Healthcare

Improving Dementia Care Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Improving Dementia Care Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to establish and implement prescriber education programs to promote high quality evidence-based treatment through the development and dissemination of objective, educational, and informational materials to physicians and other prescribing practitioners, including such a program developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the review and reporting of antipsychotics prescribed to skilled nursing facility (SNF) and nursing facility residents with dementia. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized protocol for such facilities to obtain informed consent from an older adult with dementia before prescribing an antipsychotic to him or her for a use not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Directs the Comptroller General to study state laws and regulations concerning informed consent with respect to the administration of a psychoactive medication with regard to the effectiveness of such laws and practices in changing the frequency of prescribing of such medications to older adults with dementia. Directs the Secretary to include a measure of the utilization of antipsychotics for each such facility for inclusion on the Nursing Home Compare Website as part of the quality measures or health inspection measures, or both such measures, under the Five-Star Quality Rating System. Directs the Comptroller General to study the impact of the standardized protocol for obtaining informed consent under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to study appropriate prescribing of antipsychotics for hospital inpatients and whether documentation of antipsychotic use in patients with dementia is provided during transitions of care from hospitals to other care settings.

Robert Matava Exploitation Protection for Elder Adults Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Robert Matava Exploitation Protection for Elder Adults Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the prohibition against telemarketing fraud to cover e-mail marketing fraud; (2) include within the definition of "telemarketing or e-mail marketing" any plan to induce investment for financial profit, participation in a business opportunity, commitment to a loan, or participation in a fraudulent medical study, research study, or pilot study; and (3) apply enhanced penalties to telemarketing or e-mail marketing in connection with health care fraud offenses. Directs the Attorney General to annually: (1) collect from law enforcement agencies and prosecutor offices statistical data relating to the incidence of elder abuse, (2) identify common data points that would permit the collection of uniform national data, (3) publish a summary of the data collected, (4) identify the types of data that should be collected and what entity is most capable of collecting it, and (5) develop recommendations for collecting additional data. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) provide information, training, and technical assistance to assist states and local governments in investigating, prosecuting, preventing, and mitigating the impact of elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect; (2) carry out other specified duties in connection with enhancing the understanding, prevention, detection, and response to elder abuse; and (3) in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Legal Services Corporation, to establish a demonstration program to provide grants annually to not more than six civil legal services entities that could prevent or provide remedies for abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and collaborate with other organizations seeking to prevent, detect, and respond to elder abuse. Grants congressional consent to any two or more states to enter into agreements or compacts for cooperative effort and mutual assistance in: (1) promoting the safety and well-being of elders, and (2) enforcing their respective laws and policies to promote such safety and well-being. Directs the Executive Director of the State Justice Institute to submit legislative proposals relating to the facilitation of interstate agreements and compacts. Requires the Comptroller General to publish a report reviewing any findings on the financial cost to the federal government from the abuse and exploitation of elders.

RIDE Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Recruiting Individuals to Drive Our Elders Act of 2012 or RIDE Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish an interim final rule to revise certain Medicaid transportation regulations to allow a state plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide, at state option, reimbursement for costs attributable to providing no-load volunteer travel services to Medicaid-eligible individuals who require transportation to receive non-emergency medical treatment.

A resolution designating the third week of January 2013 as "Teen Cancer Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Designates the third week of January 2013 as Teen Cancer Awareness Week.

PESTT Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Pest Elimination Services Transparency and Terminology or the PESTT Act - Amends the Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1988, with respect to nuisance animal control activities and agreements of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to define "urban rodent control" (excepted from such activities) as efforts to directly control any mammal in the order Rodentia in a location that is not an airport or in a rural area. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report to Congress on activities carried out by the Wildlife Services program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that: (1) identifies activities that can be carried out by private sector entities, (2) prioritizes those vital to the protection of public health and safety and agricultural production and that can be performed by such entities, and (3) recommends ways to avoid duplication by the Wildlife Services program and the private sector.

Medicare Adult Day Services Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Medicare Adult Day Services Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) cover certified adult day services furnished in a certified adult day services center and meeting specified requirements; and (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase by 3% the payment amount otherwise effective for such services furnished in a rural area on or after January 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2016.

Measures to Prevent Childhood Obesity Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Measures to Prevent Childhood Obesity Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require: (1) each health care provider that administers a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table to record in the vaccinated person's medical record the person's age, gender, height, and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI); (2) the provider and the vaccine manufacturer to report such information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (3) the provider to report to the relevant department of the state in which it practices the data collected. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to not more than 20 entities (states and territories with statewide immunization information systems that meet certain requirements) to analyze BMI measurements of children of ages 2 through 18. Gives priority in grant selection to states in which a high percentage of health care providers submit data to a statewide immunization information system that contains immunization data for at least 20 percent of the population under the age of 18 and includes data collected from men and women of a wide variety of ages who reside in a wide variety of geographic areas. Provides standards for BMI measurement in recipient states, including concerning the providing of information on state and local obesity prevention programs. Sets forth state reporting requirements regarding BMI data and obesity prevention and wellness programs and policies. Requires a report to Congress and the Departments of Education and of Agriculture (USDA) analyzing childhood obesity trends and describing programs that significantly lower childhood obesity rates for certain geographic areas and which the Secretary recommends for implementation by states.

Improving Diagnostic Innovations Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Improving Diagnostic Innovations Act of 2012 - Sets forth additional factors for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider in determining the payment amount for new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under gap filling procedures which are used when no comparable existing test is available. Directs the Secretary to convene an independent advisory panel to inform and make recommendations to the Secretary regarding any new test. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process for application for the assignment of a temporary national HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) code to uniquely identify a diagnostic test until a permanent national HCPCS code is available for assignment to that test, (2) analyze the process used for the gapfilling procedures used in determining payment amounts for new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, and (3) implement improvements in the process after public notice and opportunity for comment.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exempt certain hospice programs from the limitation applicable to payments for hospice care under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt from the cap on payments for hospice care any care furnished on or after November 1, 2004, under the Medicare program by a qualified hospice program. Qualifies a hospice program under this Act if: (1) at least 50% of the shares of its common stock are owned by a minority individual or group of minority individuals (African-Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans, or Latin-Americans), and (2) at least 75% of the individuals electing to participate in the program reside in a county or parish half of whose population consists of minority individuals or for which the average per capita income is the lowest quantile of counties in the state in which the hospice program is located. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recalculate and reconcile payments under part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program for qualified hospice care furnished between November 1, 2004, and the date of enactment of this Act if the current cap was applied.

Expressing support for designation of November 2012 as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Expresses support for: (1) the designation of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, and (2) efforts to educate the people of the United States about stomach cancer. Recognizes the need for additional research into early diagnosis and treatment.

Supporting efforts to raise awareness of, improve education on, and encourage research on inflammatory breast cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Declares that the federal government has a responsibility to: (1) raise awareness and improve education about inflammatory breast cancer, (2) encourage the American Medical Association to take steps to increase awareness of the disease among physicians, (3) encourage treatment research, and (4) continue to consider ways to improve access to information on the disease for doctors and patients.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week. Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives, and (2) people in the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.

Citrus, Wool, and Cotton Trust Fund Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Citrus, Wool, and Cotton Trust Fund Act of 2012 - Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund Act of 2012 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund, consisting of revenues from duties paid on imported citrus or citrus products, to support scientific research, technical assistance, and development activities to combat both domestic and invasive citrus diseases and pests harming the United States. Establishes the Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund Advisory Board. Makes Fund amounts available to the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a coordinated program of research and product development relating to: (1) scientific research of both domestic and invasive diseases and pests afflicting the citrus industry; and (2) support for the dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, and technologies discovered through Fund research or other research projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests. Requires the President to notify certain congressional committees before entering into a trade agreement that could result in a decrease in the amount of: (1) duties paid on imported citrus or citrus products, and (2) funds transferred into the Fund. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to: (1) modify the article description of certain cotton shirting fabrics, and (2) extend the temporary duty suspensions on such fabrics. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend through December 31, 2015, the requirement that the Secretary of the Treasury transfer from the Treasury to the Pima Cotton Trust Fund amounts equal to the duties received in the Treasury from certain imported woven fabrics of cotton since January 1, 2004 (currently, January 1, 1994). Repeals the limitation that pima cotton be grown in the United States from the formula for determination of annual payments to a nationally recognized association established for the promotion of pima cotton as well as to the yarn spinners of pima cotton. Limits the latter payments to yarn spinners of pima cotton that produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States. Requires annual affidavits from shirting manufacturers and from yarn spinners. Amends the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 with respect to insufficiencies in the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund for U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection payments to manufacturers of certain wool products or for grants by the Secretary of Commerce to manufacturers of worsted wool fabrics. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in such instances, to transfer to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to duties received on "Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Not Knitted or Crocheted" in order to make such payments and award such grants. Requires such transfers to cover such payments and grants for 2010-2012. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to continue to make it a priority to address Canada's market-distorting subsidies and practices in the lumber market. Increases by 0.25% the required estimated income tax payments otherwise due in the third quarter of 2017 for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion. Requires the next required installment to be appropriately reduced to reflect the amount of this increase. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs user fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States from October 23, 2021, to November 12, 2021, and other specified customs users fees from October 30, 2021, to November 26, 2021.

Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the nutritional information that restaurants and retail food establishments must disclose. Requires the nutrient content disclosure statement on the menu or menu board to include: (1) the number of calories contained in the whole product; (2) the number of servings and number of calories per serving; or (3) the number of calories per the common unit division of the product, such as for a multi-serving item that is typically divided before presentation to the consumer. Permits such information to be provided by a remote-access menu, such as through the internet, for food establishments where the majority of orders are placed by customers who are off-premises at the time the order is placed. Defines “reasonable basis” for a restaurant or similar food establishment’s nutrient content disclosures to mean that the nutrient disclosure is within acceptable allowances for variation in nutrient content, which shall include allowances for variations in serving size, inadvertent human error in formulation of menu items, and variations in ingredients. Sets forth the methods a restaurant or similar food establishment may use to determine nutritional content for disclosure, including ranges, averages, individual labeling of flavors or components, or labeling of one preset standard build. Defines "preset standard build" as the finished version of a menu item most commonly ordered by consumers. Applies the nutritional disclosure requirements to retail food establishments that derive more than 50% of their total revenue from the sale of food.

Empower States Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Empower States Act of 2012 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act, with respect to enforcement of drinking water regulations, to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from taking any enforcement action against a state with primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems or a company or individual within the state, unless: (1) the Administrator determines that there is an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or environment, and (2) the state failed to take corrective action. Prohibits the Administrator from amending or revoking any program of a state with partial or total primary enforcement responsibility unless the Administrator determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the program fails to effectively protect drinking water in the state. Requires the head of a federal department or agency, before issuing or promulgating any guideline or regulation relating to oil and gas exploration and production on federal, state, tribal, or fee land pursuant to federal law or executive order, to seek comments from and consult with the head of each affected state, state agency, and Indian tribe at a location within their jurisdiction. Requires federal departments and agencies to develop Statements of Energy and Economic Impact that detail and analyze: (1) adverse effects of an action on energy supply, distribution, or use; and (2) impact on the domestic economy if the action is taken. Prohibits imposition of any new or modified oil and gas regulation unless the head of the applicable department or agency determines: (1) that the rule is necessary to prevent immediate harm to human health or the environment, and (2) by clear and convincing evidence that the state or tribe does not have an existing reasonable alternative to the proposed regulation. Requires any regulation promulgated after enactment of this Act that requires disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals to refer to the database managed by the Ground Water Protection Council and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of such regulations.

Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop a scientific framework for research on recalcitrant cancers (cancer with a 5-year relative survival rate below 50%), which includes: (1) a review of the status of research, such as a summary of findings, identification of promising scientific advances, a description of the availability of qualified scientific researchers, and the identification of resources available to facilitate research; (2) identification of research questions that have not been adequately addressed; and (3) recommendations for actions to advance research and for appropriate benchmarks to measure progress on achieving such actions. Requires the Director to develop the framework within 18 months and review and update it every 5 years. Requires the Director to identify within 6 months 2 or more recalcitrant cancers that have a 5-year relative survival rate of less than 20%, and are estimated to cause the death of at least 30,000 individuals in the United States per year. Authorizes the Director to identify additional such cancers and to consider additional metrics of progress (such as incidence and mortality rates) against such cancer. Requires the Director to convene a working group for each identified cancer to provide expertise on, and assist in developing, a scientific framework under this Act. Requires the Director to consider each relevant scientific framework developed under this Act when making recommendations for exception funding for grant applications.

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012 - Revises the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals, HIV-positive individuals, individuals with Alzheimer's disease, veterans, and Holocaust survivors, among others, within the status of greatest social need caused by noneconomic factors. Changes the status of greatest economic need from at or below the poverty line to 200% of the poverty line. Requires the Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs to recommend to the Assistant Secretary for Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) resources (including hardware and software) needed by state Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (LTCOs) to collect and report program data through the National Ombudsman Reporting System. Expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary to include: (1) assisting the states with the development of Home Care Consumer Bills of Rights and Plans for Enforcement; and (2) establishing a National Adult Protective Services Resource Center. Authorizes designation within the Administration on Aging of a person responsible for addressing issues affecting LGBT older individuals. Requires the designated state agency to distribute quality assurance information about home- and community-based long-term care (LTC) programs, service providers, and resources. Modifies the duties and functions of the Administration on Aging to include: (1) technical assistance to certain state and community entities to ensure they develop programming, services, and outreach for older individuals with greatest economic need and greatest social need; and (2) studies and data collection to determine services needed by LGBT older individuals. Directs the Assistant Secretary to ensure, where appropriate, that all programs funded under the Act include appropriate training in the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and provision of services that address elder justice and exploitation. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish and operate: (1) the National Resource Center for Women and Retirement; and (2) the National Resource Center on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Aging. Reauthorizes OAA through FY2017. Establishes an Advisory Committee to Assess, Coordinate, and Improve Legal Assistance Activities. Directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), to revise and improve the Experimental Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) published by the BLS to make it a reliable measure in determining future cost-of-living adjustments affecting Americans age 62 or older. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to designate within the Administration a person who has specialized training, background, or experience with Holocaust survivor issues to have responsibility for implementing services for older individuals who are Holocaust survivors. Requires the designated state agency to promote the development and implementation of a state system to address the care coordination needs of older individuals with multiple chronic illnesses. Revises area and state plan requirements with respect to specified services, including state LTCO programs and the provision of programming and services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner to older individuals with greatest social need. Revises requirements with respect to: (1) consumer contributions (cost-sharing); (2) a specified study of nutrition projects; (3) supportive services and the senior centers program; (4) nutrition services; (5) disease prevention and health promotion services; (6) the National Family Caregiver Support Program, including grants to assess the needs of family caregivers for certain targeted support services; (7) specified grant programs; and (8) protection from violence projects. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants to carry out or establish: (1) projects to support and promote modern multipurpose senior center models which yield multiservice, multigenerational centers for older individuals, their families, and others to gain needed skills, resources, and connections for continuum of care and quality of life; (2) a demonstration program on care coordination and service delivery redesign for older individuals with chronic illness or at risk of institutional placement; and (3) a grant program to assist communities in preparing for the aging of the population, and a related National Resource Center on Livable Communities for All Ages. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants or contracts to eligible entities to increase and improve transportation services, including non-emergency transportation to medical appointments and shopping for food, to enable older individuals to remain in the community, with a preference for Holocaust survivors. Directs the HHS Secretary to award competitive grants to or contract with eligible entities to fund the employment costs of professionals who will: (1) coordinate with the provision of medically recommended dental care to eligible individuals by volunteer dentists; and (2) verify the medical, dental, and financial needs of individuals who may be eligible for free medically recommended dental care. Directs the Secretary to award a grant to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Family Caregiving. Requires each grantee under the Older American Community Service Employment Program to place at least 50% of its project participants in positions with organizations that assist older adults or with duties that positively impact their lives. Directs the Assistant Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to study the feasibility of transferring the program from the Department of Labor to the Administration on Aging. Requires the Assistant Secretary to ensure that education and public awareness activities under OAA title XI (Allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities) are fully integrated with all service programs under OAA title III (Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging), the work of the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and the long-term care ombudsman programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award competitive grants to states for State Home Care Ombudsman Programs. Requires a state to have a Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights and a Plan for Enforcement. Requires the state Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights to address a home care consumer's right to: (1) basic safety; (2) information access; (3) choice, participation, and self-determination; (4) care and services provided in a way that promotes each consumer's dignity and individuality; and (5) redress of grievances. Requires the Bill of Rights also to address the role and responsibilities that fiduciaries may have in securing these rights of home care consumers. Revises requirements for: (1) state LTCO programs; (2) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (3) state legal assistance development. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to enable states to establish and operate state Senior Medicare Patrol programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to include geriatrics and gerontology as primary health services.

Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop a scientific framework for research on recalcitrant cancers (cancer with a 5-year relative survival rate below 50%), which includes: (1) a review of the status of research, such as a summary of findings, identification of promising scientific advances, a description of the availability of qualified scientific researchers, and the identification of resources available to facilitate research; (2) identification of research questions that have not been adequately addressed; and (3) recommendations for actions to advance research and for appropriate benchmarks to measure progress on achieving such actions. Requires the Director to develop the framework within 18 months and review and update it every 5 years. Requires the Director to identify within 6 months 2 or more recalcitrant cancers that have a 5-year relative survival rate of less than 20%, and are estimated to cause the death of at least 30,000 individuals in the United States per year. Authorizes the Director to identify additional such cancers and to consider additional metrics of progress (such as incidence and mortality rates) against such cancer. Requires the Director to convene a working group for each identified cancer to provide expertise on, and assist in developing, a scientific framework under this Act. Requires the Director to consider each relevant scientific framework developed under this Act when making recommendations for exception funding for grant applications.

Telemarketing Fraud Modernization Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Telemarketing Fraud Modernization Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to modify telemarketing fraud prohibitions by including: (1) measures to induce investment for financial profit, participation in a business opportunity, or commitment to a loan; and (2) marketing by use of emails, text messages, or electronic instant messages. Imposes enhanced criminal penalties for health care fraud offenses in connection with the conduct of telemarketing.

A resolution designating the month of October 2012 as "National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Designates October 2012 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Urges communities to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse.

A resolution designating December 3, 2012, as "National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Designates December 3, 2012, as National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day.

A resolution designating the week beginning on September 10, 2012 and ending on September 14, 2012 as "National Health Information Technology Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in improving health quality.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Designates the week of September 10-September 14, 2012, as National Health Information Technology Week. Calls on interested parties to promote the use of information technology and management systems to transform the U.S. health care system.

FDA User Fee Corrections Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

FDA User Fee Corrections Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (P.L. 112-144), to: (1) make clerical corrections to provisions of such Act; and (2) eliminate the restriction that appropriated funds shall be available only for payment of increases in the cost of reviewing medical device applications, including related personnel costs. Specifies due dates in FY2013 under FFDCA for the drug master file fee, the abbreviated new drug application and prior approval supplement filing fees, and the generic drug facility and active pharmaceutical ingredient facility fees.

Medicare Secondary Payer and Late Enrollment Penalty Family Fairness Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Medicare Secondary Payer and Late Enrollment Penalty Family Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply the eligibility requirements of Medicare special enrollment periods, secondary payer rules, and late enrollment penalties in a way to take into consideration the current employment status of all family members of an employee (currently, only the employment status of the employee or of the employee's spouse).

Expressing support for designation of September 2012 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2012

Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research so that the screening and treatment of prostate cancer may be improved and the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2012

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2011 [ sic ] - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research on triple-negative breast cancer (breast cancers whose cells are negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and the HER2 protein on their sources). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information regarding triple-negative breast cancer, including information on: (1) the incidence and prevalence of such breast cancer among women, (2) the elevated risk for minority women, and (3) the availability of a range of treatment options. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate information on triple-negative breast cancer to health care providers.

Medicare Transitional Care Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2012

Medicare Transitional Care Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover transitional care services for qualified individuals provided by a transitional care clinician acting as an employee of a qualified transitional care entity, such as a hospital (or a critical care hospital), a home health agency, a primary care practice, a federally qualified health center, a long-term care facility, a medical home, an appropriate community-based organization, an assisted living center, or an accountable care organization.

MITECH Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Medicaid Information Technology to Enhance Community Health Act of 2012 or MITECH Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend payments to encourage the adoption and use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to qualified safety net clinics (QSNCs). Defines a QSNC as a clinic or network of clinics operated by a private non-profit or public entity at least 30% percent of whose patient volume is attributable to needy individuals. Defines a "QSNC-based" individual as one who furnishes substantially all of his or her professional services in a QSNC and through use of the clinic's facilities and equipment, including qualified EHRs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure through which a QSNC may demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology in order to receive incentive payments.

Sequestration Prevention Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Sequestration Prevention Act of 2012 - Title I: Fully Repeal the Sequestration Provision of Round 2 of the Budget Control Act - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm--Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, to repeal its budget goal enforcement requirements (sequestration mandate). Title II: Repeal of Health Care Law - Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and restores or revives any provisions of law amended or repealed by it as if PPACA had not been enacted. Repeals title I (Coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, and Revenues) and subtitle B (Health) of title II of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and restores or revives any provisions of law amended or repealed by them as if such title and subtitle had not been enacted. Repeals the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Title III: Nutrition Assistance Block Grant Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a nutrition assistance block grant program of annual grants to each participating state that establishes a nutrition assistance program including work requirements, mandatory drug testing, and benefit use limitations at least as restrictive as those for the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Title IV: Block Grant the Medicaid Program - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Medicaid block grant program of annual grants to each participating state that establishes a medical assistance program for individuals. Repeals title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and eliminates mandatory direct funding for the existing Medicaid program. Title V: Reduction of Federal Workforce - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine the number of full-time employees employed in each federal agency. Prohibits the head of each federal agency from hiring more than 2 employees for every 3 employees who leave employment in the agency until the number of full-time employees in the agency is 10% less than the number determined by the OMB Director under this title. Title VI: Prohibition on Climate Change and Global Warming Funding - Prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for any activity relating to climate change or global warming. Title VII: Protecting Access to Health Care - Protecting Access to Healthcare Act - Title I: HEALTH Act - Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2012 - Prescribes requirements for lawsuits for health care goods and services liability claims. Sets a three-year statute of limitations after the manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. 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 court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. 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 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. Limits the liability of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and providers of medical products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards. Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to deem a hospital or an emergency department and a physician or physician group of that hospital or emergency department to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise from providing emergency and post-stabilization services on or after January 1, 2012. Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act of 2012 - Declares that nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act (which exempts the insurance business generally from federal regulation) shall modify, impair, or supersede the operation of any of the antitrust laws with respect to the business of health insurance. Applies prohibitions against using unfair methods of competition to the business of health insurance without regard to whether such business is carried on for profit. Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2012 - Amends the PHSA to declare that a health care professional shall not be liable under federal or state law, with certain exceptions, for harm caused by any act or omission if: (1) the professional is serving as a volunteer for purposes of responding to a disaster; and (2) the act or omission occurs during the period of the disaster, in the professional's capacity as such a volunteer, and in a good faith belief that the individual being treated is in need of health care services. Places on the plaintiff in any civil action or proceeding against a health care professional the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the limitation of liability under this Act does not apply. Title VIII: Budget Control Act Spending Cap Adjustments - Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to reenact the requirements for enforcement of discretionary spending limits as they were in effect on January 15, 2012. Specifies discretionary spending caps for the security category (Budget Function 050, largely Department of Defense [DOD]) and the non-security category for FY2013-FY2022.

Surveillance, Tracking, Observation, and Prevention of Obesity Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Surveillance, Tracking, Observation, and Prevention of Obesity Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make demonstration project grants for the expansion of state registries on childhood immunization or health to include data on body mass index collected and submitted by health care providers. Requires the Secretary to study and report on the demonstration projects, including an analysis of their effectiveness.

RDOCS Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Restoring the Doctors of Our Country through Scholarships Act of 2012 or the RDOCS Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants under which states provide RDOCS scholarships, paying all costs of a student's undergraduate medical education, to provide for the increased availability of primary health care services in health professional shortage areas. Requires the scholarship recipient to agree to residency training in a primary care specialty and a five-year post-graduate period of service in a health professional shortage area. Requires that preference be given in award of scholarships to applicants enrolled in: (1) an accelerated track family-medicine program (an integrated course of study allowing completion of undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education in six years), or (2) a program that includes clinical training in rural or underserved urban communities. Sets a minimum rate at which federal funding must be matched.

Negotiating for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Negotiating for Seniors Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the prohibition against: (1) interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors, and (2) the Secretary's requiring a particular formulary or instituting a price structure for the reimbursement of covered Medicare part D drugs.

Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act of 2012 - Repeals and replaces provisions prohibiting reprisals against employees of civilian and defense contractors for disclosing to a federal official information relating to a substantial violation of law related to a public contract. Prohibits an employee of any non-federal employer receiving covered funds (i.e., a contract, grant, or other payment any portion of which is provided by the federal government) from being discharged, demoted, or discriminated against as a reprisal for initiating or participating in any proceeding related to the misuse of federal funds, reasonably opposing the misuse of federal funds, or disclosing to specified federal agencies or officials information that the employee reasonably believes is evidence of: (1) gross mismanagement of an agency contract or grant relating to covered funds; (2) a gross waste of covered funds; (3) a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or an abuse of authority, related to the implementation or use of covered funds; or (4) a violation of a law, rule, or regulation related to an agency contract, subcontract, or grant relating to covered funds. Sets forth provisions on: (1) time limitations for determinations by inspector generals on whether to conduct or continue an investigation of a reprisal complaint, (2) access by a complainant to the inspector general's investigative file, (3) the standard of proof for showing the occurrence of a reprisal, (4) agency actions to deny relief or remedy a reprisal, (5) the exhaustion of administrative remedies authorizing civil action by a complainant, and (6) nonenforceability of waivers and arbitration of disputes.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and efforts to raise awareness and improve outreach to persons at risk for suicide, especially veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Encourages the people of the United States to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how each person can help prevent suicide and promote mental health.

A resolution designating September 22, 2012, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2012

Designates September 22, 2012, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Commends the Falls Free Coalition Advocacy Work Group and other falls prevention coalitions for their efforts to increase education and awareness about the prevention of falls among older adults. Encourages: (1) promotion of fall awareness in an effort to reduce the incidence of falls among older adults, and (2) state health departments to reduce falls among older adults. Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue developing and evaluating strategies to prevent falls among older adults that will translate into effective fall prevention interventions. Recognizes proven, cost-effective fall prevention programs and policies, and encourages experts in the field to share their best practices so that their success can be replicated by others.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE'S IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEMOCRATS' HEALTH CARE LAW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 September 2012

A resolution designating September 13, 2012, as "National Celiac Disease Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2012

Designates September 13, 2012, as National Celiac Disease Awareness Day.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 9, 2012, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2012

Designates the week beginning September 9, 2012, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals, direct care workers, personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Commends such persons as integral participants in the long-term support and services system of the United States.

VA Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2012

VA Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2013 at VA medical centers in: (1) Seattle, Washington; (2) Dallas, Texas; and (3) Miami, Florida. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases (leases) in FY2013 in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Texas. Designates the outpatient healthcare access center in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the "Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Access Center." Reduces lease amounts authorized in previous fiscal years for VA outpatient clinics in: (1) San Diego, California; (2) Johnson County, Kansas; and (3) Tyler, Texas. Authorizes appropriations for such projects and leases. Provides project and lease funding limitations. Extends through FY2013 VA default procedures with respect to guaranteed loans to veterans. Extends through 2013 VA authority: (1) to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines; (2) to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and related services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) to provide expanded services and housing assistance to homeless veterans; (4) for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; and (5) to use contract physicians to perform VA medical disability examinations.

HEALING IN INDIAN COUNTRY: ENSURING ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE

United States · United States Senate · 8 August 2012

Cell Phone Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2012

Cell Phone Right to Know Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) conduct or support a comprehensive research program to determine whether exposure to electromagnetic fields from mobile communication devices causes adverse biological effects in humans, including vulnerable subpopulations such as children, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems and hypersensitivity reactions, men and women of reproductive age, and the elderly; (2) disseminate research results to the general public; and (3) report findings and conclusions to Congress. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate regulations to allow a subscriber to access personally or to give consent to allow researchers with institutional review board approval to access specific usage data required to investigate the link between electromagnetic radiation exposure and potential adverse biological effects in humans. Directs the EPA to promulgate regulations establishing maximum exposure level goals and maximum exposure levels for exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by mobile communication devices. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to promulgate regulations to provide for labeling (including exposure ratings and the maximum allowable exposure levels and goals) on mobile communication devices, packaging, instruction manuals, and at points of sale in stores and on websites. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase: (1) the number and size of grants to institutions for training scientists in the field of examining the relationship between electromagnetic fields and human health; and (2) the number of career development awards for such training for health professionals pursuing careers in pediatric basic and clinical research, including pediatric pharmacological research. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a graduate educational loan repayment program and authorize national awards for researchers in such fields. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to the prohibition on state or local government zoning regulation of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radiofrequency emissions. Excludes from such prohibition state or local regulation based on the adverse human health effects of emissions of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Ethical Pathway Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Ethical Pathway Act of 2012 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to establish a mechanism by which an applicant to sell any new pharmaceutical drug, vaccine, biologic product, or medical device that requires regulatory approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) (regulated product) may request a cost-sharing arrangement under which the applicant shall: (1) verify that intended clinical investigations involving humans or vertebrate animals have not been performed or initiated by another person; (2) make reasonable efforts to obtain voluntary agreements to use existing evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of new pharmaceutical drugs or biological products used to obtain marketing approval for use in humans or vertebrate animals (regulatory test data); and (3) notify the Commissioner if there is a failure to reach a voluntary agreement, at which point the Commissioner shall ask the parties to agree to binding arbitration to determine the reasonable and fair fee for relying upon relevant regulatory test data. Permits such applicant to request such arrangement if, but for the arrangement: (1) the applicant would be required to conduct clinical investigations involving human subjects that violate Article 20 of the Declaration of Helsinki on Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects in order to obtain regulatory approval of the regulated product, or (2) the duplication of the clinical investigations required for such application would violate other applicable ethical standards concerning the testing of products on humans or other vertebrate animals. Requires the fee for reliance by the applicant on such regulatory test data to be determined after considering: (1) the actual out-of-pocket costs of the applicable clinical investigations; (2) the risks of the investigations; (3) any federal grants, tax credits, or other subsidies; (4) the expected share of the global market for the product involved; and (5) the amount of time the holders of the relevant applications or licenses have benefited from exclusive rights and the cumulative revenue earned on the products that relied upon the data at issue. Directs the Secretary to adopt procedures and rules under which sufficient information about costs and fees will be made public.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize direct payment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) to a pharmacy for certain covered compound drugs prepared by the pharmacy for a specific beneficiary for the effective use of an implanted infusion pump.

Protect Seniors Against Identity Theft and Fraud Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Protect Seniors Against Identity Theft and Fraud Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to authorize an additional term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years for perpetrators of the following offenses, if they result in harm to a person who is 65 years old or older: (1) fraud and related activity in connection with access devices, computers, electronic mail, or identification documents, authentication features, and information; (2) frauds and swindles; (3) mail fraud-related activity involving the use of a fictitious name or address; (4) fraud by wire, radio, or television; (5) bank fraud; and (6) health care fraud. Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to limit the liability of a consumer who is 65 years old or older for losses that the financial institution establishes would not have occurred but for the consumer's failure to report any loss or theft of a card or other means of access, to: (1) $50 if the consumer notifies the institution within 7 business days, or (2) no more than $250 if the consumer notifies the institution within 8 to 60 days.

Guaranteed Access to Health Insurance Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Guaranteed Access to Health Insurance Act of 2012 - Repeals the health insurance and health coverage expansion provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and related provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Restores provisions of law amended or repealed by them. Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the program to establish state high risk health insurance pools to include qualified reinsurance programs and other innovative methods implemented by a state to provide access to health insurance coverage for eligible individuals that will: (1) mitigate the cost of providing such coverage better than a qualified high risk pool; and (2) ensure that individuals receive consumer protections that are similar to those required for a qualified high risk pool. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to a state for its costs for creating and initially operating a qualified reinsurance program or an innovative method. Makes states that establish a qualified reinsurance program or an innovative method eligible for grants for losses incurred in connection with its operation. Revises requirements for a qualified high risk pool. Prohibits lifetime limits as well as premiums greater than 150% of the average premium in the individual market for health insurance coverage in the state. Eliminates bonus grants for supplemental consumer benefits for current or potential enrollees in qualified high risk pools. Requires the Secretary, in awarding competitive grants for federal funding for which only states are eligible, to give preference to any state that has received a grant to create and operate a qualified high risk pool in the year during which that grant is awarded. Requires the Secretary to establish a federal fallback high risk pool program to provide health insurance coverage for eligible individuals in a state that: (1) has not established a high risk pool, qualified reinsurance program, or innovative method at any point in the five-year period before October 1, 2015; or (2) has failed to operate such a pool, program, or method for two consecutive years after such date. Terminates the federal program if the state establishes such a pool, program, or method.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize direct payment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) to a pharmacy for certain covered compound drugs prepared by the pharmacy for a specific beneficiary for the effective use of an implanted infusion pump.

Medicaid Long-Term Care Reform Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Medicaid Long-Term Care Reform Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Congress should repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act); (2) federal and state governments should work to reduce the number of middle-income individuals who will rely on Medicaid to finance their long-term care (LTC) needs; and (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) should comply with the annual reporting requirements under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 relating to LTC insurance partnerships, and promote discussion about the consequences that families and states might encounter if nothing is done to change the trajectory of projected state and federal spending on LTC services under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA). Directs the Secretary to provide to states: (1) technical assistance on the implementation and administration of qualified state LTC insurance partnerships, and (2) information on best practices for such partnerships to reduce future state and federal expenditures on LTC services under Medicaid. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to states on requirements related to the mandate to seek recoveries from estates, and (2) hold an annual event to assist states in evaluating methods of implementing such requirements and exchanging best practices information on them. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary, acting through the National Clearing House for Long-Term Care, to establish a public-private initiative to coordinate among the Clearinghouse, state governments, and relevant nongovernmental entities for: (1) increasing the number of targeted middle-income individuals who receive consumer education with respect to long-term care under Medicaid and SSA title XVIII (Medicare), (2) enhancing the quality of information that targeted consumers receive, and (3) improving the accessibility of such information for consumers who seek it. Expands Clearinghouse duties to include educating consumers with respect to the availability and limitations of Medicare coverage for long-term care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate methods to expand LTC insurance coverage for middle-income individuals through the State Long-Term Care Partnership Program for improving their retirement security and LTC options; (2) solicit and evaluate ideas from stakeholders on policy options to reduce such expenditures; and (3) study the effectiveness of certain federal laws relating to treatment of assets for purposes of determining eligibility for Medicaid long-term care, estate recovery under Medicaid, the look-back period for transfers of assets for purposes of Medicaid eligibility, and the disqualification of individuals with substantial home equity for LTC assistance under Medicaid. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to report to Congress on: (1) the projection of the number of middle-income people who will rely on Medicaid to finance their LTC needs, (2) an estimate of the cost of reliance on Medicaid to state and federal governments, (3) an estimate of the change in the cost that would result from certain policy options such as reduction in the home equity exemption, and (4) the estimate of the change in the cost estimate that would result if each such policy option were adopted and funding for LTC services under Medicaid is provided to states through a block grant.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction and Graduate Medical Education Accountability and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction and Graduate Medical Education Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to distribution of additional resident positions as they affect calculation of payments for direct graduate medical education (DME) costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for each of FY2013-FY2017 (and each succeeding fiscal year if additional residency positions are available to distribute), to increase the otherwise applicable resident limit for each qualifying hospital. Directs the Secretary to determine the total number of additional residency positions available for distribution, in accordance with guidelines for allocating 33% to hospitals already operating over the resident limit, and generally setting the aggregate number of increases in the resident limit to 3,000 in each year. Specifies the process for distributing positions. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement procedures under which the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges occurring during a fiscal year is adjusted based on the reporting of measures and the performance of the hospital on measures of patient care priorities specified by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the graduate medical education (GME) payments, including both direct GME payments and IME payments, that hospitals receive under the Medicare program. Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the physician workforce, and (2) strategies for increasing the diversity of the health profession workforce.

Compassionate Freedom of Choice Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Compassionate Freedom of Choice Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to declare that nothing in it or in the Public Health Service Act shall prevent or restrict, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shall not implement or enforce any law to prevent or restrict, the importation, distribution, or sale of investigational drugs or devices for terminally ill patients. Prohibits the FDA Commissioner from requiring the disclosure, collection, or reporting of certain information concerning such drugs or devices, except that the sponsor of a clinical trial may voluntarily disclose, collect, or report such information to the FDA.

Local Medicaid Enforcement Incentives Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Local Medicaid Enforcement Incentives Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program to provide states with funds to: (1) detect and prevent Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse; (2) recover overpayments to individuals or entities receiving Medicaid funds that result from such fraud, waste, or abuse; and (3) share with localities within the state that assist in such detection and prevention, or the recovery of such overpayments, at least 50% of the state's share of the total overpayments recovered during a period, minus administrative costs.