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Resolution· SRESS.Res. 453 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should engage in international dialogue regarding mercury pollution, use, mining, and trade. Calls for the President to: (1) prepare a strategy to advance and enter into international negotiations on an agreement that addresses the reduction of the global use, trade, and releases of mercury; (2) enter into agreements to align global mercury production with reduced global demand and to minimize global mercury releases while negotiating such an agreement; (3) initiate and support a parallel international research effort to collect global data for a comprehensive inventory of mercury use, mining, trade, and releases and to develop less emitting technologies and technologies to reduce the need for, and use of, mercury in commerce; (4) review U.S. monitoring capabilities and data collection efforts for mercury use, trade, and releases; and (5) work through existing international organizations to encourage the development of programs, standards, and trade agreements to reduce the use and trade of mercury, eliminate primary mercury mining, and reduce releases of mercury and other long-range transboundary air pollutants.
Bill· HRH.R. 5244 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2004 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans. Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related data collection; (2) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces; and (3) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols. Provides for a telemedicine program to support health care providers in combat theaters. Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD. Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans. Provides for participation by the VA in DOD demobilization and Transitional Assistance Program activities to enhance identification of chronic PTSD risk factors. Requires PTSD educational materials. Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations. Authorizes counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action. Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education. Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD. Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions. Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.
Bill· HRH.R. 5252 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Fair Access to Clinical Trials Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit an entity from receiving an award of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement to conduct a clinical trial to determine the safety or effectiveness of a use of a drug or device unless the entity agrees to: (1) register the trial; (2) provide the results of such trial to the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) disclose specified information regarding the trial to the public; and (4) be subject to audits. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to establish and operate a databank of such clinical trial information provided to the Secretary. Requires the Director to assign to the National Library of Medicine the primary responsibility for operating such databank. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify false or misleading information in the databank, correct such information, and make appropriate public notifications; and (2) amend regulations to require institutional review boards to determine the safety or effectiveness of products registered under this Act and deny approval for trials that are not registered. Specifies information required for registration of clinical trials, including information important to clinicians or researchers. Sets forth provisions regarding periodic updates of databank information, submission of results of clinical trials, public disclosure of databank information, and violations of this Act. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow exemptions for clinical investigational use of drugs or devices only if such drugs are registered in accordance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5243 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Influenza Vaccine Emergency Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require influenza vaccine manufacturers to include a provision in any contract for the sale of the vaccine in interstate commerce expressing the policy that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to take title to necessary quantities of the vaccine if the Secretary declares that there is a public health emergency by reason of an influenza vaccine shortage, and that the manufacturer will reimburse the purchaser for any such quantity not received. Requires the Secretary to pay the manufacturer or distributor for any quantity taken at the price the manufacturer or distributor would have received for that quantity of vaccine. Requires the Secretary to determine the extent of compliance with guidelines for the distribution of influenza vaccine and, before using the authority to take title to the vaccine, to publish notice that such compliance has not been sufficient to constitute an adequate response to the emergency. Allows the Secretary, in lieu of taking title to a vaccine, to order any vaccine manufacturer or distributor to honor its contracts with States or political subdivisions. Requires the Secretary to provide any influenza vaccine to States, political subdivisions, and such other public or private entities as appropriate as a response to the emergency involved. Allows the Secretary to make an emergency declaration if the delivery waiting time for States or political subdivisions to receive the vaccine constitutes a significant threat to children, adolescents, or adults served by the immunization program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5259 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Safe Food Act of 2004 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration. Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5289 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent entity of the executive branch the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation to be located in Portland, Oregon, to: (1) develop resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native tribal council members in self-government and related fields; (2) foster greater recognition and understanding of the role of tribal self-government in the development of the United States; (3) identify critical issues facing tribal governments in the Nation; (4) establish a Program for Tribal Governance Research at the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University; and (5) provide educational outreach regarding tribal self-government. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers relating to tribal governance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue careers in tribal public policy. Directs the Foundation to award fellowships to: (1) outstanding graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in fields relating to tribal governance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue advanced degrees in tribal public policy (including law or medicine); and (2) faculty from a variety of disciplines to bring their expertise to the Foundation. Directs the Foundation to award internships to deserving and qualified: (1) individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major tribal governance organizations; and (2) Native American and Alaska Native individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major public health or public policy organizations. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Institute to: (1) provide for an annual panel of experts to discuss contemporary tribal governance issues; (2) conduct research in tribal governance policy and on Native American and Alaska Native tribal public policy issues; and (3) invite visiting policymakers to share practical experiences with the Foundation. Establishes in the Treasury the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Trust Fund to be administered by the Foundation.
Bill· SS. 2907 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Health Information Technology to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery through the use of health information technology; (2) provide national leadership relating to such technology; (3) direct all Federal health information technology activities; (4) facilitate the interaction between the Federal Government and the private sector relating to the development and use of such technology; and (5) develop a national strategy for improving the quality and enhancing the efficiency of health care through the use of such technology and the creation of a National Health Information Infrastructure. Requires the Director of the Office to approve or disapprove the policies of Federal departments or agencies that would significantly affect the use of such technology, and provide for the adoption and dissemination of Government standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between health information technology systems. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from purchasing any health care information technology system that is not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Director to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on loans made to eligible entities, and award competitive matching grants, to: (1) implement local health information infrastructure to facilitate the development of interoperability across health care settings; or (2) facilitate the purchase and adoption of health information technology. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform health care quality measures and public reporting requirements across all federally supported health delivery programs.
Bill· SS. 2906 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2005, to reduce the monthly Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premium rate for each month in the year for individuals not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and each individual enrolled under Medicare part B so that the aggregate amount of such reductions in the year equals an amount computed according to a specified formula involving reduced payments to Medicare Advantage organizations. Requires the Secretary, in applying risk adjustment factors to payments to Medicare Advantage organizations, to ensure that such payments are adjusted to reflect the enrollee's health status, including adjusting for the difference between the health status of the enrollee and individuals enrolled under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B. Requires payments to such organizations, in the aggregate, to reflect such differences. Eliminates the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund (Slush Fund).
Bill· HRH.R. 5236 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Let Parents Raise Their Kids Act of 2004 - Prohibits Federal funds from being used to establish or implement any universal or mandatory mental health 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 or education neglect until the agency or instrument demonstrates that it is no longer using such refusal as a basis of such charge. Defines universal or mandatory mental health screening 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 President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health; 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 5227 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional natural disaster assistance to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Emergency Conservation Program of the Farm Service Agency, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Rural Community Advancement Program, the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, and Rural Housing Assistance Grants; (2) the Department of Justice for the Federal Prison System for salaries, expenses, buildings, and facilities; (3) the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, facilities, procurement, acquisition, and construction; (4) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; (5) the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance (including transfer of funds in some cases) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Defense-Wide, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, "Other Procurement, Air Force, "Procurement, Defense-Wide," Defense Working Capital Funds, and the Defense Health Program; (6) the Corps of Engineers - Civil for "General Investigations" and "Construction, General," "Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee," "Operation and Maintenance, General," and "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies;" (7) the U.S. Agency for International Development for International Disaster and Family Assistance; (8) the Department of Homeland Security for the U.S. Coast Guard for Operating Expenses and Emergency Preparedness and Response for Disaster Relief; (9) the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service for construction, and the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research; (10) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for State and private forestry, the National Forest System, wildlife fire management, and capital improvement and maintenance; (11) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (12) the Department of Defense for military construction for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army Reserve, through FY 2007, family housing operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and for the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (13) the Department of Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration for facilities and equipment, Grants-in-Aid for Airports, the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Relief Program (including rescission of contract authorization); (14) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs of the American Red Cross; (15) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, administration and facilities, general operating expenses, the National Cemetery Administration, construction, and minor projects; (16) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; and (17) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities.
Bill· SS. 2893 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Save Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) individuals and families a refundable tax credit for the the cost of private health insurance; (2) advance payments of the health insurance tax credit to health insurance providers; (3) a tax deduction from gross income (available to taxpayers whether or not they itemize deductions) for premiums paid for high deductible health insurance plans; and (4) certain small business employers a general business tax credit for contributions to a health savings account. State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the establishment and operation of high risk health insurance pools and health insurance purchasing cooperatives.
Bill· SS. 2892 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Children and Family HIV/AIDS Research and Care Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that recipients of certain grants related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research and services for women, infants, and children agree to provide coordinated, family-centered care. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to provide health care and other supportive services to youth with HIV designed to recruit and retain youth in care. Requires that chief elected officials in eligible areas and States allocate certain grant funds using HIV case data rather than acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) case data as soon as such data is adopted for other allocation purposes. Requires the Secretary to report on the status of using such HIV case data and the impact of this transition on the resources directed to women, infants, children and youth. Requires the Secretary to award demonstration grants to public and nonprofit private entities to conduct assessments of the effectiveness of certain strategies in reducing the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Requires the Director of NIH, acting through the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, to report on activities related to the testing of potential HIV vaccine candidates in relevant pediatric populations. Requires the Commission of Food and Drugs to issue guidance on the minimum requirements for obtaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to test an HIV vaccine in pediatric populations and for a pediatric indication of an HIV vaccine. Requires the Director of NIH to invest in domestic and international research on specified topics related to HIV and pediatric populations.
Bill· SS. 2894 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Prevention of Childhood Obesity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that the Federal Government coordinates efforts to develop, implement, and enforce policies to prevent obesity among children and youth. Requires the Secretary to establish within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a Federal Leadership Commission to Prevent Childhood Obesity. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the effect of Federal nutrition assistance programs and agricultural policies on the prevention of childhood obesity. Sets forth procedures to establish and enforce guidelines for nutritional food and physical activity advertising and marketing to prevent childhood obesity. Requires the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, to award grants to: (1) implement a State children's obesity prevention and control plan; and (2) disseminate childhood obesity prevention evidence-based practices to individuals, families, schools, organizations and communities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to develop obesity prevention behavior change curricula for early childhood home visitation programs and afterschool programs; and (2) establish and implement activities to prevent obesity by encouraging healthy nutrition choices and physical activity in schools. Provides for grants to promote good nutrition and physical activity for students in schools and children in communities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to support the training of early childhood professionals about obesity prevention. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and intensify research that addresses the prevention of childhood obesity.
Bill· SS. 2897 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the 30-patient limit for medical practitioners in group practices that may dispense specified narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment.
Law· HRH.R. 5213 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Research Review Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to report to specified congressional committees on the methods by which the Roadmap for Medical Research has advanced the use of multidisciplinary research teams and consortia of research institutions to advance treatments, develop new therapies, and collaborate on clinical trials, including with respect to spinal cord injury and paralysis research. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to report to such committees on: (1) the epidemiological studies currently underway at such Centers, future planned studies, the criteria involved in determining what epidemiological studies to conduct, defer, or suspend, and the scope of those studies, including with respect to the inflammatory bowel disease epidemiological study; and (2) CDC activities to establish partnerships with research and patient advocacy communities to expand epidemiological studies. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on: (1) Medicare and Medicaid coverage standards that apply to patients with inflammatory bowel disease for specified therapies, taking into account appropriate outpatient or home health care delivery settings; and (2) the problems patients encounter when applying for disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act and recommendations for improving the application process for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Bill· HRH.R. 5218 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Matt's Health Insurance Plan Act of 2004 - Requires each employer to offer health insurance coverage constituting qualified health care to employees, former employees, and their families. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit equal to 60 percent of the amount paid or incurred by an employer during the taxable year to provide qualified health care (directly or otherwise) to employees, former employees, and their families under a group health plan during the one year period ending January 1, 2005. Prescribes formulae for tax credits for other employers, including the self-employed, who provide qualified health insurance after such date. Allows a tax credit to certain low-wage workers for 25 percent of amounts paid for coverage under any subsidized health plan maintained by any employer of the taxpayer or of the taxpayer's spouse. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for payments to qualified nontaxpayer employers who provide qualified health care under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 65 years of age. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a refundable tax credit for employee costs of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage. Amends title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) rename the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) the FamilyCare Program; (2) provide for automatic enrollment of children born to title XXI parents; and (3) allow optional family care coverage of parents of targeted low income children and low-income pregnant women under Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Revises the transitional medical assistance (TMA) program, allowing States to extend eligibility for low-income individuals for up to 12 additional months, and eliminating the sunset for TMA. Increases the SCHIP allotment for each of FY 2002 through 2004. Directs the Secretry to award demonstration grants to up to seven States (or other qualified entities) to conduct innovative programs designed to improve outreach to homeless individuals and families under specified programs, including Medicaid. Limits cost-sharing under the FamilyCare program to 2.5 percent for families with income below 150 percent of poverty. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare Practices.
Bill· HRH.R. 5212 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional storm disaster assistance to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for the National Forest System, including for capital improvements and maintenance; (2) the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, and facilities, procurement, acquisition, and construction; (3) the Department of Defense for military personnel for the Navy and Airforce, operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Defense-Wide, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the Defense Health Program, Other Procurement, Air Force and Procurement, Defense-Wide, military construction for the Navy and Army Reserve, the Base Realignment and Closure Account, Family Housing, Operation and Maintenance, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Working Capital Fund, Defense-Wide; (4) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (5) the Department of Homeland Security for the Disaster Relief Fund; (6) the U.S. Coast Guard for operating expenses; (7) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; (8) the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research, the Fish and Wildlife Service for resource management and for construction, the National Park Service for construction and major maintenance; (9) the Department of Justice for the Federal Prison System for buildings, facilities, salaries, and expenses; (10) the Department of Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration for operations, emergency assistance to airports (to be derived from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund), the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Relief Program (to be derived from the Highway Trust Fund other than the Mass Transit Account); (11) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, facilities, and administration, for general operating expenses, the National Cemetery Administration, and construction and minor projects; (12) the Corps of Engineers-Civil Works for general operation and maintenance, flood control and coastal emergencies, and Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (13) the Environmental Protection Agency for buildings and facilities; (14) the Agency for International Development for International Disaster and Famine Assistance; (15) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities; (16) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; and (17) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs.
Law· HRH.R. 5204 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider the ratio of residents in children's hospitals' approved graduate medical residency training programs to beds (but excluding beds or bassinets assigned to healthy new born infants) when determining the amount of payments to such hospitals for indirect expenses associated with the treatment of more severely ill patients and the additional costs associated with teaching residents in such programs.
Bill· SS. 2880 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2004
Medical Device Competition Act of 2004 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act with respect to competition in the medical device and hospital supply industries. Adds a new requirement to the criteria for exemption from criminal penalties for illegal remunerations accorded to any amount paid by a vendor of goods or services to a person authorized to act as a purchasing agent for a group of individuals or entities who are furnishing services reimbursed under a Federal health care program. Requires, in addition to a written contract specifying the amount to be paid, and service provider disclosure of the amount received from a vendor, that: (1) the contracting, business, and ethical practices of the purchasing agent be not inconsistent with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) the purchasing agent be certified to be in compliance with such regulations; and (3) the amount to be paid the purchasing agent does not exceed a total of three percent of the purchase price of the goods or services provided by that vendor. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations specifying the contracting, business, and ethical practices of an authorized purchasing agent that are contrary to antitrust law and competitive principles, to ethical standards, or to the goal of ensuring that products necessary for proper patient care or worker safety are readily available to physicians, health care workers, and patients.
Bill· SS. 2869 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Combat Meth Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program to provide grants to qualified States (i.e., those which had more than 200 methamphetamine lab seizures in 2003 and that provide a specified mandatory minimum sentence for possession and/or distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine or 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine) to combat methamphetamine abuse, focusing on the prosecution of repeat offenders. Authorizes funds to provide training to: (1) State and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents for investigation and prosecution of methamphetamine offenses; and (2) State law enforcement personnel at the Drug Enforcement Administration's Clandestine Laboratory Training Facility in Quantico, Virginia. Amends: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the public safety and community policing grant program to authorize the use of grant funds to hire personnel and purchase equipment to assist in enforcing and prosecuting methamphetamine offenses and in cleaning up methamphetamine-affected areas; and (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to local governments and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment for methamphetamine abuse. Directs the Attorney General to allocate funds for the hiring and training of special assistant U.S. attorneys. Authorizes the Attorney General, acting through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, to award grants to States to establish methamphetamine precursor monitoring programs.
Bill· SS. 2876 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
American Hospital Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to revise the indirect medical education adjustment percentage in order to eliminate reductions in payments to hospitals.
Bill· HRH.R. 5189 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend through September 2005 Medicare cost-sharing for the Medicare part B premium for qualifying individuals for additional low-income medicare beneficiaries. Revises requirements for the total allocation amount for three specified periods between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5188 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Combat Meth Act - Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program to provide grants to qualified States (i.e., those which had more than 200 methamphetamine lab seizures in 2003 and that provide a specified mandatory minimum sentence for possession and/or distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine or 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine) to combat methamphetamine abuse, focusing on the prosecution of repeat offenders. Authorizes funds to provide training to: (1) State and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents for investigation and prosecution of methamphetamine offenses; and (2) State law enforcement personnel at the Drug Enforcement Administration's Clandestine Laboratory Training Facility in Quantico, Virginia. Amends: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the public safety and community policing grant program to authorize the use of grant funds to hire personnel and purchase equipment to assist in enforcing and prosecuting methamphetamine offenses and in cleaning up methamphetamine-affected areas; and (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to local governments and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment for methamphetamine abuse. Directs the Attorney General to allocate funds for the hiring and training of special assistant U.S. attorneys. Authorizes the Attorney General, acting through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, to award grants to States to establish methamphetamine precursor monitoring programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 5197 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act of 2004 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide funds to States to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals in providing services to individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, to audit a sample from among the States in order to assess the effectiveness of progress made in reducing or eliminating the wage gap between targeted and reference direct support professionals through funds under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the wage equalization and recruitment and retention of direct support professionals who are providing services and supports to individuals with disabilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5175 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Keep the Promise of Medicare Act of 2004 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cap the Medicare part B premium for each month in 2005 at the same rate for each month in 2004, adjusted for inflation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5160 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend through September 2005 Medicare cost-sharing for the Medicare part B premium for qualifying individuals for additional low-income medicare beneficiaries. Revises requirements for the total allocation amount for three specified periods between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5157 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
High Risk Pool Flexibility Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the definition of "qualified high risk pool" for grant purposes to allow a State to meet the requirement to provide all eligible individuals with health insurance coverage by utilizing an acceptable alternative mechanism that includes a high risk pool as a component and: (1) that provides for risk adjustment, risk spreading, or a risk spreading mechanism (among issuers or policies of an issuer) or for some financial subsidization for eligible individuals, including through assistance to participating issuers; or (2) under which each eligible individual is provided a choice of all individual health insurance coverage otherwise available.
Bill· HRH.R. 5156 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become entitled to Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become entitled. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before the condition reaches disability levels.
Bill· HRH.R. 5155 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Free Market Drug Act - Establishes the National Institute for Biomedical Research and Development to provide for the development of drugs, biological products, and devices to: (1) increase the number and medical efficacy of drugs, biological products, and devices on the market; and (2) make the drugs, biological products, and devices available to the public at reasonable prices. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) monitor the results of certain research to identify discoveries that, if subjected to appropriate research and development activities, may be suitable for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as drugs, biological products, or devices for use in humans (candidate discoveries); (2) identify candidate discoveries and carry out appropriate research and development regarding such discoveries; (3) establish, review, and revise a plan for the development, testing, and manufacture of candidate discoveries through the Institute; (4) establish priorities among candidate discoveries; and (5)) maintain an Internet site to make available to the public information on activities under this Act. Allows the Director to identify a discovery as a candidate discovery only if the Federal Government holds, or can reasonably be expected to obtain, a patent on the discovery. Prohibits the Director from transferring ownership of such patent to any non-Federal entity. Allows civil suits to protect Federal ownership of patents. Requires the Director to: (1) grant non-exclusive licenses for the commercial marketing of FDA-approved candidate discoveries; (2) establish Federal laboratories to carry out this Act; and (3) establish a fund to provide cash awards for making significant advances in knowledge regarding a disease, disorder, or other health condition.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 500 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Declares that the Congress: (1) honors the goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week (November 7-13, 2004); and (2) offers sincere support to nurse practitioners around the country as they continue to provide high-quality health care to many Americans.
Bill· SS. 2837 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Continuing Care for Recovering Families Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible individual to elect continuation coverage for group health benefits as provided for in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) during the 120-day period that begins on the later of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the individual experiences a terrorism-related loss of coverage. Provides that: (1) the maximum period required for such coverage shall not be less than the period during which the individual is an eligible individual; and (2) the period between the loss of coverage and the first day of the election period shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the waiting period for coverage of preexisting conditions. Defines an "eligible individual" as an individual who: (1) is a child or spouse of an individual who suffered physical harm or death as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; (2) that has experienced a terrorism-related loss of health benefits coverage associated with the death, injury, or loss of employment of such an individual; and (3) is not otherwise covered under a health benefits plan or entitled to Medicare benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 5144 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to allow the average sales price system to go into effect but also to ensure that Medicare payments for cancer drugs do not go below 95 percent of 2004 levels in 2005, and 95 percent of 2005 levels in 2006. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 with respect to the transitional adjustment in practice expense relative value units in the physician fee schedule for drug administration services. Extends application of the transition adjustment through December 31, 2006. Increases from three percent to 27 percent during 2005 the applicable percentage of the fee schedule amount that shall be paid to a physician from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Reduces this applicable percentage during 2006 to 22 percent. (Current law reduces the 32 percent transitional payment for practice expenses in 2004 to 3 percent in 2005 and 0 percent in 2006.)
Bill· SS. 2827 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to declare that a patient has a privilege with respect to any evidence consisting of a confidential communication or record made in the course of medical treatment by a duly licensed health care provider. Authorizes a court to order the disclosure of such a communication or record to the extent the court determines that the public interest in disclosure significantly outweighs the patient's privacy interests. Requires the court to ensure that personally identifiable information is redacted and that the patient's communications and records remain under seal.
Bill· HRH.R. 5126 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to declare that a patient has a privilege with respect to any evidence consisting of a confidential communication or record made in the course of medical treatment by a duly licensed health care provider. Authorizes a court to order the disclosure of such a communication or record to the extent the court determines that the public interest in disclosure significantly outweighs the patient's privacy interests. Requires the court to ensure that personally identifiable information is redacted and that the patient's communications and records remain under seal.
Bill· HRH.R. 5110 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Comprehensive Long-Term Care Support Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income (available for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions) for the cost of long-term care premiums for the taxpayer and certain family members, including the taxpayer's spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants. Phases in the deduction by allowing the deduction of 50 percent of the cost of premiums in 2005, 75 percent in 2006, and 100 percent in 2007 or thereafter. Allows long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-qualified cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. Allows a tax credit for caregivers of individuals with long-term health care needs. Phases in a $3,000 credit amount for 2009 or thereafter, beginning with $1,000 in 2005, $1,500 in 2006, $2,000 in 2007, and $2,500 in 2008. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns), adjusted for inflation after 2005. Increases funding for the the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5116 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
The Dean Gallo Cancer Patient Compassion Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to waive the 24 month waiting period for Medicare coverage of certain individuals with distant stage cancer.
Bill· SS. 2815 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2004
Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in making certain PHSA grants or any other asthma-related grant to a State, to give preference to States that require public elementary and secondary schools to allow students to self-administer medication to treat that student's asthma or anaphylaxis under specified conditions. Provides that this Act does not create a cause of action or in any other way increase or diminish the liability of any person under any other law. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) commending the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for identifying and creating strategies for addressing asthma within a coordinated school program; and (2) encouraging all schools to review these strategies and adopt policies that will best meet the needs of their student population.
Bill· SS. 2810 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; (19) the Office of Inspector General; and (20) a working capital fund for a new core accounting system. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration, for specified health resources and services activities; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for substance abuse and mental health services; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to States for child support enforcement and family support programs; (10) low-income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to States for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs; (15) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (16) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Inspector General; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; (21) policy research; (22) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (23) the public health and social services emergency fund, for expenses related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, for the Strategic National Stockpile, and for activities to ensure a year-round influenza vaccine production capacity and the development and implementation of rapidly expandable influenza vaccine production technologies, as well as any purchase of such vaccine the Secretary determines necessary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as Federal administrative expenses for such programs (and sets a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program account; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; and (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (14) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, and administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (15) U.S. Institute of Peace.
Bill· HRH.R. 5095 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Medicare Equity Act of 2004 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that the monthly part B premium rates for any period after December 31, 2004, shall be the monthly premium rate in effect for a month in 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 35 to 36 percent the top rate of individual income tax.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 776 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Requests the President and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish the House of Representatives all documents, including telephone and electronic mail records, logs and calendars, and records of internal discussions in the possession of the Secretary, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Director of the Office of the National Economic Council relating to: (1) estimates and analyses made by the Department of Health and Human Services or OMB relating to the cost of any version of the Medicare prescription drug legislation; or (2) communications (whether written or electronic) relating to such cost estimates or analyses or their release to Members of Congress between employees within the executive branch, between such employees and Members of Congress or their staff, or such employees and persons other than employees of the executive branch or legislative branch.
Bill· SS. 2798 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Health Promotion Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis, and Training Act or Health Promotion FIRST Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for health promotion that includes coordinating the health promotion activities of the Department of Health and Human Services and addressing how best to: (1) develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; (2) disseminate health promotion research; (3) support the health promotion community; and (4) modify or develop policies, structure, and legislation to integrate health promotion into all health professions and sectors of society. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, to: (1) develop a plan on how best to develop the basic science of health promotion through NIH agencies; and (2) conduct or support early research programs and research training regarding health promotion. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a plan to establish a research agenda regarding health promotion for CDC. Requires the Director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to award grants to develop Health Promotion Research Centers. Requires the Director of CDC to: (1) make an effort to attract grant applications from groups experienced in providing programs; (2) fund research to develop the applied science of health promotion for specified settings; and (3) develop a research agenda for workplace health promotion. Requires the Secretary to modify the application process for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts awarded under this Act to attract the most qualified individuals and organizations, rather than those most experienced with the application process.
Bill· HRH.R. 5072 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disaster Assistance Act, 2004 - Makes FY 2004 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional hurricane disaster assistance to: (1) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; (2) the Department of Defense for "Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide;" (3) the Corps of Engineers - Civil Works for "Operation and Maintenance" and "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies;" (4) the Department of Homeland Security for the U.S. Coast Guard for operating expenses and Emergency Preparedness and Response for "Disaster Relief;" (5) the Department of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service for construction; (6) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (7) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs; (8) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, administration, and facilities; (9) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; and (10) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5048 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage of screening pap smears and screening pelvic exams to annual examinations regardless of whether a woman is of childbearing age or at high-risk.
Bill· SS. 2780 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Keep the Promise of Medicare Act of 2004 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cap the Medicare part B premium for each month in 2005 at the same rate for each month in 2004, adjusted for inflation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5006 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY 2005. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; (19) the Office of Inspector General; and (20) a working capital fund for a new core accounting system. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to States for child support enforcement and family support programs; (10) low-income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to States for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) disabled voter services; (15) children and families services programs; (16) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (17) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (18) the Administration on Aging; (19) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (20) the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office for Civil Rights; (22) policy research; (23) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (24) the public health and social services emergency fund, for expenses related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, for the Strategic National Stockpile, and for activities to ensure a year-round influenza vaccine production capacity and the development and implementation of rapidly expandable influenza vaccine production technologies. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as Federal administrative expenses for such programs (setting a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (3) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses; (4) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (5) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (6) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (7) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (8) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (9) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (10) National Council on Disability; (11) National Labor Relations Board; (12) National Mediation Board; (13) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.
Bill· SS. 2759 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the extended availability through FY 2004 of SCHIP allotments for FY 1998 through 2001. Specifies formulae for amounts to be used in computing redistributions for FY 2003, 2003, and 2004. Provides for reallocation of 70 percent of the expiring FY 1998, 1999, and 2000 funds to States that have fully expended their annual allotments. Extends the availability of the remaining 30 percent of such expiring funds with the States that currently have them. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2002 SCHIP allotments to remain available through FY 2006. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2003 and 2004 SCHIP allotments to remain available through the end of FY 2007. Requires redistribution of the other 50 percent of such funds to States that have fully spent their allotments during the three-year period they were available. Requires a second redistribution according to the same 70-30 formula of any retained or redistributed funds still unexpended at the end of the two-year extention or redistribution. Provides for continued authority for qualifying States to use certain funds for Medicaid expenditures.
Bill· SS. 2741 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a research agenda for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and facilitate surveillance and prevention of such disorders. Requires the Secretary to award grants for individuals with FASD, including to: (1) establish programs of surveillance, prevention, and treatment for such individuals; (2) identify best practices for educating affected children, educating officials in the criminal justice system on coping with such individuals, and educating adoption or foster care agency officials about services for children with FASD; and (3) provide for transitional services for such individuals and for respite care for their caretakers. Requires the Secretary to issue public service announcements to raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Requires the National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to identify and describe the ten most important actions that must be taken to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure and all its adverse outcomes. Requires the Secretary of Education to direct the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to take certain actions with regard to individuals with FASD, including implementing screening procedures and introducing curricula on how to educate children with such disorders. Requires the Attorney General to direct the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to take certain actions with regard to individuals with FASD, including educating officials on how to treat such individuals, studying the inadequacies of the current system for dealing with such individuals, and developing transition programs for such individuals who are released from incarceration.
Bill· SS. 2743 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Veterans Eye Treatment Safety (VETS) Act of 2004 - Allows eye surgery at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility or under contract with the Department to be performed only by a licensed medical doctor, licensed doctor of osteopathy, or licensed dentist whose practice is limited to oral or maxillofacial surgery.
Bill· SS. 2754 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25 percent of any Social Security cost of living increase.
Bill· SS. 2752 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Family Budget Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Requires: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA), Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and benefits payable under part A of title XVIII (relating to part A Medicare hospital insurance benefits) of SSA and part C of such title (relating to the Medicare Advantage program) from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account and the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program, and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of the: (1) Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement System; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.