Healthcare

MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2009

MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medikids Program), which creates a program to guarantee comprehensive health care coverage, including prescription drugs for all children meeting specified age requirements. Creates the MediKids Trust Fund. Expands the duties of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium for the taxable year, with an exemption for very low-income taxpayers; and (2) create a refundable tax credit providing a catastrophic limit on MediKids cost-sharing expenses. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the Medikids program, as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.

Preserve Patient Access to Reputable DMEPOS Providers Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2009

Preserve Patient Access to Reputable DMEPOS Providers Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to declare that the surety bond requirement under the Medicare program for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) shall apply only to a state-licensed retail pharmacy if there has been a final adverse action that is not subject to administrative or judicial appeal taken against such pharmacy during the 10-year period preceding the issuance (or renewal) of the provider number involved. (Thus exempts from the surety bond requirement any state-licensed retail pharmacy that has not been subject to such an adverse action for at least 10 years. Such adverse actions refer to: (1) a Medicare-imposed revocation of any Medicare billing privileges; (2) suspension or revocation of a license to provide health care by any state licensing authority; (3) revocation or suspension by an accreditation organization; (4) conviction of a federal or state felony offense within the last 10 years preceding enrollment, revalidation, or re-enrollment; or (5) an exclusion or debarment from participation in a federal or state health care program.)

Medicare Early Access Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2009

Medicare Early Access Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part E (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals 55 to 65 Years of Age). Provides access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 64 years of age who do not have coverage under a federal health insurance program or under a group plan. Requires enrollees to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to base the premium on the Secretary's estimate of the average, national annual per capita amount of the cost of providing services to the population. Allows early retirees with access to retiree coverage to enroll under this part while keeping their federal or state COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage. Allows an employer that offers employment-based retiree health coverage to an individual who enrolls under this part to modify such coverage to provide for: (1) employer payment of items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) employer payment of 25% of the monthly premium applicable to the individual after enrollment. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums collected under this Act and to support the new program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow program enrollees to receive a 75% advance, refundable credit to offset Medicare early access premium costs (thus requiring program enrollees in the Medicare early access program to be responsible for 25% of the monthly premiums).

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ACCESS REFORM: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS

United States · United States Senate · 30 April 2009

Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to: (1) institute monitoring systems to provide timely alerts of sewer overflows; (2) notify the public, not later than 24 hours after receiving knowledge, of such overflows in areas where human health is potentially affected; (3) notify public health authorities and other affected entities, in the case of an overflow that may imminently and substantially endanger human health, immediately after the owner or operator knows of the overflow; (4) report each overflow on discharge monitoring reports to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state; and (5) annually report to the Administrator or the state on the total number of overflows in a calendar year. Makes specified exceptions to notification and reporting requirements for backups into single-family residences and for overflows that occur in the course of treatment works maintenance, respectively. Requires annual summary reports by states to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations, including to establish overflow assessment guidance and develop communications measures to provide notification under this Act. Makes the monitoring systems eligible for state water pollution control revolving fund assistance.

Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to extend from three years to five years the delay in application of: (1) the 25% patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding and grandfathered long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); (2) any payment adjustment, in certain circumstances, to any applicable LTCH or satellite facility located in a rural area or co-located with an urban single or metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dominant hospital; (3) the very short-stay outlier policy; and (4) a specified one-time prospective adjustment to LTCH prospective payment rates. Extends from three years to five years the moratorium on: (1) the establishment and classification of a LTCH or satellite facility, other than an existing one; and (2) an increase of LTCH beds in existing LTCHs or satellite facilities. Establishes a formula for annual adjustment of the base prospective payment rate for LTCHs for rate years 2011 through 2015 in order to implement a budget neutrality offset of the costs of implementing this Act.

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.

Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to identify efficient, effective, and economical procedures for long-term care facilities or providers to conduct background checks on prospective direct patient access employees on a nationwide basis under similar terms and conditions as the pilot program established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Sets forth requirements for states wishing to participate in the program, including requiring: (1) searches of neglect registries and databases; (2) searches of any proceedings that may contain disqualifying information; (3) searches of federal criminal history records, including a fingerprint check; and (4) methods that reduce duplicative fingerprinting. Sets forth program requirements. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the program under this Act. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state claims processing and information retrieval systems to incorporate compatible methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative administered by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to identify and notify states as to which methodologies should be incorporated.

Parental Consent Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Parental Consent Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to establish or implement any universal or mandatory mental health, psychiatric, or socioemotional screening program. Prohibits federal education funds from being used to pay any local educational agency or other instrument of government that uses the refusal of a parent or legal guardian to provide consent to mental health screening as the basis of a charge of child abuse, child neglect, medical neglect, or education neglect until the agency or instrument demonstrates that it is no longer using such refusal as a basis of such charge. Defines a screening program under this Act as any mental health screening program in which a set of individuals is automatically screened without regard to whether there was a prior indication of a need for mental health treatment, including: (1) any program of state incentive grants to implement recommendations in the July 2003 report of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, the State Early Childhood Comprehensive System, grants for TeenScreen, and the Foundations for Learning Grants; and (2) any student mental health screening program that allows mental health screening of individuals under 18 years of age without the express, written, voluntary, informed consent of the parent or legal guardian of the individual involved.

Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to certain factors and indices in geographic adjustments to the fee schedule for determination of payments for physicians' services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any location for which the practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Repeals the current termination date in order to extend permanently the 1.0 floor for the work expense geographic index.

Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2009 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow benefits under such titles for persons in custody in a public institution pending disposition of charges. States that, in the case of an otherwise eligible individual (or eligible spouse of such an individual) who is in custody pending disposition of charges, any benefits under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) which are otherwise otherwise payable shall: (1) be withheld until the individual is no longer either in custody pending disposition of charges or an inmate of a public institution; or (2) be paid to the individual's estate, if the individual dies before the pending charges are disposed of or while the individual is an inmate of a public institution.

Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to purchase portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs, including direct health care or service delivery costs, for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with state licensing laws. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states implementing equal access requirements that ensure that individuals enrolled in the state Medicaid plan have access to oral health care services to the same extent as such services are available to the population of the state.

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by a physician who is an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetists in such hospitals.

Recognizing the importance of increased awareness of sleep apnea, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Expresses support for raising public awareness of sleep apnea. Urges all Americans to educate themselves and others about the consequences of sleep apnea and its potential treatments.

Supporting the awareness of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Resolution.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Expresses support for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Recognizes and applauds organizations: (1) raising awareness about the importance of recovery through the Recovery Month Luncheon; and (2) promoting awareness of treatment options. Urges organizations to work collaboratively to implement new programs to treat drug abuse.

THE SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC: THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESPONSE

United States · United States Senate · 29 April 2009

Safe Baby Products Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009

Safe Baby Products Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA), to conduct and complete product testing of a full range of cosmetics, personal care products (including baby shampoo, baby bath, lipstick, nail polish, lotion, cream, sunscreen, liquid soap, and baby wipes) and other products that: (1) are marketed to or used by children aged 7 years and younger; and (2) are likely contaminated with impurities or contaminants. Requires a report on the results of the product testing to be submitted to Congress and made public. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to establish good manufacturing practices for the cosmetics industry for each impurity or contaminant for which contaminants or impurities may be reduced or eliminated by switching to alternate ingredients or for which manufacturing processes or practices may reduce or eliminate impurities from raw materials. Deems a cosmetic to be adulterated if the manufacture of such cosmetic is not in compliance with good manufacturing practices regulations.

Family and Medical Leave Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009

Family and Medical Leave Restoration Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor to revise regulations promulgated under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) governing coverage and employee leave entitlements. Repeals certain regulations promulgated on November 17, 2008, and restores those promulgated on January 6, 1996. Directs the Secretary to revise regulations regarding an employer's request for recertification of a medical condition whose minimum duration is more than 30 days for leave taken because of an employee's own serious health condition or the serious health condition of a family member. Requires the Secretary to permit an employer to require such a recertification no earlier than: (1) the expiration of the length of time indicated in the original certification; or (2) one year after obtaining the original certification, if the original certification indicated that the medical condition would last longer than one year. Directs the Secretary to revise the requirements for continuing treatment of a serious health condition to: (1) remove requirements for a specific number of periodic visits for treatment by a health care provider in order to qualify for leave; and (2) require only the treatment that the health care provider determines proper. Requires the Secretary to revise any medical certification form templates to conform with this Act.

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from denying provider-operated status for a nursing and allied education program that substantially meets certain requirements pertaining to the cost of approved activities for such programs, in effect as of October 1, 2006, on the basis of an organizational structure, contractual arrangements, or legal structure of the program, or a change in such a structure or arrangement, so long as a hospital, hospitals, or health system continues to substantially control the nursing or allied program. Prohibits denial of payments for the costs of approved educational activities for a nursing or allied health education program. Requires restoration to a hospital of any recoupment or denial effected for a previous cost reporting year.

Expressing support for designation of April as "National Donate Life Month" and expressing gratitude to all Americans who have communicated their intent to be organ and tissue donors.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009

Expresses support for the designation of a National Donate Life Month. Expresses support and gratitude to all Americans who have communicated their intent to be organ and tissue donors upon their deaths. Urges Americans who are not already donors to consider their organ, blood, and tissue donation options.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO SWINE FLU

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2009

LEARNING FROM THE STATES: INDIVIDUAL STATE EXPERIENCES WITH THE HEALTHCARE REFORM COVERAGE INITIATIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL REFORM (ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION)

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2009

Cures Acceleration Network and National Institutes of Health Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

Cures Acceleration Network and National Institutes of Health Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Establishes the Cures Acceleration Network, an independent agency, to awards grants and contracts to eligible entities to accelerate the development of cures and treatments of diseases, including through the development of medical products and behavioral therapies. Defines "medical product" as a drug, device, biological product, or product that is a combination of drugs, devices, and biological products. Sets forth the functions of the Network. Establishes the Cures Acceleration Network Review Board. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to award matching grants and contracts to eligible entities to: (1) accelerate the development of cures and treatments, including through the development of medical products, behavioral therapies, and biomarkers that demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of medical products; or (2) establish protocols that comply with the standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and otherwise meet regulatory requirements at all stages of development, manufacturing, review, approval, and safety surveillance of a medical product. Sets forth provisions governing conflict of interest policies for the Network. Amends the Public Health Service Act to rename the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities as the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop and enforce NIH's conflict of interest policies and respond in a timely manner when such policies have been violated by a recipient of funds provided under a grant or contract. Reauthorizes appropriations for NIH for FY2010-FY2012.

Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for routine HIV screening under terms and conditions no less favorable than for other routine screenings. Prohibits such a plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

Global Warming Economic Oversight Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

Global Warming Economic Oversight Act of 2009 - Establishes the Global Warming Economic Oversight Commission to conduct ongoing oversight of, and report to the appropriate congressional committees on, the use by the federal government of funds from any auction or sale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions allowances. Requires the Commission to focus on the use of funds to: (1) create new jobs in industries that produce renewable energy; (2) preserve jobs in existing, previously carbon-intensive industries; (3) assist working families with any increases in the costs of energy, transportation, housing, health care, food, and other necessities that result from federal laws designed to limit GHG emissions; and (4) assist small businesses with increases in energy costs that result from such laws, including costs relating to transportation, facilities, and equipment.

SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy by upgrading and unifying spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and recruiting new investigators and sites. Requires the Director to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and support a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee. Sets forth the duties of the Committee, including to develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public.

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as "National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

Expresses support for the designation of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.

Cord Blood Education and Awareness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Cord Blood Education and Awareness Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a publication relating to umbilical cord blood that includes: (1) an explanation of the potential value and uses of umbilical cord blood; (2) the medical processes involved in the collection of cord blood; and (3) options for ownership and future use of donated umbilical cord blood. Directs the Secretary to develop a written patient informed consent document relating to cord blood disposition to be presented to and signed by the expectant woman not later than two weeks before her estimated delivery date. Requires such document to include: (1) information on the different options to cord blood banking; (2) information on the medical value of cord blood stem cells in treating disease; and (3) a declaration, to be signed, of a woman's chosen option for disposition. Directs each physician or other health care professional who is primarily responsible for furnishing ambulatory prenatal care to a pregnant woman to: (1) provide her with timely information relating to umbilical cord blood banking options; and (2) obtain written informed consent or a document that the woman refused or declined to provide such consent. Applies such requirement to state Medicaid plans and group health insurance plans. Directs the Secretary to develop professional educational materials on umbilical cord blood stem cells for health care providers who provide prenatal services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to entities for targeted education about umbilical cord blood stem cells and the different options for banking such cells.

Men and Families Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Men and Families Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Men's Health. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to: (1) conduct, support, coordinate, and promote programs and activities to improve the state of men's health in the United States; and (2) provide for consultation among HHS agencies and offices to coordinate men's health programs and activities and establish a clinical registries database to assess and measure quality improvement of programs and activities relating to men's health.

Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to expand and intensify the CDC's cancer control programs, including programs for conducting surveillance activities or supporting state comprehensive cancer control programs. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to coordinate the activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with respect to cancer survivorship, including child cancer survivorship. Requires the Director of NIH, acting through the Director of the Institute, to make grants for research relating to: (1) childhood cancer survivors within minority populations; and (2) health disparities in cancer survivorship outcomes within minority or other medically underserved populations. Requires the Director of NIH to conduct or support research to evaluate systems of follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors. Directs the Secretary to make grants to establish or improve training programs for health care professionals to: (1) improve the quality of immediate and long-term follow-up care for survivors of childhood cancers and their families; and (2) ensure that such care is linguistically and culturally competent. Requires the Director of NIH to make grants to establish pilot programs to develop, study, or evaluate model systems for monitoring and caring for childhood cancer survivors. Requires the Secretary to make grants to: (1) establish and operate a clinic for comprehensive long-term follow-up services for childhood cancer survivors; and (2) improve physical and psychosocial care for childhood cancer survivors.

Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to extend from three years to five years the delay in application of: (1) the 25% patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding and grandfathered long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); (2) any payment adjustment, in certain circumstances, to any applicable LTCH or satellite facility located in a rural area or co-located with an urban single or metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dominant hospital; (3) the very short-stay outlier policy; and (4) a specified one-time prospective adjustment to LTCH prospective payment rates. Extends from three years to five years the moratorium on: (1) the establishment and classification of a LTCH or satellite facility, other than an existing one; and (2) an increase of LTCH beds in existing LTCHs or satellite facilities. Establishes a formula for annual adjustment of the base prospective payment rate for LTCHs for rate years 2011 through 2015 in order to implement a budget neutrality offset of the costs of implementing this Act.

Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the HHS Secretary) to implement the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program to achieve a reduction of at least 25% in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2015. Includes within such program: (1) a strategic review and prioritization of research grants; (2) an expansion of research programs, such as on predispositions to lung cancer; and (3) the expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to apply provisions related to drugs for rare diseases or conditions to: (1) chemoprevention drugs for precancerous conditions of the lungs; (2) drugs for targeted therapeutic treatment of lung cancer; and (3) drugs to curtail or prevent nicotine addiction. Requires the HHS Secretary to establish an early disease research and management program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer among minority and low income populations. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the HHS Secretary in: (1) the development of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program; (2) the implementation of an early detection and disease management research program for military personnel and veterans whose smoking history and exposure to carcinogens during active duty service has increased their risk for lung cancer; and (3) the implementation of coordinated care programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer. Requires the HHS Secretary to convene a Lung Cancer Advisory Board to monitor the programs established under this Act.

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute (NEI) and expressing support for designation of 2010 through 2020 as the "Decade of Vision".

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute. Expresses support for the designation of the Decade of Vision to maintain a sustained awareness of the public health challenges associated with vision impairment and eye disease and to emphasize the need for federal support for prevention and early detection, access to treatment and rehabilitation, and research. Commends the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research for its efforts to expand awareness of eye disease through its Decade of Vision 2010-2020 Initiative.

Honoring the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in the Nation's Capital and its transition to the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on June 6, 2009, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Remembers the lives of the women and men who have lost their fight with breast cancer and expresses support and admiration for those who have survived. Congratulates participants in the Global Race for the Cure to raise money for research and education. Urges Americans to walk this year and support their family and friends who participate. Honors the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month. Urges Congress to: (1) work with health care providers and celiac disease advocacy and education organizations to encourage screening and early detection of celiac disease; and (2) increase funding for celiac disease research.

States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2009

States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (State Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Demonstration Projects). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a state-based Universal Health Care Coverage Commission to participate in the review of state applications for planning and demonstration grants for the development of a cost-effective delivery system of universal, comprehensive health care with simplified administration. Authorizes such grants. Requires a state plan to provide: (1) coverage of all eligible state residents, without regard to employment status, income, health status or preexisting condition, or location of residency within the state; and (2) health benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to the standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. Allows one or more contiguous states in a geographic region to file a joint application for such grants. Authorizes Interstate Compacts of states to conduct joint health care programs under a grant.

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a list of pathogens and pathogen indicators upon the publication of the new or revised water quality criteria; and (2) specify in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters) available methods for monitoring protocols that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination. Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with such criteria, public notification, source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address identified sources of contamination by pathogens and pathogen indicators in such waters that are used by the public. Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants, including to require recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; and (2) measures for communicating the results of a water sample concerning pollutants within two hours of receipt to specified officials, for ensuring that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of a water quality sample exceeding standards, and for informing the public of identified sources of pathogenic contamination. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) rapid testing methods, including provisions requiring the EPA to publish guidance that requires the use, at waters that are used by the public, of rapid testing methods that will enhance the protection of public health and safety through rapid public notification of any exceedance of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators; and (2) compliance review. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2007-FY2013; and (2) to implement the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2013. Requires the EPA to update within a year and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically) the list indicating which coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches used by the public are, and which of such waters are not, subject to a monitoring and notification program. Requires the EPA to study and report to Congress on: (1) the long-term impact of climate change on pollution of coastal recreation waters; and (2) the impact of algae on coastal recreation waters.

Health Information Technology (IT) Public Utility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Health Information Technology (IT) Public Utility Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Federal Consolidated Health Information Technology Board to facilitate the implementation of electronic health record systems among safety-net health care providers, particularly small, rural providers. Sets forth the duties of the Board, which include: (1) ensuring that there is a constant interoperability between VistA (the software program utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]) and the RPMS (the Resource and Patient Management System of the Indian Health Service); (2) updating VistA and RPMS open source software on a timely basis; (3) establishing a child-specific electronic health record; and (4) developing and integrating quality and performance measurements. Directs the Board to establish the 21st Century Health Information Technology (HIT) Grant Program to award competitive grants to eligible safety-net health care providers to enable such providers to fully implement VistA or RPMS with respect to the patients served by such providers. Directs the Board to give preference to applicants that: (1) are located in geographical areas that have a greater likelihood of serving the same patients and utilizing interoperability to promote coordinated care management; or (2) demonstrate the greatest need for such award. Authorizes the Board to award competitive grants to eligible long-term care providers for demonstration projects to implement VistA or RPMS with respect to the individuals served by such providers.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit a Medicare beneficiary to elect to take ownership, or to decline ownership, of a certain item of complex durable medical equipment after the 13-month capped rental period ends.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a Medicare beneficiary to elect to take, or decline to take, ownership of a Group 3 Support Surface item of complex durable medical equipment (DME) after the 13-month capped rental period ends.

Drug and Device Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Drug and Device Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise provisions regarding the registration of drug and device establishments, including to: (1) expand the information required to be included in a registration; and (2) provide for risk-based inspections. Includes in the definition of "drug" a precursor ingredient. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess the registration exemption for manufacturers of harmless inactive ingredients that become components of drugs. Deems a drug to be adulterated if certain conditions related to verification of identity and purity, identification of establishments, consistency with current manufacturing technologies, and conformity with good distribution and import practices are not met. Deems a drug or device to be misbranded unless certain conditions related to labeling for country of manufacture and provision of required information on importation are met. Sets forth provisions governing importation of a drug and its components. Sets forth required actions, including cessation of distribution, if there is a reasonable probability that a drug intended for human use would cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. Establishes actions manufacturers must take regarding any defective drug. Sets forth additional required certifications for submissions related to drugs and devices regarding accuracy and personal knowledge of information submitted. Establishes whistleblower protection for employees providing information regarding a drug, biological product, or device. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to evaluate: (1) the organizational structure and operations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the review of medical devices for clearance and for premarket approval under FFDCA; and (2) the analytical and methodological tools used to conduct such reviews. Directs the Secretary to establish a corps of inspectors dedicated to inspections of foreign establishments and facilities. Sets forth enforcement provisions.

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to specify in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters) available methods for monitoring protocols that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination. Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with such criteria, public notification, source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address identified sources of contamination by pathogens and pathogen indicators in such waters that are used by the public. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2007-FY2013; and (2) to implement the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2013. Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants, including to require such recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; (2) measures for communicating any exceeding of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators to specified officials within two hours of the receipt of the results of a water sample; (3) measures to ensure that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of a water quality sample that exceeds such standards; and (4) measures that inform the public of identified sources of pathogenic contamination. . Requires the EPA to: (1) prepare an annual assessment of the compliance of state and local governments with program requirements; (2) commence a study of the formula for the distribution of program grants; (3) update within 12 months after this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically) the list indicating which coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches used by the public are, and which of such waters are not, subject to a monitoring and notification program; and (4) study and report to Congress on the long-term impact of climate change on pollution of coastal recreation waters.

Restitution for the Exonerated Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Restitution for the Exonerated Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants and supplemental funds to nonprofit organizations to be used only to provide support services (e.g., employment training, health care services, and legal assistance) to exonerees. Prohibits services for exonerees who have not demonstrated financial need or for a period of more than 24 months. Defines "exoneree" as an individual who has been convicted of a crime carrying a prison sentence of one year or more, has served at least six months of such prison sentence, and has been determined to be factually innocent of the crime.

Physician Training Promotion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Physician Training Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase, between FY2009 and FY2011, from 90% to 100% of the locality adjusted national average per resident amount the payment floor for direct graduate medical education (GME) payments under the Medicare program.

Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, to award grants for research on environmental triggers that can cause the initiation of autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed individuals. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to eligible entities to conduct public and professional awareness activities regarding autoimmune diseases. Allows grantees to use grant funds to: (1) promote increased awareness of early intervention and treatment to significantly improve the quality of life for people with autoimmune diseases; (2) target minority communities that may be underserved or disproportionately affected by such diseases; and (3) target women to help reduce the amount of time taken for correct diagnosis of such diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to: (1) award grants to eligible entities for the education of health care providers on potential links between autoimmune diseases and cognitive and mood disorders, such as depression; and (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for physicians agreeing to conduct research on autoimmune diseases. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to: (1) conduct or support research on biomarkers of autoimmune diseases to prevent such diseases and to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of such diseases; and (2) establish a database on such biomarkers.

Skin Cancer Prevention, Education, and Consumer Right-To-Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Skin Cancer Prevention, Education, and Consumer Right-To-Know Act - Requires the proposed rule issued by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs pertaining to over-the-counter sunscreen drug products to take effect 180 days after enactment of this Act, unless the Commissioner issues a final rule that includes formulation, labeling, and testing requirements for both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation protection before such time. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a general, nationwide education campaign identifying the risks posed by sun exposure without the use of a sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection.

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual). Removes current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services. Extends the meaning of store-and-forward technology, for any federal telemedicine demonstration program in Alaska or Hawaii, to include any telehealth program that has received any federal support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS), the Indian Health Service, or the Health Services and Resources Administration (HSRA). Authorizes a renal dialysis facility to participate in the telehealth program. Authorizes payment of eligible telehealth providers or suppliers other than a physician or telemedicine practitioner. Declares that any telemedicine practitioner credentialed by a hospital in compliance with the Joint Commission Standards for Telemedicine shall be considered in compliance with Medicare condition of participation and reimbursement credentialing requirements for telemedicine services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat telehealth services furnished by a home health agency as a home health visit for Medicare purposes. Authorizes coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a fee schedule for home health remote patient management services. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CMMS Administrator should be encouraged to: (1) expand the types of medical conditions for which remote patient management services are reimbursed under Medicare; (2) provide for separate, non-bundled Medicare payment for such services; and (3) create, revise, and adjust codes for the accurate reporting and billing for such payment. Establishes the Telehealth Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary to take its recommendations into account when adding or deleting telehealth services and in establishing related CMMS policies. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the HSRA Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance for the provision of an in-person mental health screening for each member of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with a contingency operation, in order to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues for which additional care and treatment may be necessary. Excludes from such screenings members not subjected or exposed to combat stress during their deployment. Requires the Secretary to share screening results with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment for such members during their transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Graduate Psychology Education Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Graduate Psychology Education Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to accredited doctoral, internship, and residency programs in psychology for the development and implementation of programs to provide interdisciplinary training in integrated health care settings to students in doctoral psychology programs. Requires such training to focus on the needs of underserved populations.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National STD Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National STD Awareness Month. Recognizes the human toll of sexually transmitted infections and the importance of making the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such infections an urgent public health priority. Urges all sexually active individuals to get tested for such infections and seek appropriate care.