this bill.

A resolution expressing support for health and wellness coaches.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019

This resolution expresses support for the efforts of health and wellness coaches in their important work to improve the health and wellness of the American people.

To provide for a 5-year extension of funding outreach and assistance for low-income programs.

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2019

This bill extends funding through FY2024 for state health insurance programs, area agencies on aging, aging and disability resource centers, and technical assistance related to outreach and enrollment for benefit programs for low-income, older individuals.

Medical Device Sterilization Challenge Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2019

Medical Device Sterilization Challenge Act of 2019 This bill establishes programs to encourage research on the sterilization of medical devices.

Supporting the designation of May as "National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2019

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month to increase public knowledge of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and conditions, raise awareness about the prevention of tick bites, and advance the vision of finding cures through critical research.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend funding for quality measure endorsement, input, and selection under the Medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2019

This bill extends funding for certain Medicare quality-measurement activities through FY2024.

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Extension Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2019

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Extension Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund, which supports research that evaluates and compares outcomes and the clinical effectiveness, risks, and benefits of two or more medical treatments, services, or other health practices. Additionally, the bill extends specified fees on private health insurance plans, including self-insured plans, which support the trust.

Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2019

Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services transition program under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for limited-income, newly eligible individuals (i.e., individuals who are eligible for subsidies and have not yet enrolled in, or whose coverage has not yet taken effect under, a Medicare or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan). The program's coverage provides immediate access to covered drugs at the point of sale as soon as the individual becomes eligible for subsidies; coverage also applies retroactively for dual eligible individuals and for individuals who receive benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program.

Patient Access Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2019

Patient Access Protection Act This bill eliminates certain reductions to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments. (DSHs are hospitals that receive additional payment under Medicaid for treating a large share of low-income patients.)

NEATSA Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2019

Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation Sustainability and Accountability Act of 2019 or the NEATSA Act This bill decreases the percentage by which Medicare payments must be reduced for nonemergency ambulance transports of end-stage renal disease patients that are provided beginning on October 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019. Beginning in 2020, the bill increases the percentage reduction for certain providers that mostly furnish such services, as designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS must publish data regarding such payments and providers on its website.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the month of May as Sex Ed For All Month: Youth Power, Information, and Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2019

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sex Ed For All Month.

Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2019 This bill addresses education for the public and for health care providers regarding biosimilars. (Biosimilars are biological products approved by the Food and Drug Administration based on their similarity to an already approved biological product.) The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a website for educational materials on the meaning and use of biosimilars and interchangeable biological products. HHS must also develop or improve continuing medical education programs for health care providers regarding biosimilars.

Ensuring Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Ensuring Innovation Act This bill provides statutory authority for the existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) practice of defining active ingredient more narrowly as active moiety in certain situations, such as when determining whether a new drug is entitled to a market exclusivity period or providing priority review of drugs for treating rare pediatric diseases. Generally, the FDA defines active moiety as the core molecule or ion in a drug responsible for the relevant physiological or pharmacological action. By contrast, the FDA defines an active ingredient as a component in a drug that is intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect. The FDA's existing practice of interpreting active ingredient as active moiety in certain situations, as statutorily authorized by this bill, tends to exclude some drugs from market exclusivity. The bill replaces references to active ingredient with active moiety in various statutes authorizing FDA activities.

Kay Hagan Tick Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Ticks: Identify, Control, and Knockout Act or the TICK Act This bill establishes the Office of Oversight and Coordination for Vector-Borne Diseases within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The office must develop a national strategy to address, and coordinate the federal response to, Lyme disease and other tick- and vector-borne diseases. The office must support research initiatives, tick- and disease-surveillance programs, and diagnostic-testing development, among other activities. HHS must also award grants to support the establishment of Regional Centers of Excellence in Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must form cooperative agreements with state, local, and tribal health departments to address such diseases.

A bill to permit States to transfer certain funds from the clean water revolving fund of a State to the drinking water revolving fund of the State in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

This bill allows—for one year—states to transfer amounts from their clean water state revolving fund to their drinking water state revolving fund in order to address a threat to public health as a result of heightened exposure to lead in drinking water.

Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study and report on the barriers for women veterans to VA health care.

Veterans’ Credit Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Veterans' Credit Protection Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues caused by a delayed payment of a claim for emergency hospital care, medical services, or other emergency health care furnished through a non-VA provider. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study that evaluates the effectiveness of the Office of Community Care in providing timely payment of a proper invoice for such care by the required payment date.

Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish inpatient psychiatric care upon request by a covered veteran at (1) the VA facility that is closest to where the veteran resides and that has the capacity and capability to provide such care, or (2) at a non-VA facility if the VA facility lacks such capacity or capability. A covered veteran is a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and is entitled to inpatient psychiatric care.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Menstrual Hygiene Day.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

This resolution encourages the people of the United States to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Liver Illness Visibility, Education, and Research Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Liver Illness Visibility, Education, and Research Act of 2019 This bill expands and coordinates activities related to the research of liver cancer and liver disease, including causes, prevention, detection, and treatment. Specifically, the National Cancer Institute must establish an inter-institute working group to coordinate efforts to cure liver cancer and liver disease, including research into such cases resulting from hepatitis B, and may award grants to develop preventative and diagnostic measures as well as support for experimental treatment options. The bill further establishes grant programs, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support liver disease prevention services, diagnostics, and hepatitis tracking programs and to raise awareness about liver disease within high-risk communities. The renamed National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases also must prioritize programs addressing liver disease, including (1) establishing a national clearinghouse for patient data and (2) developing or expanding the centers for research of liver disease.

Women’s Health Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Women's Health Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits state or local governments from imposing certain restrictions on access to abortion services. Specifically, state or local government may not require unnecessary tests or procedures in connection with the provision of abortion services, the same health care provider who provides abortion services to perform such tests or procedures, providers to offer medically inaccurate information to patients before or during abortion services, providers to refrain from prescribing certain drugs, certain hospital facility transfer agreements, one or more medically unnecessary in-person visits, or patients to disclose the reason for seeking abortion services. The bill also prohibits limitations or requirements that both single out and impede access to abortion services based on a number of factors (e.g., restrictions that are reasonably likely to decrease the availability of abortion services in a state). A state or local government also may not prohibit abortions prior to fetal viability nor prohibit abortions after fetal viability in cases where the health care provider determines that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the patient's life or health. Additionally, the Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to prospectively enjoin a limitation or restriction that is prohibited by this bill. The bill further requires the government defending such a limitation or restriction to show that (1) it significantly advances the safety of abortion services or patient health, and (2) such advancement cannot be met by a less-restrictive measure.

Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental and oral health services, including routine diagnostic and preventive services, basic and major dental services, and emergency care; dental prostheses are also covered. Currently, such services are excluded from Medicare coverage.

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2019 This bill doubles the number of authorized special masters in the Office of Special Masters within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which decides claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Rural Health Care Access Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Rural Health Care Access Act of 2019 This bill eliminates certain criteria that hospitals must meet in order to qualify as critical access hospitals that receive special payment under Medicare. Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement that a hospital must either (1) be located more than 35 miles (15 miles in mountainous regions or areas with only secondary roads) from another hospital, or (2) have been certified prior to January 1, 2006, by the state as a necessary provider of services in the area.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the full disclosure of billing and service information to patients.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

This bill establishes certain requirements relating to health care billing practices. Specifically, the bill requires health care facilities and practitioners to (1) provide patients with a list of rendered services upon discharge, and (2) send all bills to patients within 30 business days. Further, patients may not be required to pay a bill earlier than 30 business days from the date of receipt. Facilities and practitioners must report any bills that are sent outside of the authorized time period to the Department of Health and Human Services and must also issue refunds to the patients billed; repeated violations are subject to civil penalties.

Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2019 This bill addresses Medicare coverage for and access to treatment for chronic kidney disease. Specifically, the bill modifies provisions related to coverage by (1) allowing certain Medicare beneficiaries who have End Stage Renal Disease to enroll in Medicare supplemental policies, and (2) establishing new Medicare payment structures for renal dialysis services. Among other changes, the bill (1) provides for alternative payment methodologies for certain new drugs, biologics, and devices that are renal dialysis services; (2) revises quality measures; (3) establishes an incentive payment methodology; and (4) increases access to kidney disease education services. In addition, the bill requires information sharing between hospitals and renal dialysis centers in some circumstances as well as federal studies on issues related to kidney disease, including the use of palliative care and ways to increase transplantation rates. The Department of Health and Human Services may also award National Health Services Corps scholarships and loan repayment to nephrology health professionals.

Defending Access to Mental Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Defending Access to Mental Health Care Act This bill expands the National Health Service Corps Program to include service in pediatric inpatient mental health facilities (such facilities may qualify as health professional shortage areas under the program).

Prescription Drug Price Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Prescription Drug Price Reporting Act This bill requires that all prescription drug manufacturers submit certain information for every drug marketed in the United States to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, manufacturers must provide information about cost, pricing, and rebates. Manufacturers are also required to submit any price changes to a prescription drug at least 30 days in advance. HHS must make this information available through a public database that enables consumers to subscribe to price change notifications for different types of prescriptions drugs.

Opioid Treatment Surge Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Opioid Treatment Surge Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to assess market-share-based fees, for the next 10 years, on drug manufacturers that have produced opioid drugs since 1999. Opioid drugs manufactured to treat opioid addiction, cancer patients, or hospice patients are, however, exempt from this assessment. All assessed fees must be used for the substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant program.

Ensuring Children’s Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act of 2019 This bill expands the scope of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to include pediatric subspecialists, including psychiatrists. Currently, the NHSC provides scholarships and student loan repayment awards to primary care, dental care, and mental health care providers who agree to work in areas that face a shortage of these types of providers. In addition, the bill provides that an underserved population of children and adolescents may be designated as a health professional shortage area. (This designation confers eligibility for, and priority preferences with respect to, NHSC placements, grants, and other activities to address shortages of health care professionals.)

VA SNAFU Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Veterans Affairs Saving Network Appointments From Upheaval Act or the VA SNAFU Act This bill revises the effective date of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) to the date on which the first market area assessment is completed. Such assessments must be completed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assess factors related to the provision of VA health care services (e.g., the capacity of the VA and providers under the VCCP to provide care). Additionally, the bill authorizes the VA to furnish care and services under the Veterans Choice Program until the VA has entered into contracts to provide care under the VCCP.

Supporting Family-to-Family Health Information Centers Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Supporting Family-to-Family Health Information Centers Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Family-to-Family Health Information Centers Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program awards grants to family-run organizations to support the provision of information and peer support to families of children with special health care needs.

Women’s Health Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

Women's Health Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits state or local governments from imposing certain restrictions on access to abortion services. Specifically, state or local government may not require unnecessary tests or procedures in connection with the provision of abortion services, the same health care provider who provides abortion services to perform such tests or procedures, providers to offer medically inaccurate information to patients before or during abortion services, providers to refrain from prescribing certain drugs, certain hospital facility transfer agreements, one or more medically unnecessary in-person visits, or patients to disclose the reason for seeking abortion services. The bill also prohibits limitations or requirements that both single out and impede access to abortion services based on a number of factors (e.g., restrictions that are reasonably likely to decrease the availability of abortion services in a state). A state or local government also may not prohibit abortions prior to fetal viability nor prohibit abortions after fetal viability in cases where the health care provider determines that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the patient's life or health. Additionally, the Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to prospectively enjoin a limitation or restriction that is prohibited by this bill. The bill further requires the government defending such a limitation or restriction to show that (1) it significantly advances the safety of abortion services or patient health, and (2) such advancement cannot be met by a less-restrictive measure.

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2019 This bill doubles the number of authorized special masters in the Office of Special Masters within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which decides claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.