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Bill· HRH.R. 1208 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1171 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Establishes the National Institute of Aging in the Public Health Service to conduct and support research on the aging process, on preventive measures with respect to health problems of the aged, and on treatment and cures for such problems. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Aging to advise on programs relating to the aged and to monitor the Institute. Provides traineeships and fellowships for the study of health problems of the aged.
Bill· HRH.R. 1022 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
Bill· HRH.R. 998 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Requires that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the "established name" of such drug must appear each time their proprietary name is used.
Bill· HRH.R. 997 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Requires drug retailers to post prominently a list of the prices of the one hundred prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer. Enables any person, including States, to commence a civil action to obtain an injunction restraining any drug retailer from violating this Act. Prescribtion Drug Advertising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with the appropriate agency of any State, to establish programs and procedures to implement the advertising, at the discretion of vendors, of prescription drug prices, and to eliminate any legal impediments to such advertising. Defines as an unfair act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibition or burdening of advertising of prescription drug prices.
Bill· HRH.R. 999 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Requires that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the "established name" of such drug must appear each time their proprietary name is used.
Bill· HRH.R. 946 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
Bill· HRH.R. 908 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to complie and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
Bill· HRH.R. 884 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Requires drug retailers to post prominently a list of the prices of the one hundred prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer. Enables any person, including States, to commence a civil action to obtain an injunction restraining any drug retailer from violating this Act. Prescribtion Drug Advertising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with the appropriate agency of any State, to establish programs and procedures to implement the advertising, at the discretion of vendors, of prescription drug prices, and to eliminate any legal impediments to such advertising. Defines as an unfair act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibition or burdening of advertising of prescription drug prices.
Bill· HRH.R. 872 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000; $110,000,000; and $160,000,000 for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 respectively for grants to medical schools to assist the development of projects to establish programs of education in the field of family medicine. Makes eligible for grants only the applicant which is a public or other nonprofit school, and which is accredited by a recognized body approved for such purpose by the Commissioner of Education. Specifies the conditions under which grants may be made under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 873 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Kidney Disease Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or nonprofit private universities and other agencies to assist in planning the development of cooperative medical programs. Provides that such program shall be established for the purpose of engaging in research, training diagnosis and treatment of kidney or kidney-related diseases. Authorizes additional grants for the establishment and operation of cooperative medical programs, including the construction and equipment of facilities. Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Advisory Council on Kidney and Kidney-Related Diseases, consisting of the Surgeon General and 16 additional members to advise and assist the Secretary in administering the act and considering and recommending applications for grants. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a current list of facilities equipped to provide the most advanced methods and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney or kidney-related diseases. Directs the Secretary to establish, within the Health Services and Mental Health Administration, an Office on Kidney Disease and Kidney-Related Diseases, and transfers all the functions of the National Institute of Health relating to kidney disease to each office. Requires the Secretary on or before June 30, 1974, to report to the President and Congress on the activities carried on pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000; $11,000,000; $17,000,000; $18,000,000; and $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1979 respectively, for grants to qualified institutions and agencies for planning, studying, and operating pilot projects for the establishment of cooperative medical programs for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 865 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prohibits any practioner registered under the Controlled Substances Act from dispensing heroin in any drug maintenance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 828 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Older Americans Amendments - Revises the provisions of the Older Americans Act relating to long-term care facilities to place special emphasis on the establishment and expansion of home health services and to strengthen access by the community to long-term care facilities. Requires State agencies to establish and maintain an ombudsman office which will receive and investigate complaints from residents, patients, and the relatives and friends of residents and patients in long-term care facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 823 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, under the National Housing Act, to provide insurance for loans to finance improvements to long-term care facilities required to correct deficiencies identified in State surveys and Federal certification procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 815 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for medicare coverage for disabled individuals under age 65 from the first month of their entitlement to benefits based on disability, in cases where the individuals involved are becoming reentitled to such coverage after a previous coverage period which ended during the preceding 5 years.
Bill· HRH.R. 777 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 692 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
Bill· HRH.R. 668 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Autistic Children Research Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program; (2) collect, analyze, and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated diagnostic and evaluation procedures for early detection guidance for autistic children. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out these provisions. Authorizes $500,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1975-1978 for loans and grants to any public or private nonprofit entity operating a center with education programs for autistic children. Defines, for the purpose of this Act, the term "autistic."
Bill· HRH.R. 686 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this Act with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in such form and containing such information as he may reasonably require. States that benefits under this Act shall be paid to, or on behalf of a claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including governmental agencies); and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of these provisions. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out such purposes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with such entities and individuals, to establish blood fractionation centers for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board to be composed of twenty members. States that it shall be the function of the Board to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of actions conducted under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 682 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Cancer Research Act - Title I: Short Title and Declaration of Policy - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to carry out within five years the goal that cancer research activities of the United States shall be priority oriented and shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or more of the following objectives: (1) the expansion of human knowledge of methods in which to detect, prevent, and cure cancer; (2) the development of cancer preventative vaccines, or other preventatives; (3) the improvement of the usefulness and of the dissemination of information from, all cancer-related research activities conducted in the United States; and (4) the development and operation of cancer research facilities, equipment, and supplies, capable of making significant advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and cure. Title II: Coordination of Cancer Research Activities - Establishes, for five years, in the Executive Office of the President the National Cancer Research Council to be composed of the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Administrator of the National Cancer Research Administration, and Director of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Council to develop a comprehensive program of cancer research and to resolve differences among various agencies with respect to cancer research. Establishes, for five years, the National Cancer Research Administration, the administrator of which shall plan, direct, and conduct the cancer research activities of the United States; and disseminate information concerning its activities. Authorizes the Administration to acquire property, enter into contracts, use facilities of Federal agencies, and appoint personnel. Requires semiannual reports from the Administration to the Congress. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows the President to transfer to the Administration for five years any functions of any other department, agency, or officer of the United States which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Administration. Requires information obtained by the Administration to be available for public inspection. Provides for retention of property rights and patenting by the United States of inventions made in the performance of any work under any contract with the Administration. Allows the administrator to waive all or part of the rights of the United States to an invention if he determines that the interest of mankind and the United States will thereby be served, subject to reservation of an irrevocable, nontransferrable, royalty-free license for the practice of such invention by the United States. Allows the administration to make a monetary award to any person for any medical, scientific, or technical contribution to the Administration, not exceeding $10,000. Title IV: Funding - Imposes on the income of every individual, estate, trust, and corporation a tax equal to 2 percent of the adjusted tax for the taxable year. Authorizes withholding of such tax according to tables prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Appropriates to such fund, sums as are necessary. Terminates such fund on January 1, 1981.
Bill· HRH.R. 678 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Commission on Epilepsy and Its Consequences Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a National Commission to determine the most effective means of finding the cause and cures and treatments for epilepsy. Directs that such Commission shall develop a national plan for the control of epilepsy and its consequences. Provides for the membership of such Commission. Sets forth the duties of such Commission. Requires that it shall be a duty of the Commission to develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of epilepsy and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data available on the disorder. Requires the Commission to make recommendations concerning the proper roles of the Federal and State governments, and the national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. Requires the transmittal to the President and to the Congress of a final report under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 677 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Health Action Corps Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the number of trained professional personnel in the allied health field by providing young Americans training and practical work experience in the allied health field. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Health Action Corps. Provides that the Corps shall be headed by a Board of Directors which shall consist of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or their respective designees. States that it shall be the duty of the Corps to provide opportunities for young Americans to participate in programs which provide training and practical work experience in the allied health field. Provides that such programs shall include career counseling, exposure to various health-related occupations, and training and work experience in clinical settings. Stipulates that the Corps shall be composed of volunteers selected by the Administrator in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Board. States that the Administrator, in accordance with policies and procedures prescribed by the Board, may provide to any volunteer who has completed his period of enlistment: (1) a scholarship of $3,000 if such volunteer is a full-time student at a junior college, college, or university; or (2) a bonus of $3,000, if such volunteer works for one year in an area which (as determined by the Administrator) has a critical shortage of trained professional personnel in the allied health field. Stipulates that the Board shall establish a National Advisory Committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Board on matters relating to the following: (1) policies for the recruitment of Corps volunteers; (2) evaluation of the quality of the training provided to the Corps volunteers; (3) the projected future demand for trained professionals in the allied health field; and (4) innovations in the utilization of trained professional personnel in the allied health field.
Bill· HRH.R. 691 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Extends, under the Public Health Service Act, to commissioned officers of such Service all rights, benefits, and immunities of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940.
Bill· HRH.R. 650 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Comprehensive Vision Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make annual grants to the States for the costs of establishing and operating programs under which students in public schools: (1) will receive free vision test; and (2) will be provided, without charge, appropriate necessary follow up services (including opthalmologic and optometric services and eyeglasses). Authorizes such grants to be used to train personnel to administer such tests. Directs the Secretary to establish a panel to advise him with respect to the standards to be prescribed by him under this Act for qualified vision tests. States that such panel shall be composed of four ophthalmologists and four optometrists who by virtue of their training and experience are especially qualified to advise the Secretary with respect to such standards. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress respecting the grant program authorized under this Act and to include in such report his recommendations for such legislation as he deems appropriate.
Bill· HRH.R. 588 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires federally related health care facilities to test infants born in the facility or brought to it for health care for specified diseases. Defines a "federally related health care facility" for the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 631 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Comprehensive School Health Education Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the provision of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems by establishing a system of grants for teacher training, pilot and demonstration projects, and the development of comprehensive health education programs. Empowers the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies and institutions of higher education for teacher training with respect to the provision of comprehensive health education programs in schools. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, to carry out such grants. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit education or research organizations to support pilot demonstration projects in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. States that the Commissioner may make grants to State educational agencies for the development of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Provides for the apportionment of funds appropriated for such purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth the requirements for receiving grants under this Act, including the application procedures. Directs the Commissioner to, when requested, render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education in the development and implementation of education programs with respect to health and health problems.
Bill· HRH.R. 584 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Increases the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code on small and large cigarettes, providing that such increased taxes collected after June 30, 1976, shall be appropriated to the National Cancer Research Fund established by this Act in the Treasury in specified amounts for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 560 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to establish the National Dysautonomia Institute for research on dysautonomia. Provides that the Surgeon General shall establish a national advisory council for the Institute to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him with respect to the activities of the Institute.
Bill· HRH.R. 558 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
X-Ray Systems Radiation Control Act - Provides that, whenever the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare prescribes a summary performance standard for a class of X-ray system under the Public Health Service Act, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such a class manufactured, assembled, or imported prior to the effective date of such primary standard. Directs that such regulations shall take effect not more than thirty months after the enactment of the primary standard and shall specify the same level of performance as the primary standard. Provides that, commencing not more than thirty months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems in use in the United States for the purpose of determining whether such systems comply with the standards prescribed by the Act. Requires that each X-Ray System be inspected not less than once every twelve months. Forbids any person to operate any X-ray system for more than 24 months after the person who controls such system has been notified that such system does not comply with the standards prescribed by the act. Forbids any person, thirty months after the enactment of this Act, to sell or otherwise transfer any X-ray system unless prior to such sale or transfer he notifies the Secretary and receives the Secretary's authorization to sell or transfer such system. Forbids the Secretary to authorize the sale or transfer unless he is satisfied that such system complies with the standards prescribed by the Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 557 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act for research in fertility and sterility in humans and the human reproductive process, and for training and fellowship grants to allow persons to undertake such research. Empowers the Secretary to establish in the National Institutes of Health and in the various geographical regions of the United States not more than five specialized treatment centers to (1) provide assistance to individuals seeking medical services to enable them to bear children, and (2) undertake clinical research and training in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic and treatment methods relating to problems of human reproduction. Provides that the Secretary may enter into cooperative arrangements with public and private nonprofit agencies and institutions to pay all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, and providing basic operating support for such specialized treatment centers. Allows Federal spending for (1) construction, (2) staffing and other basic operating costs, (3) training, and (4) demonstration projects. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to make payments as provided in this Act. Provides that family planning projects and services assisted under the Public Health Service Act shall include counseling for individuals who have been unable to bear children and who seek medical assistance in bearing children, and referral of such individuals to specialized regional treatment centers established under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 537 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which ends during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liabliity for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what cost shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from the persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates. Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for premium payments for a health insurance policy.
Bill· HRH.R. 498 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Revises the provisions of the Older Americans Act relating to long-term care facilities to place special emphasis on the establishment and expansion of home health services and to strengthen access by the community to long-term care facilities. Requires State agencies to establish and maintain an ombudsman office which will receive and investigate complaints from residents, patients, and the relatives and friends of residents and patients in long-term care facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 501 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Community Mental Health Centers Amendments and Rape Prevention and Control Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that until legislation is enacted which insures all Americans financial access to mental health services presently available through community mental health centers, Federal funds should continue to be made available for initiating new community mental health centers. Community Mental Health Centers Act - Revises title II of the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Sets forth the services which shall be provided through community mental health centers, including: (1) inpatient services, outpatient services, day care and other partial hospitalization services, and emergency services; (2) a program of specialized services for the mental health of children, including followup services; and (3) consultation and education services. States that the provision of services through a center shall be coordinated with services by other agencies in the center's catchment area to insure that persons receiving services through the center have access to all such health and social services as they may require. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out projects to plan community mental health center programs. Provides that the amount of any such grant may not exceed $75,000. Authorizes appropriations of planning for payment grants of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Permits the Secretary to make grants to entities which have plans satisfactory to the Secretary to meet the costs of operation during the first eight years of establishment. Authorizes appropriations for payments of such grants of $85,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $100,000,000 for the fiscal year 1976. States that the Secretary may provide grants for consultation and education services, and to cover operating deficits arising from the provision of the new services authorized by this Act. States that no grant may be made to any entity or community mental health center unless a State plan for the provision of comprehensive mental health services has been approved by the Secretary. Sets forth procedures governing the approval of applications for grants. Directs the Secretary to pay the Federal share of projects for (1) the acquisition or remodeling, of facilities for community mental health centers; (2) the leasing of facilities for such centers; (3) the construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities for community mental health centers if not less than 25 per cent of the residents of the centers' catchment areas are members of low income groups; and (4) the initial equipment of a facility. Authorizes for this purpose appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish in the National Institute of Mental Health the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a continuing study and investigation of : (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State, and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions; (6) the actual incidence of forcible rape as compared to the reported cases and the reasons therefor; and (7) the effectiveness of existing private and local and State government education and counseling programs designed to prevent and control rape. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on the implementation of these provisions. Authorizes for the purposes $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Sets forth general provisions governing the regulation of community mental health centers and the implementation of State plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 497 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, under the National Housing Act, to provide insurance for loans to finance improvements to long-term care facilities required to correct deficiencies identified in State surveys and Federal certification procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 437 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides for the inclusion of qualified drugs, requiring a physician's prescription or certification and approved by a Formulary Committee, among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program administered pursuant to the Medicare and Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Establishes a Formulary Committee within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to list in standardized terms the drugs covered by insurance based on the suitability of such drugs for patient care. Authorizes the Formulary Committee to establish maximum allowable costs for qualified drugs under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 408 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 380 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
States that as a condition of approval of a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the requirement is imposed that: (1) in determining, for purposes of the administration of the State plan, the need for continued care in a particular skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility (which provides services for which payment may be made under the State plan) of an individual who is entitled to medical assistance under the State plan, and has, for a period of 120 days or more, been an inpatient of such facility, a determination which would result in discharge or transfer from such facility shall be made only if in the judgment of a physician, after consultation with other appropriate professional personnel, such discharge or transfer would be in the best interest of such individual's physical and mental health; (2) in making such judgment and such determination proper consideration shall be given, not only to the mental and physical condition of such individual, but also to the capability of the facility to meet his particular needs, and to the impact which discharge or transfer from the particular facility would, as a practical matter, have on his general well-being in light of his age, length of stay in the facility, family situation, mental attitude, and other relevant factors; and (3) the State agency shall take appropriate affirmative action to assure that any individual discharged or transferred from a facility shall have the benefit of a planned program of information and counseling concerning such discharge or transfer designed to assist him in adjusting to the change in his care and surroundings and to minimize the personal stress which may accompany such change. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct, on a continuing basis in all States with plans approved under this title, investigative and oversight activities designed to determine whether there exists any basis to support a finding: (1) that the plan has been so changed that it no longer complies with the provisions of this title; and (2) that in the administration of the plan there is a failure to comply substantially with any such provision. Provides that when such activities result in observations indicating that there does exist a reasonable basis for such a finding, the Secretary shall call upon the State agency to appear at a public hearing, scheduled so as to allow reasonable notice to the State agency, to give an accounting of its administration of the plan with respect to those matters in which the Secretary has found indications of noncompliance.
Bill· HRH.R. 394 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides for the administrative and judicial review of claims (involving the amount of benefits payable) which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
Bill· HRH.R. 363 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates. Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for premiums paid for a qualified health insurance policy as provided in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 264 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
Bill· HRH.R. 265 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Commission on Epilepsy and Its Consequences Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a National Commission to determine the most effective means of finding the cause and cures and treatments for epilepsy. Directs that such Commission shall develop a national plan for the control of epilepsy and its consequences. Provides for the membership of such Commission. Sets forth the duties of such Commission. Requires that it shall be a duty of the Commission to develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of epilepsy and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data available on the disorder. Requires the Commission to make recommendations concerning the proper roles of the Federal and State governments, and the national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. Requires the transmittal to the President and to the Congress of a final report under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 242 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that under the Public Health Service Act when any physician, dentist or optometrist signs a contract with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare agreeing to practice in an underserved area for no less than 3 years, the Secretary shall pay in full the principal and interest on any outstanding educational loan incurred during such individual's professional training
Bill· HRH.R. 233 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Rural Health Act - Establishes an Office of Rural Health Care within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Office shall be directed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Health Care who shall be appointed by the Secretary of HEW. Specifies the functions of the Deputy Assistant Secretary. Assigns one or more representatives of the Office to each regional office of the Department for the purpose of providing technical assistance to rural communities and to entities and individuals interested in the improvement of health care in rural areas. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Office of Rural Health Care.
Bill· HRH.R. 229 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 175 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Medical Assistance Amendments - Eliminates the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and eliminates premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Provides payment for eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, and other specified items under the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 94 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Health Insurance Act - Title I: Benefits and Eligibility - Establishes a program of personal health services including medical, dental, podiatric home-nursing, hospital, and auxiliary services for eligible individuals. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such benefits generally so that all employed or self-employed individuals and individuals entitled to old age and survivors benefits under the Social Security Act are covered. Permits benefits to be provided for "noninsured" needy and other uncovered individuals when reimbursements are made by public agencies. Provides that medical services consist of: (1) general medical services such as can be rendered by a physician engaged in the general or family practice of medicine, including preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care and periodic medical examinations; and (2) specialist services rendered by a physician who is a specialist in the class of services rendered. Provides that such services may be rendered at the office, home, hospital, or elsewhere, as necessary. Provides that medical, hospital, and other personal health services shall be made available as soon as practicable. Allows eligible individuals for personal health services freedom to select the physician or other person of his choice to render such services. Title II: Participation of Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Hospitals, and Others - Provides that any individual who is a physician, dentist, or podiatrist legally authorized in a State to render any services included as general medical, dental, or podiatric services in that State as benefits under this Act. Directs that any such individual who is found to possess skill and experience of a degree and kind sufficient to meet standards established for a class of specialist services shall be deemed qualified to receive compensation for specialist services of such class benefits under this Act. Authorizes the National Health Insurance Board, after consultation with the Advisory Council, to establish standards as to the special skills and experience required to qualify an individual to render each such class of specialist services as benefits under this Act, and to receive compensation for such specialist services. Sets forth requirements for participation in the program and the method and amount of payments for services. Title III: Local Administration - Provides for the administration of personal health service benefits through local area committees under plans prepared by the State. Sets forth requirements for State plans. Provides that in order that personal health service benefits may be made available promptly and in a manner best adapted to local practices, conditions, and needs, responsibility for administration of the benefits provided under this Act in the several local health-service areas shall be decentralized as fully as practicable to local administrative committees or local administrative officers, acting with the advice and assistance, as provided in this title, of local professional committees and, in the case of local administrative officers, the advice and assistance of local area committees. Provides that health-service areas of a State shall be those so designated in the State plan of operations. Establishes a local area committee in each health service area to perform the functions of this Act and to formulate the administration of policies for this Act. Title IV: State Administration - Provides that it is the intent of Congress that the benefits provided under this Act be administered wherever possible by the several States, in accordance with plans of operations submitted and approved as provided in this title, and in each State insofar as feasible by the same State agency which administers, or supervises the administration of, the State's general public health and maternal and child health programs. Provides that the Board shall approve any State plan and any modification thereof submitted by the State which it finds complies with various provisions pertaining to State plans of operation. Declares that no change in a State plan shall be required within one year after initial approval thereof, or within one year after any change in the regulations or standards prescribed pursuant to this Act except with the consent with the consent of the State or in accordance with further action by Congress. Title V: National Health Insurance Board: National Advisory Medical Policy Council; General Administrative Provisions - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Health Insurance Board, to be composed of five members, three of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the other two of whom shall be the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service and the Commissioner of Social Security, to assist in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Provides that during his term of membership on the Board, no appointed member shall engage in any other business, vocation, or employment. Establishes a National Advisory Medical Policy Council to consist of the Chairman of the Board, who shall serve as Chairman of the Advisory Council ex officio, and sixteen members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that at least eight of the sixteen appointed members shall be individuals who are familiar with the need for personal health services in urban or rural areas and who are representative of the interests of individuals eligible for benefits under this Act, and at least six of the members shall be individuals who are outstanding in the medical or other professions concerned with the provision of services provided as benefits under this Act and who are representative of the individuals, organizations, and other persons by whom personal health services will be provided. Title VI: Eligibility Determinations, Complaints, Hearings, and Judicial Review - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through such units of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as he may determine, shall upon his own initiative or upon application of any individual make determinations as to the eligibility of individuals for benefits under this Act. Provides that whenever requested by any individual determined by the Secretary not to be eligible for benefits for any period, or by a dependent of any such individual, the Secretary shall give such individual or such dependent reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to such determination and on the basis of the evidence adduced at the hearings shall affirm, modify, or reverse his determination. Provides for judicial review of adverse decisions by the Secretary. Title VII: Application of Act To Individuals Covered Under Medicare Program - Provides that any individual who is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, or to supplementary medical insurance benefits under the insurance program of the Social Security Act, during any benefit year or part thereof in which he is otherwise eligible for benefits under this Act which may be made available to him as benefits under this Act shall be limited to those services for which he is ineligible under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary of HEW to study and report not later than one year after the enactment of this Act the interrelationship of the national health insurance program under this Act and under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Title VIII: Fiscal Provisions - Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States a separate account to be known as the "Personal Health Services Account". Provides that funds in the account not required for current withdrawals shall be invested by the Secretary of the Treasury in the types of obligations which may be acquired, under section 201 of the Social Security Act, by the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Makes funds in the account available for all expenditures necessary or appropriate to carry out this Act. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines such terms as "wages", "employment", "benefit year", "quarter", and "person", as used in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 93 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Care Insurance Act - States it to be the purpose of this Act to make it possible for every individual to obtain comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance of his choice designed to protect against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illness regardless of prior medical history and on a guaranteed renewable basis. Creates a new title to the Social Security Act: Title XX: Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Establishes for eligible beneficiaries and their dependents a program for the issuance of health insurance certificates of entitlement which shall operate to reduce or eliminate the cost to any individual of protection under a qualified health care insurance policy or plan of his choice. Provides that eligible beneficiaries under this title include: (1) a husband and his wife, both under age 65, living together; and (2) any person, under age 65, other than a married person living with his or her spouse where both are under age 65, who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child or step-child of an eligible beneficiary who, during the base year of such eligible beneficiary, receives more than 50 percent of his support from such eligible beneficiary, and who at the close of such year has not attainted the age of twenty-one, or, if he is a full-time student, has not attained the age of twenty-three. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement, which shall be applicable in full or part payment of allowable premiums on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. States that the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate of entitlement shall be the sum of: (1) the allowable premiums for qualified health care insurance paid for basic coverage for the beneficiary's benefit year, multiplied by the applicable percentage factor ranging from 100 percent for persons with an income tax liability of $0, to 10 percent for persons with an income tax liability of $891 or over; and (2) 100 percent of the allowable premiums paid for the catastrophic expense coverage for the beneficiary's benefit year. Provides that the allowable premium which shall be taken into account in the assignment of value to a health insurance certificate of entitlement shall be that portion of the aggregate amount of premiums paid or payable by an eligible beneficiary for one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans providing coverage for such eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a twelve-month period that represents the cost of the protection required in a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary to an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Defines a "qualified health care insurance policy or plan" as a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier, which carrier and program have been registered by the State insurance department or by such other agency as may be authorized by the State, and which provides: (1) basic coverage providing for all expenses incurred for institutional care, emergency and outpatient services, medical care, dental or oral surgery, and ambulance services; and (2) catastrophic expense coverage. Provides that hospital and medical benefits under the basic coverage shall be subject to payment by the beneficiary of: (1) $50 for costs incurred during each stay in the hospital or extended care facility as an inpatient; (2) 20 percent coinsurance on the first $500 of expenses incurred during the twelve-month policy period for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries combined for emergency room or outpatient services in the hospital; and (3) 20 percent coinsurance on the first $500 of medical expenses and the expenses of dental or oral surgery and ambulance services incurred during such policy period for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries combined. Provides that benefits payable under the catastrophic expense coverage in a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be subject to reduction for the twelve-month policy period. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this title; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this title; and (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care, and the effective utilization of available financial resources, health manpower, and facilities, through utilization review, peer review, and other means which provide for the participation of the insurance carriers and the providers of services. Sets forth the qualifications of carriers under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated, from time to time out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the fund an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates issued pursuant to this Act. Provides that sums authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this section shall be considered premiums payable under this Act and deposited in such fund. Provides that certificates upon presentation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall be redeemed through payments from the fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 64 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 22 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 21 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
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