Healthcare

Public Health Emergency Production Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Public Health Emergency Production Act of 2020 This bill modifies the administration of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and requires reporting on the use of authorities under the act during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must require companies to prioritize the fulfillment of federal contracts or orders necessary for pandemic preparedness and response upon finding that (1) a material is essential to the public health, and (2) public health needs cannot be met through normal distribution channels. HHS must also establish, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, an office responsible for Defense Production Act of 1950 activities. Other changes include (1) eliminating a requirement to transfer any balance in excess of $750 million from the Defense Production Act Fund to the General Fund of the Department of the Treasury, and (2) enabling personnel to rotate between the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy and specified components of HHS. With respect to reporting, the Defense Production Act Committee must report general information concerning the use of Defense Production Act of 1950 authorities, and the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Agriculture must report on the use of such authorities specifically with respect to the operations of meat processing facilities, during the COVID-19 emergency.

Saving Our Street Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Saving Our Street Act This bill establishes and provides funding for the Microbusiness Assistance Fund through which the Department of the Treasury must provide grants to specified small entities. Specifically, the bill provides $125 billion for grants to entities such as community small businesses and nonprofits that have suffered a drop in revenue of over 20% during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Such a grant shall not exceed $250,000 and may only be used for certain purposes, including (1) rehiring or hiring furloughed employees; (2) payment of compensation, rent or mortgage, utilities, or insurance; and (3) providing health care and benefits to employees. Treasury is prohibited from denying a grant on the basis of any criminal history or involvement with the criminal legal system. Further, Treasury must give priority to people of color, veterans, women-owned community businesses, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and 75% of appropriated amounts shall be provided to businesses or nonprofits owned or controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

FARM Laborers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Frontline At-Risk Manual Laborers Protection Act or the FARM Laborers Protection Act This bill requires agricultural employers that receive federal agricultural-specific funding related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to provide employees with emergency paid sick leave and specified premium pay through 90 days after the date on which the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Specifically, during such period, such agricultural employers must provide paid sick time to employees who are unable to work due to the effects of COVID-19. Full-time employees are entitled to 80 hours of such leave and part-time employees are entitled to such leave in the amount of the average number of hours the employee works during an average two-week period. Under current law, employers of fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from these emergency paid sick leave requirements. The bill also requires such agricultural employers to provide premium pay of $13 per hour up to a maximum of $10,000 per employee, or a maximum of $5,000 for employees who earn $100,000 or more per year, during the public health emergency and 90 days thereafter. The Department of Labor must provide grants for agricultural employers to meet these premium pay requirements. Labor also must promulgate rules to limit the involuntary furlough or termination of applicable agricultural workers during such time period. Additionally, the bill establishes grants to agricultural employers with 50 or fewer employees to provide employees with handwashing stations, portable restrooms, and personal protective equipment that comply with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

STANDUP Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act of 20 20 or the STANDUP Act of 2020 This bill requires state, tribal, and local education agencies that receive grant funding for priority mental-health needs, including through the Project AWARE State Education Agency Grant Program, to establish and implement evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training policies. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in coordination with the Department of Education, must provide educational agencies with best practices for these trainings.

Taxpayer Research and Coronavirus Knowledge Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

Taxpayer Research and Coronavirus Knowledge Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with specified federal agencies, to compile a public, searchable database of federal contracts, tax benefits, and other support for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) biomedical research and development, including information regarding the source and amount of such support. HHS must develop the database within one month and update it every two weeks.

To clarify the licensure requirements for contractor medical professionals to perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

This bill authorizes additional health care professionals to perform medical disability examinations as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program. Currently, the pilot program authorizes physicians with current and unrestricted licenses to perform medical disability examinations on persons applying for VA benefits. Under the bill, the following contract health care professionals are authorized to perform such examinations if they meet licensure requirements: physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists.

MMAPPP Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

Make Medications Affordable by Preventing Pandemic Price gouging Act of 2020 or the MMAPPP Act of 2020 This bill imposes licensing and price restrictions on federally supported drugs and other medicines intended to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or other public health emergencies. With respect to a COVID-19 drug patent developed using certain types of federal support, any license granted by the federal government shall be open and nonexclusive. Similarly, a licensee or assignee for such a patent shall grant open nonexclusive licenses for the patent. An entity that receives a license shall pay reasonable royalties to (1) the patent holder, or (2) the owner of marketing exclusivity rights granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were terminated under this bill. The bill requires that such drugs be offered at a fair and reasonable price based on certain considerations, such as access. If the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that the price of any drug to address a public health emergency is excessive, HHS must void any FDA-granted exclusivity for the drug and grant open and nonexclusive licenses to other manufacturers. Such licenses are subject to reasonable royalty requirements.

Quit Because of COVID-19 Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

Quit Because of COVID-19 Act This bill provides for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of certain tobacco cessation services during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), as well as for two years after the emergency period ends. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services and pharmacotherapy, including prescription and nonprescription tobacco cessation agents, that are provided under medical supervision and in accordance with specified guidelines. The bill excludes such items and services from cost-sharing and applies an enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate).

The COVID-19 Hospital and Health Provider Loan Forgiveness Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

The COVID-19 Hospital and Health Provider Loan Forgiveness Act of 2020 This bill establishes and otherwise modifies requirements for the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The program provides Medicare payments in advance to eligible providers experiencing claims or cash flow disruptions, such as during national emergencies; the program was specifically expanded in response to COVID-19 to encompass more types of providers, subject to certain recoupment and repayment provisions. The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to waive recoupment and repayment for providers who meet specified requirements. Among other criteria, providers must not have engaged in surprise billing practices with respect to COVID-19 patients. Providers must still repay any amounts not used for COVID-19 expenses; the bill caps the interest rate on such repayments at 2% upon a demonstration of hardship. The bill also requires private health insurers to treat out-of-network COVID-19 services as in-network for purposes of payment and cost-sharing.

COVID–19 Safer Detention Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

COVID-19 Safer Detention Act of 2020 This bill modifies programs that allow for early release of certain federal inmates, including by expanding eligibility for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program and making vulnerability to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) a basis for compassionate release during the public health emergency.

A resolution supporting the goals of International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

This resolution expresses support for the goals of International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day.

Protecting Against Public Safety Disinformation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Protecting Against Public Safety Disinformation Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take specified steps to combat disinformation operations by malicious foreign actors on domestic preparedness. Specifically, the DHS (1) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, on an onging basis, shall assess the impact of disinformation operations by malicious foreign actors on domestic preparedness for and response to terrorism and other homeland security threats; and (2) Science and Technology Directorate shall develop and recommend research-based methods for identifying and countering such operations and report to Congress. DHS is authorized to share the research and recommendations with state, local, tribal, and territorial officials, and with public health and other officials.

Water for Public Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Water for Public Health Act This bill authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance during a public health emergency to include efforts to provide individuals with access to potable water and basic sanitation. Specifically, FEMA may, during an emergency period, provide every individual access to potable water and basic sanitation through the use of federal agencies. It may also make grants to carry out such efforts, including installation of mobile water stations and hand washing facilities, distribution or delivery of emergency bottled water and personal and home sanitization products, reconnection of water utility service, and moratorium on water utility shutoffs. FEMA may reimburse state, local, or tribal governments that provided such services.

STARTER Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Surface Transportation Advanced through Reform, Technology, and Efficient Review Act or the STARTER Act This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, innovation, and resiliency programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among other provisions, the bill extends FY2020 enacted levels through FY2025 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; requires DOT to provide competitive grants for projects to provide parking for commercial motor vehicles on the federal-aid highway system; authorizes DOT to modify loan interest rates under the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation (TIFIA) program for borrowers impacted by COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019); specifies that projects that provide access to hospitals and health care providers in areas of limited public transportation options are eligible to be carried out as public transportation research projects; creates a public awareness campaign to reduce instances of driving while under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter medications; directs DOT to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21; establishes new competitive grant programs to spur innovation of connected vehicle applications into practical and effective operational deployments, and to test the safe integration of automated driving system technologies into the on-road transportation system; and addresses projects to improve the resiliency of federal-aid highways and bridges on and off the National Highway System.

Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act of 2020 or the KEEP Telehealth Options Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the availability and effects of expanded telehealth services under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Among other information, HHS must detail its actions during the emergency to expand access to telehealth services and must analyze telehealth usage by certain demographic groups. The GAO must report on the efficiency and management of the telehealth expansion and related risks of fraudulent activity.

Patients Before Profits Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Patients Before Profits Act of 2020 This bill prohibits private health insurance plans, in any area where there is a federally declared public health emergency, from (1) reducing reimbursement rates to health care providers, or (2) terminating a contract with a health care provider. The bill does not limit such actions if they are based on fraud, abuse, or concern about the quality of the provider or if the provider is on the exclusion list from federal health programs that is maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Infection Control Training and Support Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Infection Control Training and Support Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that, during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), at least one of its contracts with Medicare quality improvement organizations requires that the organization assist skilled nursing facilities with COVID-19 infection control (e.g., training materials).

Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act of 2020 This bill requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to establish a grant program for health care providers to promote mental wellness among frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency must also study mental health and burnout among health care workers.

Promising Pathway Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Promising Pathway Act This bill establishes a provisional approval pathway for medicines intended for serious or life-threatening diseases, including illnesses posing a threat of epidemic or pandemic. The period of the provisional approval is for two years and is potentially renewable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must establish a priority review system to evaluate completed provisional approval applications within 90 days of receipt. A provisional approval application may be approved if the FDA determines that (1) there is substantial evidence of safety for the drug; and (2) there is relevant early evidence of efficacy, based on adequate and well-controlled investigations. During the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, or another epidemic or pandemic, the FDA must accept and review various portions of a provisional approval application on a rolling basis. The manufacturer of a provisionally approved drug must require patients to participate in an observational registry. A manufacturer that fails to comply with registry requirements is subject to civil penalties. A provisionally approved drug must be labeled as such. If a drug that receives provisional approval status is not brought to market within 180 days of the approval, the approval must be rescinded. The bill also limits the liability of a manufacturer of a provisionally approved drug with respect to any claim under state law alleging that the drug is unsafe or ineffective. Private health insurers and federal health care programs shall not deny coverage of a provisionally approved drug on the basis of it being experimental.

Dismantle Mass Incarceration For Public Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Dismantle Mass Incarceration For Public Health Act of 2020 This bill requires states and local governments, as a condition of receiving funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, to release eligible individuals from correctional facilities (including juvenile facilities) during the COVID-19 emergency. The bill specifies the categories of individuals who are eligible for release, including an individual who is (1) awaiting trial, (2) subject to an immigration detainer issued by the Department of Homeland Security, (3) medically vulnerable, (4) over the age of 55, or (5) a primary caregiver or pregnant. The bill also requires states and local governments that receive funds under the program to implement recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities.

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act This bill temporarily limits certain immigration enforcement activities during public health emergencies. During a public health emergency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall, with certain exceptions, suspend all immigration enforcement activities including (1) removals of noncitizens, (2) arrests and apprehensions of noncitizens, and (3) required check-ins by certain noncitizens with immigration enforcement officials. DHS may carry out an enforcement activity if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During a public health emergency, DHS shall, with certain exceptions, parole a noncitizen into the United States if the noncitizen was (1) denied admission at a port of entry, or (2) apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection within 14 days of entering the United States without authorization. DHS is not required to parole such a noncitizen if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During this time, the Department of Justice shall (1) suspend all in-person immigration court proceedings, (2) allow for electronic appearances in and the electronic submission of documents for custody proceedings for detained individuals, and (3) suspend deadlines related to various immigration proceedings. DHS may not use federal funds to expel certain noncitizens using legal authority related to the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases.

Creating Hope Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Creating Hope Reauthorization Act This bill permanently reauthorizes a Food and Drug Administration program that awards priority review vouchers to manufacturers of drugs that treat rare pediatric diseases. (A priority review voucher entitles the voucher holder to priority review of a single human drug application.)

Improving Telehealth for Underserved Communities Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Improving Telehealth for Underserved Communities Act of 2020 This bill establishes a particular Medicare payment methodology for telehealth services furnished by federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires payments to be made in accordance with the same methodology that is used for non-telehealth services, rather than in accordance with a separate methodology determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act This bill modifies requirements relating to coverage of certain telehealth services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill excludes mental and behavioral health services from restrictions that (1) require the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) to be in certain rural areas and to be a specific type of facility, (2) allow only certain types of health care practitioners to furnish such services, and (3) require the use of video technology.

Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act This bill places a moratorium on certain mergers and acquisitions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the bill prohibits certain transactions such as acquisitions (1) by firms with over $100 million in revenue; (2) by financial institutions or equity funds with over $100 million in capitalization; and (3) involving firms with exclusive patents pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic-related production, manufacturing, distribution, or infrastructure. However, a waiver may be granted if the participating firms demonstrate that the transaction will advance critical national security, economic, or public health interests during the emergency. Further, the bill establishes a legal presumption against a transaction that may pose a risk to the government's ability to respond to the national emergency declared due to COVID-19.

HEALTH CARE INEQUALITY: CONFRONTING RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN COVID-19 AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 June 2020

Equal Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

Equal Access to Care Act This bill temporarily authorizes a health care provider who is physically located and duly licensed in one state to provide telehealth services to individuals in one or more additional states in which the provider is not licensed during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period.

Cut Profits to the Cuban Regime Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

Cut Profits to the Cuban Regime Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of State to publish a list of countries that contract with Cuba's medical missions program and to consider, when determining a country's ranking for the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, whether the country participated in programs with foreign organizations that enable human trafficking. Cuba's overseas medical missions program employs health care professionals in more than 60 countries but has been included in the annual TIP Report for indicators of human trafficking in the program.

Enhancing Preparedness through Telehealth Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

Enhancing Preparedness through Telehealth Act This bill increases the frequency and scope of certain evaluations and reporting by the Department of Health and Human Services related to the use of telehealth during public health and other emergencies.

TRICARE Prescription Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

TRICARE Prescription Relief Act This bill allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to waive cost-sharing requirements under the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program during a declared national or public health emergency, a designated major disaster or emergency, or an emergency as determined by DOD.

Coronavirus 2019 Special Enrollment Period Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

Coronavirus 2019 Special Enrollment Period Act This bill establishes a special enrollment period beginning July 1, 2020, and ending October 1, 2020, for health plans offered through health insurance exchanges.

A resolution designating July 22, 2020, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

This resolution supports the designation of Glioblastoma Awareness Day. (Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor.)

Supporting National Men's Health Week.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

This concurrent resolution expresses support for National Men's Health Week.

Expressing support for the designation of July 22, 2020, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

This resolution supports the designation of Glioblastoma Awareness Day. (Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor.)

Ensuring Health Safety in the Skies Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Ensuring Health Safety in the Skies Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) , the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services to form a joint task force on air travel during and after the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The task force must develop recommended requirements, plans, and guidelines to address the health, safety, security, and logistical issues relating to the continuation of air travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency, as well as the resumption of full operations at airports and increased passenger air travel after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. DOT must establish a joint federal advisory committee to advise the task force to include developing and submitting policy recommendations to the task force regarding the recommended requirements, plans, and guidelines that the task force must develop. Additionally, DOT must publish the policy recommendations on a publicly accessible website.

Creating Resources to Improve Situations of Inherent Severity Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Creating Resources to Improve Situations of Inherent Severity Act or the CRISIS Act This bill increases the authorization of FY2021-2022 appropriations for crisis care under the Community Mental Services Block Grant program for adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances. The bill also requires states and territories to expend a certain percentage of their grant funds on evidence-based crisis care activities such as crisis call centers, 24/7 mobile crisis services, and crisis stabilization programs in hospitals or other licensed facilities.

Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act of 2020 This bill requires states to support evidence-based crisis care services, such as crisis call centers, through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant. In addition, for each year in which the appropriations for that grant exceed a specified amount, states must expend a certain percentage of their grant allotments on crisis care services.

TRAIN Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Transit Reliability, Acknowledgment, Investment and Need Act of 2020 or the TRAIN Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to provide public transportation agencies with grants for use during a state disaster declaration such as the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Grants may be expended for providing continued services during the pandemic or disaster declaration, stabilization of fare prices for passengers during the period of such disaster declaration, no-cost public transportation services during such disaster declaration; provision of new or supplemental public transportation service bus routes, or bus rapid systems; and procurement of personal protective gear and equipment needed to protect employees from hazards generated or originating from the disaster declaration. Additionally, grant awards may not exceed $5 billion. Public transportation agencies receiving funds must (1) provide assistance to the general public during the disaster declaration period and, subsequently, for a period of six months after the termination of such disaster declaration; (2) certify with DOT every seven days that any use of funds meet applicable health and safety standards and guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued during the disaster declaration for passengers and employees of the public transportation agency that includes a description of the compliance mechanisms employed by such agency; and (3) submit to DOT an annual report regarding the progress its grant projects have made to make transportation access points accessible to persons with limited mobility.

Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery Act This bill permits federal agencies to temporarily or permanently rescind, modify, or waive regulations during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, it requires identification of regulatory standards that an agency determines may inhibit economic recovery from the pandemic and allows the rescission, modification, waiver, or exemption from the standards. Additionally, agencies may waive notice and comment requirements for rulemaking and exercise discretion in regulatory enforcement, among other modifications to administrative procedures.

Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID–19 Public Health Emergency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Act of 2020 This bill establishes, as part of certain grants for telehealth networks and resource centers, a pilot project to increase the use of remote patient monitoring technology in rural areas during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. Specifically, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must award grants to eligible entities in rural areas to coordinate care for individuals with chronic conditions and conduct other activities using remote patient monitoring technology. Eligible entities must meet requirements for participating in telehealth networks and must use appropriate technologies. Grant funds may be used, for example, to develop or acquire computer hardware and other equipment. In awarding these grants, HRSA shall give priority to entities that are capable of establishing programs quickly and that use technologies that provide continuous, real-time coaching services.

Hand Sanitizer Guidance Extension Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Hand Sanitizer Guidance Extension Act of 2020 This bill specifies that certain Food and Drug Administration guidance related to the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency shall remain in effect for two years after this bill's enactment. The bill also imposes various requirements related to the content of hand sanitizers manufactured while the guidance is in effect.

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2020 This bill modifies the extension of dependent coverage under TRICARE by allowing a dependent under the age of 26 to be covered without an additional premium. Additionally, the bill authorizes such coverage of dependents without a premium regardless of whether they are eligible to enroll in an employer sponsored plan.

Recognizing September 30, 2020, as a national day of mourning to recognize the loss of life of Americans across the country to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

This resolution supports the designation of a National Day of Mourning and urges the President to issue a proclamation ordering all flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the lives lost due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). It also commends the efforts of health care and other frontline workers.

Expressing support for the designation of July 10 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day" and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

This resolution (1) supports the designation of Collector Car Appreciation Day, (2) recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States, and (3) encourages the people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of Collector Car Appreciation Day in accordance with public health guidelines.

Health Enterprise Zones Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Health Enterprise Zones Act of 2020 This bill provides for the designation of Health Enterprise Zones in certain geographic areas with documented and measurable health disparities. This designation, which expires 10 fiscal years after the bill's enactment, confers eligibility for certain grants, student loan repayment programs, and tax credits for those working to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in these zones. Specifically, community-based nonprofits or local government agencies, in coalition with health care providers, social service organizations, and others, may apply to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the designation. The application must include a plan to reduce health disparities and achieve other outcomes. In implementing the program, HHS must consult with, among others, the Department of Housing and Urban Development. When approving applications, HHS shall consider factors including geographic diversity and the commitment of supporting funds from the private sector. HHS (1) may award grants to organizations or agencies that applied for the designation to support activities aligned with their plans, and (2) must carry out a student loan repayment program for health care providers who agree to provide services in a Health Enterprise Zone. In addition, the bill establishes tax credits for employers that hire, and individuals who work as, Health Enterprise Zone workers.

Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID–19 Public Health Emergency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Act of 2020 This bill establishes, as part of certain grants for telehealth networks and resource centers, a pilot project to increase the use of remote patient monitoring technology in rural areas during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. Specifically, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must award grants to eligible entities in rural areas to coordinate care for individuals with chronic conditions and conduct other activities using remote patient monitoring technology. Eligible entities must meet requirements for participating in telehealth networks and must use appropriate technologies. Grant funds may be used, for example, to develop or acquire computer hardware and other equipment. In awarding these grants, HRSA shall give priority to entities that are capable of establishing programs quickly and that use technologies that provide continuous, real-time coaching services.

Pandemic Liability Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Pandemic Liability Protection Act This bill exempts certain health care and food providers from liability for any act or omission relating to harm arising from exposure to, or infection by, the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, this prohibition does not apply with respect to acts or omissions that constitute willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or conscious and flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.

Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act This bill provides for an exception, during the national emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), to provisions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) that prohibit physician-owned hospitals from expanding facility capacity. Specifically, the bill excludes from such restrictions any increase in operating rooms, procedure rooms, or beds for which a hospital is licensed or begins construction during the period of March 13, 2020, through the last day of the national emergency.

HEALTH Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth Act of 2020 or the HEALTH Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements relating to Medicare coverage of telehealth services that are furnished by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs). Specifically, the bill permanently allows FQHCs and RHCs to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner) for telehealth services and excludes such services from certain geographic restrictions. Payment must be made in the same manner as for non-telehealth services, rather than in accordance with a separate methodology determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act This bill modifies payment and funding for certain outpatient therapy services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill specifically includes physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specified practitioners who are enrolled as Medicare suppliers as eligible suppliers who may receive COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) relief funds under the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The bill also permanently allows physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to provide telehealth services under Medicare, and includes specified therapy services as eligible Medicare telehealth services. (Currently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is authorized to waive requirements for Medicare telehealth services during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19, and it has done so to allow all providers that are otherwise eligible to furnish in-person services under Medicare to also furnish telehealth services.)