Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· HRH.R. 6303 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Access, Compassion, Care, and Ethics for Seriously Ill Patients Act or the ACCESS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to replace the current fast track product approval process with a multi-tiered approval process for any investigational drug, biological product, or device. Provides for expedited approval for a drug, biological product, or device for a serious or life-threatening condition, with additional conditions such as additional studies, limits on advertising and promotional materials, and expedited withdrawal procedures. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the Accelerated Approval Advisory Committee to issue recommendations to the Secretary on applications submitted by a sponsor of such a drug, product, or device; (2) prohibit placebo-only or no-treat-only concurrent controls in clinical investigations with respect to any life-threatening condition or disease where reasonably effective, approved, alternative therapies exist for the specific indication; (3) establish a program to encourage the development of surrogate endpoints and biomarkers that are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit for serious or life-threatening conditions for which there exist significant unmet medical needs; (4) request that the Institute of Medicine undertake a study to identify validated surrogate endpoints and biomarkers, and recommend research to validate surrogate endpoints and biomarkers, that may support approvals for products intended for the treatment of serious or life-threatening conditions or diseases; and (5) give equal weight to clinical judgment and statistical analysis in the evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of new products and not disapprove a product application solely on the basis of a statistical analysis or the rigid use of the 95% confidence level convention. Requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a new program to expand access to investigation treatments for individuals with serious or life-threatening conditions and diseases.
Bill· HRH.R. 6289 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Personalized Health Information Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide financial incentives for the establishment of interactive qualifying personal health records for Medicare and other patients and their health care providers in order to: (1) provide patients access to and control over their personal health data and information and educational information; and (2) make available to authorized health care providers a more accurate minimum data set of patient information. Directs that under the program each qualified physician receives an incentive payment for each qualifying patient. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish a list of qualifying physicians who participate in Medicare and have received such payments; and (2) take steps to educate Medicare beneficiaries and providers and other patients about the benefits of qualifying personal health records. Sets forth requirements for a qualified personal health record, including that such record: (1) is controlled solely by the patient; (2) meets minimum security standards; (3) complies with interoperability data standards; (4) is capable of sending patient-specific patient education, reminders, and clinical messages to the patient; and (5) is capable of providing de-identified data for public health analysis and research purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) set minimum security, privacy, and data use standards for such health records; (2) establish a consumer protection board to recommend standards and procedures to the Secretary; and (3) establish a PHR Incentive Fund to make incentive payments. Provides that such Fund shall accept contributions from: (1) the Secretary for Medicare beneficiaries; (2) drug manufacturers for messages regarding medical adherence programs; and (3) other Fund partners.
Bill· HRH.R. 6257 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a process for the approval of a comparable biological product based on its similarity to a previously licensed biological product (the reference product). Allows a person to file an abbreviated comparable product application with the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes: (1) data demonstrating that the product is comparable to the reference product; (2) information to show that the conditions or conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling proposed for the comparable product have been previously approved for the reference product; and (3) information to show that the route of administration, the dosage form, and the strength of the comparable product are the same as those of the reference product. Sets forth conditions for approval of such an application by the Secretary. Allows an applicant to request that the Secretary make a determination as to the interchangeability of a comparable product and the reference product. Provides market exclusivity to such an interchangeable product. Requires the Secretary to establish requirements for the efficient review, approval, suspension, and revocation of comparable product applications. Sets forth provisions governing patent infringement claims against the license holder of a comparable product. Amends the Internal Review Code to allow a tax credit for qualified clinical testing expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 6296 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to permit the designation of a critical access hospital in Cass County, Minnesota, by exempting it from the requirement that it be certified by the state before January 1, 2006, as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores to Minnesota state authority to waive the application of the 35-mile rule.)
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1061 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Requests Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) outline the federal government's responsibilities to support a program for medically monitoring and treating all individuals who were exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero on 9/11; and (2) submit the outline to Congress and the President as quickly as practical.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1073 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Declares the critical importance of the designation of increased funding for: (1) research to address and attempt to end the health crisis; and (2) efforts relating to education, awareness, and early detection at the grassroots levels to end the health crisis.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 99 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Health Protection Amendment - Declares that health care, including care to prevent and treat illness, is the right of all U.S. citizens and necessary to ensure the strength of the nation.
Bill· SS. 3981 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Citizen Petition Fairness and Accuracy Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that any citizen petition or request for stay of action related to an abbreviated new drug application include a statement that the petition: (1) includes all information and views on which the petitioner relies; (2) is well grounded in fact and warranted by law; (3) is not submitted for an improper purpose; and (4) does not contain a materially false, misleading, or fraudulent statement. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate any petition that does not comply. Allows the Secretary to impose penalties for knowingly and willfully submitting a petition for an improper purpose or that contains a materially false, misleading, or fraudulent statement. Provides that such penalties may include: (1) civil penalty; (2) suspension or revocation of the authority to submit a petition; and (3) dismissal of the petition. Requires the Secretary to refer such a violative petition to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for further action. Sets forth the factors that the Secretary shall consider in taking an enforcement action or determining the penalty. Permits any person aggrieved by a petition that may contain violations to request the Secretary to investigate. Subjects knowing and intentional violative requests to civil penalties. Requires the Secretary to take final agency action on such a petition within six months.
Bill· SS. 3984 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2006 - 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) and other mental health-related data collection; (2) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols; and (3) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces. 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 a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out a program of veteran peer counseling to other veterans on mental health matters; and (2) develop model programs to address mental health disorders prevalent among veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 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. Requires 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· SS. 3982 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Assured Compensation for First Responders Act - Repeals the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (Division C of the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Biodefense Injury Compensation Program to provide compensation for death or any injury, illness, disability, or condition that is likely to have been caused by the administration of a covered countermeasure pursuant to a declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or public health emergency makes such administration to a category of individuals advisable. Requires the Secretary: (1) after making such a declaration, to enter into a contract for the Institute of Medicine to provide its recommendations on the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions likely to have been caused by the countermeasure; and (2) after receiving such recommendations, to specify those injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions deemed to be included in the Vaccine Injury Table. Sets the effective date for such Program as November 25, 2002.
Bill· SS. 3983 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Responsible Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act - Repeals the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (Division C of the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Biodefense Injury Compensation Program to provide compensation for death or any injury, illness, disability, or condition that is likely to have been caused by the administration of a covered countermeasure pursuant to a declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or public health emergency makes such administration to a category of individuals advisable. Requires the Secretary: (1) after making such a declaration, to enter into a contract for the Institute of Medicine to provide its recommendations on the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions likely to have been caused by the countermeasure; and (2) after receiving such recommendations, to specify those injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions deemed to be included in the Vaccine Injury Table. Sets the effective date for such Program as November 25, 2002. Extends liability protection for health professionals administering small pox countermeasures to covered countermeasures under this Act. Excludes from such protection the administration by a qualified person of a covered countermeasure to an individual who was not within a category of individuals covered by the declaration where such qualified person did not have reasonable grounds to believe such individual was within such a category. Makes the United States liable for any claims arising out of the manufacture, distribution, or administration of a covered countermeasure, including claims brought by U.S. military personnel.
Bill· SS. 3980 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing food allergy management guidelines contained in the policy.
Bill· SS. 3975 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Community Health Workers Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to promote positive health behaviors for women in target populations, especially racial and ethnic minority women in medically underserved communities. Permits such funds to be used to support community health workers to: (1) educate, guide, and provide outreach regarding health problems among women and especially among racial and ethnic minority women; (2) educate, guide, and provide experiential learning opportunities that target behavioral risk factors, including poor nutrition and tobacco use; (3) educate and guide regarding effective strategies to promote positive health behaviors within the family; (4) educate and provide outreach regarding enrollment in health insurance; (5) promote community wellness and awareness; and (6) educate and refer target populations to appropriate health care agencies and community based programs and organizations. Requires the Secretary to give priority to experienced applicants who propose to target geographic areas: (1) with a high percentage of uninsured or underinsured residents who are eligible for health insurance; (2) with a high percentage of families for whom English is not their primary language; and (3) that encompass the United States-Mexico border region. Requires the Secretary to: (1) encourage community health worker programs to collaborate with academic institutions; and (2) establish guidelines for assuring the quality of the training and supervision of community health workers under programs funded under this Act and for assuring the cost-effectiveness of such programs.
Bill· SS. 3965 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Latina Health Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for programs and activities that provide health care services to uninsured and low-income individuals in medically underserved areas. Directs that grant funds be used to care for a full spectrum of preventable and treatable health care problems in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including through: (1) family planning services and information; (2) prenatal and postnatal care; and (3) assistance and services with respect to asthma, cancer, HIV disease and AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, diabetes, and heart disease. Requires the Secretary to reserve a portion of grants and assistance awarded under the PHSA for entities that represent medically underserved areas or populations with a large number of uninsured low-income individuals. Directs the Secretary to award grants to research institutions to: (1) conduct research on the health status of populations for which there is an absence of health data, such as the Latina population; and (2) work with organizations that focus on such populations on developing participatory community-based research methods. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide outreach, education, and delivery of comprehensive health services to uninsured and low-income individuals in a culturally competent manner; and (2) carry out a health education program targeted specifically to such individuals through community centered informational forums, public service announcements, and media campaigns.
Bill· SS. 3972 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Fiscal Accountability, Integrity, and Responsibility in SCHIP Act of 2006, or FAIR-SCHIP Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to set forth special rules to fund the FY2007 SCHIP allotment shortfalls, including through a redistribution of certain unused FY2005 allotments. Extends authority for qualifying states to use certain funds for Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures.
Bill· SS. 3987 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to declare that it is the intent of Congress that: (1) in a claim brought under such Act, the facts are not to be given a broad liberal construction in favor of the employee or of the employer; (2) the laws pertaining to the claim are to be construed in accordance with the basic principles of statutory construction and not liberally in favor of either the employee or employer; and (3) the system established under the Act shall be efficient and self-executing, but not an economic or administrative burden. Makes compensation under the Act payable regardless of fault as a cause of an injury (no-fault). Specifies requirements for proportional payment of compensation, the last employer doctrine, intervening employment, and noncontributing employment exposure. Prescribes criteria for the preemption of state law providing additional or alternative remedies for an injured employee, the employee's legal representative, spouse, next of kin, or anyone otherwise entitled to recover from an employer on account of an employee's injury or death. Revises requirements for physician selection. Allows a carrier to designate one or more participating networks or one or more health care panels, or both, to provide medical services to employees. Modifies the formula used to determine disability compensation, including for loss of hearing. Increases allowed funeral expenses. Revises requirements for: (1) determination of death compensation to survivors; (2) timing and recipients of a notice of such injury or death; (3) filing of claims; (4) date of payment of compensation; (5) assignment and exemption from the claims of creditors; (6) presumptions, burdens, and rules of evidence; (7) review of compensation orders; (8) modification of compensation awards for fraud or overpayment; (9) reports of fraud; and (10) payments into the special fund in the absence of an entitled survivor of an employee.
Bill· SS. 3977 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer certified as a Patriot employer by the Secretary of the Treasury a tax credit for one percent of such employer's taxable income. Defines a "Patriot employer" as any taxpayer who: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States; (2) pays at least 60% of the health care premiums of its employees; (3) maintains or increases the number of its full-time workers in the United States relative to its full-time workers outside of the United States: (4) provides its employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits; and (5) provides full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty.
Bill· SS. 3966 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
HOPE Youth Pregnancy Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to state or local governments or private nonprofit entities for: (1) teenage pregnancy prevention activities targeted at areas with large ethnic minorities and other at-risk youth; and (2) related outreach and public awareness programs, with priority given to programs aimed at such youth.
Bill· SS. 3963 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) access to outpatient occupational and physical therapy services provided incident to a physician's professional services if furnished by an educated or credentialed therapist who does not have a license; and (2) coverage of certified athletic trainer services and lymphedema therapist services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare, including those provided in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 6251 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide health care benefits for workers who: (1) have been employed by a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor to perform duties under a contract for environmental remediation, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning, maintenance, security, and administrative activities at the Fernald Closure Project (Harrison, Ohio), the Mound Closure Project (Miamisburg, Ohio), or the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Golden, Colorado); and (2) would have qualified for health care benefits available for retirees had the individual's employment not been terminated as a result of the accelerated closure of the site.
Bill· HRH.R. 6231 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of chronic illness employee wellness incentivization and disease management programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state that: (1) is adaptable by state and local agencies in order to rate or report local diabetes care, costs, and prevalence; and (2) includes trend analysis in order to track progress in meeting established national goals and objectives and to inform policy and program development. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify existing efforts to increase awareness of the diabetes and screening benefit among Medicare beneficiaries and providers; and (2) maximize economies of scale, cost-effectiveness, and resource allocation in increasing utilization of the Medicare diabetes screening program. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct, support, and promote the collection, analysis, and publication of data on the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and 2 diabetes and of pre-diabetes. Requires such activities to include an assessment of diabetes as a primary or underlying cause of death. Allows the Secretary to promote the addition to death certificates of language to improve the collection of diabetes mortality data. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of diabetes on the practice of medicine in the United Sates and the level of diabetes medical education that should be required prior to licensure, board certification, and board recertification.
Bill· HRH.R. 6247 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in connection with such a plan from: (1) denying an eligible participant or beneficiary participation in clinical trials related to the treatment of cancer that are federally funded or conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (2) denying (or limiting or imposing additional conditions on) the coverage of routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with such participation; or (3) discriminating against an individual on the basis of such participation. Includes as routine patient costs all items and services provided in the clinical trial that are otherwise generally available to a qualified individual, with certain exceptions. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the impact on group health plans and health insurance issuers of requiring them to cover routine patient care costs for individuals with serious and life threatening diseases other than cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 6235 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
FDA Scientific Fairness for Women Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish the Office of Women's Health within the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finding that a reasonable assurance of safety has been shown for an application for premarket approval for a class III device for a breast implant unless the applicant involved has established the lifetime of the implant and demonstrates that safety has been demonstrated for the life of the implant. Requires the Secretary to determine appropriate clinical care and removal and replacement requirements for the implant, including appropriate coverage by government health care systems. Sets forth provisions governing any FDA advisory committee that considers issues concerning breast implants, including that the Secretary may not grant any exemption for conflicts related to personal financial interests. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for a study on the ionization and levels of platinum in silicone breast implants; and (2) establish a panel of independent scientists for the purpose of designing and conducting the study. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to convene a scientific workshop to review and evaluate current scientific data on the use of emergency contraception by females of childbearing potential under the age of 18, including scientific questions identified in the recent limited approval of Plan B emergency contraception.
Bill· HRH.R. 6246 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Physicians and Taxpayers Protection from Frivolous Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions regulating federal lawsuits for health care liability claims or actions concerning the provision of health care services or medical products pursuant to any federal program. Allows any such health care lawsuit brought in a state court to be removed to a federal court. Gives the U.S. district court jurisdiction over any health care lawsuit. Requires the court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Sets a statute of limitations for commencing such a health care lawsuit in federal court of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury such person knew the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.
Bill· HRH.R. 6227 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Kids Vision Care Act of 2006 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states to: (1) provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener, with priority to children under age nine; (2) provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of such children; and (3) develop and disseminate educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.
Bill· HRH.R. 6236 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe requirements for a long-term care hospital (LTCH) and patient criteria for prospective payment to an LTCH. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) determine the LTCH diagnosis related groups (LTCH-DRGs) associated with a high severity of illness for specified medical conditions; and (2) study and report to Congress on appropriate quality measures for Medicare patients receiving care in LTCHs. Directs the Secretary to choose three quality measures from the study for LTCHs to report. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to require annual updates of LTCH base rates and wage indices and the reweighting of LTCH-DRGs. Prohibits the Secretary from extending application of the 25% (or applicable percentage) patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding LTCHs.
Bill· SS. 3954 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Honest Medicare Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make available to the public every month, starting February 2007, information on: (1) the number of individuals enrolled in a prescription drug plan (PDP) or a MedicareAdvantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan who have reached the plan’s initial coverage limit but who have not reached the annual out-of-pocket threshold (a gap in prescription drug coverage commonly known as the “donut-hole”); and (2) the amount such individuals are spending on covered part D drugs after they have reached such limit and before they have reached such threshold.
Bill· SS. 3958 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Public Service Academy Act of 2006 - Establishes, in the Department of Homeland Security, a United States Public Service Academy providing a fully subsidized liberal arts education to students selected from a pool of candidates nominated by Congress and the President. Reserves 100 first-year seats for international students, whose tuition and expenses are to be covered by their home countries. Requires incoming students to sign an Honor Code and be at least 17 years old, unmarried, and without dependents. Requires students to: (1) participate in daily public service programming and, during their final year, plan and implement a one-year public service project; (2) take foreign language and international relations courses in preparation for spending their junior year studying abroad and interning at a U.S. mission; (3) spend eight weeks each summer engaged in specified training and internship activities; and (4) by the completion of their fourth semester, choose a public service concentration in the economy, education, emergency management, the environment, foreign policy, health care, law enforcement, or the public infrastructure. Directs the Academy to assign graduates to public service employment in their field of concentrated study, where they must serve for at least five years. Includes private nonprofit organizations and private entities deemed to meet critical national needs among acceptable public service employers. Requires foreign students to serve in their home countries. Authorizes the Academy to subsidize a student's graduate education in return for an extended public service commitment. Requires the Academy to raise 20% of its annual budget from private sources.
Bill· HRH.R. 6221 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Public Service Academy Act of 2006 - Establishes, in the Department of Homeland Security, a United States Public Service Academy providing a fully subsidized liberal arts education to students selected from a pool of candidates nominated by Congress and the President. Reserves 100 first-year seats for international students, whose tuition and expenses are to be covered by their home countries. Requires incoming students to sign an Honor Code and be at least 17 years old, unmarried, and without dependents. Requires students to: (1) participate in daily public service programming and, during their final year, plan and implement a one-year public service project; (2) take foreign language and international relations courses in preparation for spending their junior year studying abroad and interning at a U.S. mission; (3) spend eight weeks each summer engaged in specified training and internship activities; and (4) by the completion of their fourth semester, choose a public service concentration in the economy, education, emergency management, the environment, foreign policy, health care, law enforcement, or the public infrastructure. Directs the Academy to assign graduates to public service employment in their field of concentrated study, where they must serve for at least five years. Includes private nonprofit organizations and private entities deemed to meet critical national needs, among acceptable public service employers. Requires foreign students to sign an agreement with the student's home country that meets the same conditions applicable to U.S. students. Authorizes the Academy to subsidize a student's graduate education in return for an extended public service commitment. Requires the Academy to raise 20% of its annual budget from private sources.
Bill· HRH.R. 6211 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Comprehensive Long-Term Care Support Act of 2006 - 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 2007, 75 percent in 2008, and 100 percent in 2009 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 2011 or thereafter, beginning with $1,000 in 2007, $1,500 in 2008, $2,000 in 2009, and $2,500 in 2010. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns), adjusted for inflation after 2007. Increases funding for the the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6224 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate federal programs intended to prevent and reduce the consumption of beverage alcohol by minors. Directs that a program not receiving a score that demonstrates effectiveness must be modified to be eligible for future funding. Allows the Secretary to make grants to states for activities to prevent and reduce underage drinking by reallocating funds from ineffective grants and programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements, including that the state has: (1) demonstrated coordination among agencies to prevent and reduce underage drinking and abuse; (2) implemented a comprehensive plan to improve enforcement and adjudication of existing underage drinking laws; and (3) penalties for specified underage drinking offenses that escalate with repeat offenses. Allows the Secretary to terminate ineffective programs and transfer the federal amounts involved for use for: (1) programs determined to be effective; (2) evidence-based programs; and (3) incentive grants for state measures. Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking to require that federally funded surveys collect and report data in a consistent manner that allows users to compare survey results. Sets forth age categories to be used in such surveys.
Bill· HRH.R. 6214 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Disease Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 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, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Defines an "eligible entity" as a nonprofit organization, a consumer group, an institution of higher education, a federal, state, or local government agency, or a media organization. Allows such an entity 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 6208 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) trade adjustment assistance; (2) data collection; (3) industry-wide certifications; (4) trade assistance for farmers; (5) trade adjustment assistance for firms; and (6) trade adjustment assistance for service workers and firms and industries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and increase the health care tax credit. Establishes in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 6199 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Secretary Act to require states to establish a process for joint training and education for nursing home surveyors and providers at least annually as changes to regulations, guidelines, and policy governing nursing facility operations are implemented. Requires individuals newly hired as surveyors to be assigned full-time to a nursing facility to observe actual operations outside of the survey process before the individuals begins oversight responsibilities. Sets forth provisions related to resumption of nursing aid training program for skilled nursing facilities after correction of deficiencies. Permits: (1) split or shared Medicare billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in such facilities; and (2) nurse practitioners employed by such facilities to certify skilled care under Medicaid. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a condition-based system of physical therapy services based on medical necessity; and (2) utilize an area wage index for such facilities based on wage data from such facilities and not from hospitals to determine a federal per diem for such facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare prospective payment system for such facilities: (1) high cost and low probability cancer treatment drugs; (2) all ambulance services; and (3) additional items and services that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. Eliminates the hospital stay requirement for coverage of extended care services under Medicare. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to be used to predict future nursing shortages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 10-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property.
Bill· HRH.R. 6213 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the Danville Area Community College of Vermilion County, Illinois, specified real property of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Bill· SS. 3944 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 to carry out title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White Care Act). Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining the amounts of formula grants for FY2007, from using a methodology for counting the number of AIDS or HIV cases that is different than the methodology used by the Secretary for FY2006.
Bill· SS. 3945 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception; (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman; (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request; and (4) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman to pay. Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital unless the hospital provides to survivors of sexual assault, regardless of ability to pay: (1) an assessment of the individual's risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections; (2) advice concerning significantly prevalent infections for which effective post-exposure prophylaxis exists and for which the deferral of treatment either would significantly reduce treatment efficacy or would pose substantial risk to the individual's health; and (3) such prophylactic treatment for infections, upon request.
Bill· SS. 3939 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
RU-486 Patient Health and Safety Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to modify the conditions of approval of the new drug application for mifepristone (commonly referred to as RU-486, marketed as Mifeprex) to establish the additional restriction that the drug may not be prescribed or administered by any person other than a licensed physician who: (1) is qualified to personally handle complications resulting from an incomplete abortion or ectopic pregnancy; (2) has been trained to perform surgical abortions and has met all current applicable legal requirements to perform such abortions; (3) is qualified for ultrasound dating of pregnancy and detecting of ectopic pregnancy; (4) has completed a program regarding the prescribing of such drug that uses a curriculum approved by the Secretary; (5) has admitting privileges at a hospital to which the physician can travel in one hour or less; and (6) has been trained to recognize and treat afebrile infections. Requires the Secretary to establish guidelines for the review and approval of such curriculum and for such training. Directs the Secretary to require that information provided to patients in connection with the prescription of the drug include additional strongly worded warnings: (1) regarding the nature of life-threatening afebrile infections and instructions on how to recognize such infections; and (2) against all possible deviations from FDA-approved methods of administration. Prohibits a physician from deviating from FDA-approved methods of administration of such a drug.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 586 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Recognizes: (1) the historical, clinical, and public health achievements of medical coders in the 40-year history of medical coding; and (2) the great impact that medical coders have on improving the quality of health care.
Bill· HRH.R. 6184 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Medicare Academic Anesthesiology and CRNA Payment Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to set forth a special payment rule for teaching anesthesiologists (TAs) and teaching certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Requires payment of 100% of the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable for anesthesia services personally performed by the TA alone when the TA is training physician residents or student nurse anesthetists in a single anesthesia case or two concurrent anesthesia cases, if: (1) the TA is present during all critical or key portions of the anesthesia service or case involved; and (2) either the TA or an anesthesiologist or a CRNA with whom the TA has made special arrangements is immediately available to furnish anesthesia services during the entire case. States that this special payment rule shall not apply in the case of physician services furnished by an anesthesiologist who medically directs a CRNA involved in the training of student nurse anesthetists in a single anesthesia case or two concurrent anesthesia cases. Applies to a CRNA medically directed or medically supervised by a physician in the performance of anesthesia services the current fee schedule amount of one-half of the amount for a physician's medical direction of the performance of such services, regardless of whether or not the CRNA is involved in the training of student nurse anesthetists in a single case or two concurrent cases. Requires payment, however, of 100% of the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable for anesthesia services personally performed by a teaching CRNA alone when the teaching CRNA is not medically directed but is involved in the training of student nurse anesthetists in a single anesthesia case or two concurrent anesthesia cases, if: (1) the teaching CRNA is present during all critical or key portions of the anesthesia service or case involved; and (2) the teaching CRNA (or other CRNA or anesthesiologist with whom the CRNA has made special arrangements) is immediately available to furnish anesthesia services during the entire case.
Bill· HRH.R. 6182 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Nurse and Patient Safety & Protection Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to establish a Federal Safe Patient Handling Standard to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct-care registered nurses and other health care providers working in health care facilities by requiring the elimination of manual lifting of patients through the use of mechanical devices, except during a declared state of emergency. Requires health care facilities to: (1) develop and implement a safe patient handling plan consistent with such standard; and (2) post a uniform notice that explains the standard and the procedures to report patient handling-related injuries. Requires the Secretary to direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to conduct audits of plan implementation and compliance. Authorizes health care providers to: (1) refuse to accept an assignment in a health care facility if the assignment would violate the standard or if such provider is not prepared to fulfill the assignment without compromising the patient safety or jeopardizing the provider's license; and (2) file complaints against facilities that violate this Act. Requires the Secretary to investigate complaints and to prohibit retaliation if violations occur. Prohibits health care facilities from retaliating with respect to employment against providers for such refusal or against any individual who in good faith reports a violation, participates in an investigation or proceeding, or discusses violations. Authorizes health care providers who have been retaliated against in violation of this Act to bring a cause of action in a U.S. district court. Entitles providers that prevail to reinstatement, reimbursement of lost compensation, attorneys' fees, court costs, and/or other damages. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program for purchasing safe patient handling equipment for health care facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 6185 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to, among other things: (1) authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in certain cases, to furnish up to 14 days of postnatal care to the newborn child of a woman veteran; (2) revise third-party payer provisions relating to health care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spina bifida and associated disabilities in the children of Vietnam veterans; (3) make permanent the homeless veterans' comprehensive services program; (4) include as authorized VA mental health service providers marriage and family therapists and professional mental health counselors; (5) provide a pay level adjustment for the Chief Nursing Officer; (6) authorize VA vs. private contractor cost comparison studies with respect to certain commercial or industrial products; (7) direct the Secretary to expand certain veterans' mental health clinical services and education programs; (8) provide an exception to the confidentiality of VA medical records in the case of possible organ donations; (9) direct the Secretary to expand the National Guard outreach program and telehealth services; (10) allow limited veterans' travel reimbursement in connection with treatment or care for a non-service-connected disability; (11) establish VA blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists; (12) provide priority health care and services for certain veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina; (13) authorize the Secretary to reimburse veterans for certain outstanding emergency treatment expenses for which they remain personally liable; and (14) authorize the Secretary to convey to the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, certain property located in the Tower Park area of Fort Thomas.
Bill· HRH.R. 6191 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 to carry out title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White Care Act). Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining the amounts of formula grants for FY2007, from using a methodology for counting the number of AIDS or HIV cases that is different than the methodology used by the Secretary for FY2006.
Bill· HRH.R. 6188 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2006 - 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 6175 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Medigap Access Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for guaranteed issue of replacement Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies for beneficiaries under age 65 upon first enrolling under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare.
Bill· HRH.R. 6186 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
America's Partnership for Nursing Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualifying states to increase the number of faculty at collegiate schools of nursing to alleviate the shortage of nurses. Sets forth conditions to be a qualifying state, including that the state: (1) has a population increase of more than 50% between 1995 and 2005; (2) is projected to have fewer than 555 nurses per 100,000 residents by 2020; and (3) has a program in place, as of January 1, 2006, to assist in increasing the number of faculty at such schools of nursing. Allows such a grant to be used for collegiate school of nursing salaries, benefits, training, and related expenses. Prohibits such a grant from being expended for any capital expenses.
Law· HRH.R. 6164 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) reorganize the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (2) establish the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (the Division); (3) limit the total number of national research institutes and national centers; and (4) establish procedures for future NIH reorganizations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Scientific Management Review Board to advise the appropriate officials on the organization of NIH. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH, to: (1) be responsible for program coordination across national research institutes and national centers; (2) ensure that scientifically based strategic planning is implemented in support of research priorities; and (3) ensure that NIH resources are sufficiently allocated for research projects identified in the strategic plans. Requires the Director to establish the Council of Councils to advise the Director on matters related to the policies and activities of the Division. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish an electronic system to uniformly code NIH research grants and activities. Sets forth NIH reporting requirements to Congress, the Secretary, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Director, to allocate funds for the national research institutes and national centers to make grants for the purpose of improving the public health through demonstration projects for biomedical research at the interface between the biological, behavioral, and social sciences and the physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences.
Bill· HRH.R. 6168 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label of a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement marketed in the United States to: (1) submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 15 business days any report received of a serious adverse event associated with such drug or supplement when used in the United States; (2) submit within 15 business days any related medical information that is received within one year of the initial report; (3) maintain records related to each report for six years; and (4) permit inspection of such records. Requires the Secretary to develop systems to ensure that duplicate reports of a serious adverse event are consolidated into a single report. Allows the Secretary to establish an exemption from such reporting that would have no adverse effect on public health. Prohibits any state or local government from establishing or continuing any requirement related to a mandatory system for adverse event reports for nonprescription drugs or dietary supplements that is not identical to this Act. Prohibits the responsible person from: (1) refusing to permit access to any required record; or (2) failing to establish or maintain any record, or make any report, required under this Act. Deems a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement that is marketed in the United States to be misbranded, unless its label includes a domestic address or phone number for the reporting of a serious adverse event. Prohibits the importation of such a drug or supplement if the Secretary has credible evidence or information indicating that the responsible person has not complied with the requirements of this Act or has not allowed access to its records.
Bill· HRH.R. 6161 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
Senior Safety and Dignity Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include in the nursing home patient's bill of rights the right to receive care from a creditable caregiver. Requires a skilled nursing facility (SNF), before hiring a worker, to conduct a background check on the applicant. Prohibits the hiring of abusive workers or workers convicted of a relevant crime. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act, including knowing retention of SNF workers who fail background checks. Applies such requirements and prohibitions to a long-term care facility or provider. Directs the Secretary to establish a national criminal background check program, after evaluation of the pilot program under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, in order to prevent abuse of nursing facility and SNF residents and individuals receiving home health care services and other long-term care services under the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct such criminal background checks. Requires the national criminal background check program to be made available to a long-term care facility or provider. Adds to the nursing home patient's bill of rights the right to a safe environment during an emergency or natural disaster. Requires a SNF under Medicare and Medicaid to: (1) have a clear and preestablished disaster plan; and (2) inform residents and next-of-kin about it and the location of possible evacuation in case of an emergency disaster. Applies the same requirement to other long-term care facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 6169 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to expand and intensify NIMH research and related activities with respect to post-abortion depression and psychosis. Requires the Director of NIMH to: (1) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, such post-abortion conditions; and (2) conduct a study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques. Requires the Secretary to make grants to establish, operate, and coordinate effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such post-abortion conditions.