Healthcare

Clay Hunt SAV Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to each arrange for an independent third party evaluation of, respectively, the VA and DOD mental health care and suicide prevention programs. Directs the VA Secretary to publish an Internet website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with regularly updated information regarding all of the VA's mental health care services. Requires the VA Secretary and the DOD Secretary to enter into certain strategic relationships to facilitate: the mental health referrals of members of the reserve components who have a service-connected disability and are being discharged or released from the Armed Forces, timely behavioral health services for such members, communication when such members are at risk for behavioral health reasons, and the transfer of documentation for line-of-duty and fitness-for-duty determinations. Requires the VA Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who: are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine, demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA, and agree to a period of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine in exchange for the repayment of such loans. Requires the DOD Secretary to submit to Congress a review of the staffing requirements for individual State National Guard Commands with respect to Directors of Psychological Health. Authorizes the VA Secretary to collaborate with nonprofit mental health organizations to prevent suicide among veterans. Requires the collaborators to exchange training sessions, best practices, and other resources to enhance their suicide prevention efforts. Directs the Secretary to select a Director of Suicide Prevention Coordination within the VA to undertake any collaboration with nonprofit mental health organizations.

Permanent Investment in Health Research Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Permanent Investment in Health Research Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the current authorization of appropriations for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with specified actual appropriations for FY2015-FY2024. Appropriates $32 billion for FY2015, and for each of FY2016-FY2024 the amount for the preceding fiscal year adjusted by the percentage increase in nominal gross domestic product during the preceding calendar year. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to add NIH to the list of programs and activities that are exempt from a sequestration. (A sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently canceled to enforce specific budget policy goals.)

Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women and Children Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that the primary care services furnished in 2015 and 2016 by a physician with a primary specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine, or pediatric medicine be paid at a rate that is not less than 100% of the payment rate that applies to such services and physician under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Extends this 100% of Medicare payment floor under certain conditions to the following providers, who are self-attested as Board-certified and at least 60% of whose services billed for under Medicaid must be for primary care services: (1) physicians with a primary specialty designation of obstetrics and gynecology; (2) advanced practice clinicians; (3) rural health clinics, federally-qualified health centers, or other specified health clinics; and (4) nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or certified nurse-midwives. Excludes from coverage of primary care services any such services provided in an emergency department of a hospital.

Patient Freedom Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Patient Freedom Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, after 2013, the requirement that individuals maintain minimum essential health care coverage.

Expressing the sense of Congress that health workers deserve our profound gratitude and respect for their commitments and sacrifices in addressing the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2014

Honors the commitment, courage, and sacrifices made by medical professionals, health care workers, government officials, military personnel, nongovernmental organizations, members of civil society, faith leaders, and volunteers engaged in the effort to combat Ebola. Calls on: (1) research and development groups and medical device companies to develop better ways to protect health workers from Ebola infection; and (2) the international community to increase its commitments of resources, services, and personnel to assist affected nations in addressing Ebola. Remains committed to mobilizing the resources and personnel necessary to fight the spread of Ebola and to protect U.S. national security and global health interests. Recognizes the need to address long-term solutions to Ebola, including by helping to build resilient public health systems.

Ebola Response Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2014

Ebola Response Act of 2014 - Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prohibit any individual from entering the United States for 30 days following the individual's presence in a country experiencing an Ebola outbreak. Directs DHS and HHS to ensure that individuals who are nationals of or have recently been in a country experiencing an Ebola outbreak are certified by a medical professional as testing negative for Ebola and having a normal body temperature before they enter the United States and submit to 21 days of monitoring for Ebola symptoms. Allows the President to exempt officials, employees, and contractors of the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD) from the requirements of this Act if there are sufficient measures in place to protect against the transmission of Ebola by these individuals.

Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add filoviruses, a family of viruses that includes the Ebola virus, to the list of tropical diseases under the priority review voucher program, which awards vouchers to sponsors of human drug applications that are approved to prevent or treat tropical diseases. (A voucher entitles the holder to have a future human drug application acted upon by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within six months.) Changes the process by which infectious diseases that do not significantly impact developed nations and disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations can be designated as tropical diseases from rulemaking to order of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Allows priority review vouchers to be transferred between sponsors of human drug applications any number of times. Reduces from 365 days to 90 days the advance notice required before submitting a human drug application subject to a priority review voucher.

Contain Ebola and Stop the Epidemic Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Contain Ebola and Stop the Epidemic Act of 2014 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prohibit from landing in the United States any aircraft that: (1) is being used to provide scheduled passenger transportation for compensation; and (2) departed with passengers whose air travel originated, or included a stop, in a foreign country in which there is an Ebola epidemic as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prohibits a consular officer from issuing an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa to any alien whose travel itinerary originates in, or includes transit through, a foreign country in which there is an Ebola epidemic. Requires the CDC to update and make available to the public a list of foreign countries in which there is an Ebola epidemic.

Ebola Prevention Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Ebola Prevention Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of State to designate all passports as restricted for travel to or for use in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, except for travel for diplomatic, health care, humanitarian, journalistic, or military reasons.

EXAMINING THE U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO THE EBOLA OUTBREAK

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 October 2014

Affordable Health Insurance for the Middle Class Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Affordable Health Insurance for the Middle Class Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand eligibility for the health care premium assistance refundable tax credit by defining an "applicable taxpayer" as a taxpayer whose household income does not exceed 600% of the federal poverty line (currently, 400%), and (2) increase the excise tax rate for small cigars and small cigarettes.

Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the distribution of a cosmetic that contains synthetic plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018.

Exercise and Fitness For All Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Exercise and Fitness For All Act - Directs the Access Board to develop and publish guidelines for exercise or fitness service providers to provide accessible exercise or fitness equipment, including relevant personnel training. Requires such guidelines to ensure that exercise or fitness equipment is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow eligible small businesses a tax credit for providing accessible exercise or fitness equipment for use by individuals with disabilities.

STARS Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2014 or the STARS Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt seasonal employees from the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide employees with minimum essential health care coverage. Defines "seasonal employee" as an employee who is employed in a position for which the customary annual employment is not more than six months and which requires performing labor or services that are ordinarily performed at certain seasons or periods of the year.

Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act of 2014 - Prohibits payment to a hospital under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act unless the hospital promptly provides information about emergency contraception to any woman who arrives at the hospital and is stated to be, or hospital staff have reason to believe is, a victim of sexual assault. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop and disseminate to health care providers, including pharmacists, information on emergency contraception, including a recommendation for providers working in emergency rooms to consult with survivors of sexual assault regarding emergency contraception and provide follow-up care and referral services.

Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014 - Title I: Strengthening and Improving Intervention Efforts - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to award grants to states, political subdivisions, or nonprofit private entities for the expansion of mental health crisis assistance programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental health programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed, and age appropriate. Requires a comprehensive school mental health program funded under this Act to assist children in dealing with trauma and violence. Makes only a partnership between a local educational agency and at least one community program or agency that is involved in mental health eligible for such funding. Sets forth assurances required for eligibility, including that: (1) the local education agency will enter into a memorandum of understanding with at least one relevant community-based entity that clearly states how school-employed mental health professionals will be utilized and the responsibilities of each partner; (2) the program will include training of all school personnel, family members of children with mental health disorders, and concerned members of the community; and (3) the program will demonstrate the measures to be taken to sustain the program after funding terminates. Requires grantees to comply with the health information privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop a fiscally appropriate process for evaluating grant program activities, including: (1) the development of guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) the development of measures of outcomes to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, to include student and family measures and local educational measures. Amends the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004 to: (1) expand the assistance provided under such Act, and (2) reauthorize appropriations for FY2015-FY2019. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to establish or expand: (1) veterans treatment court programs, which involve collaboration among criminal justice, veterans, and mental health and substance abuse agencies to provide qualified veterans (preliminarily qualified offenders who were discharged from the armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable) with intensive judicial supervision and case management, treatment services, alternatives to incarceration, and other appropriate services, including housing, transportation, job training, education, and assistance in obtaining benefits; (2) peer to peer services or programs to assist such veterans in obtaining treatment, recovery, stabilization, or rehabilitation; (3) practices that identify and provide treatment, rehabilitation, legal, transitional, and other appropriate services to such veterans who have been incarcerated; and (4) training programs to teach criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, mental health, and substance abuse personnel how to identify and respond to incidents involving such veterans. Revises the definition of "preliminarily qualified offender" to include, for purposes of a veterans treatment court program, an adult or juvenile accused of an offense who has been diagnosed with, or manifests obvious signs of, mental illness or a substance abuse disorder or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Removes a requirement that the adult or juvenile be accused of a nonviolent offense. Requires preliminarily qualified offenders to be unanimously approved for participation in a collaboration program by, when appropriate, the relevant prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, probation or corrections official, judge, and representative from the relevant mental health agency. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to enhance the capabilities of a correctional facility to: (1) identify and screen for mentally ill inmates; (2) plan and provide assessments of the clinical, medical, and social needs of inmates and appropriate treatment and services that address mental health and substance abuse needs; (3) develop, implement, and enhance post-release transition plans that coordinate services and public benefits, the availability of mental health care and substance abuse treatment services, alternatives to solitary confinement and segregated housing, and mental health screening and treatment for inmates placed in solitary confinement or segregated housing; and (4) train employees in identifying and responding to incidents involving inmates with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) award not more than six grants per year to applicants for the purpose of reducing the use of public services by mentally ill individuals who consume a significantly disproportionate quantity of public resources, and (2) make grants to provide support for programs that teach law enforcement personnel how to identify and respond to incidents involving persons with such disorders. Directs the Attorney General to give priority in awarding grants for adult or juvenile collaboration programs to applications that: (1) propose interventions that have been shown by empirical evidence to reduce recidivism, and (2) use validated assessment tools to target preliminarily qualified offenders with a moderate or high risk of recidivism and a need for treatment and services. Title II: Improving Mental Health Research - Directs the Secretary to expand research on self-directed and other-directed violence associated with mental illness. Title III: Understanding the Epidemic of Gun Violence - Requires the Secretary to expand: (1) the National Violent Death Reporting System to all 50 states, and (2) research and grants of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address gun violence. Authorizes FY2015-FY2019 appropriations for CDC research and grants. Title IV: Mental Health and Access to Firearms - Amends federal criminal code prohibitions on the sale, purchase, transport, or possession of firearms or ammunition to specify that prohibitions with respect to persons committed to a mental institution apply to persons committed on an involuntary inpatient or involuntary outpatient basis. Authorizes the Attorney General to reserve not more than 5% of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds for grants to states that: (1) give state and local law enforcement officers the authority to seize firearms or ammunition from an individual pursuant to a warrant, if there is probable cause to believe the individual poses an elevated risk of harm to himself or herself or to another individual; or (2) temporarily prohibit an individual involuntarily hospitalized for mental illness on an emergency basis from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to establish a system for the prompt notification of state and local enforcement agencies when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) notifies a licensed dealer that an individual attempting to obtain a firearm is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law. Title V: Restoration - Amends the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 to set forth procedures for persons adjudicated to have a mental disorder or committed to a mental institution to apply for relief (restoration of firearm ownership rights) after one year by submitting an opinion of a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist in order to seek a determination by the adjudicating agency that the person no longer manifests the symptoms that elevate the risk of harm. Title VI: Submission of Mental Health Records to National Instant Criminal Background Check System - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to report annually to Congress regarding the number of persons reported by each state to NICS who are prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm based on a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Reauthorizes the national criminal history improvement program for FY2015-FY2018. Requires the Attorney General to establish a four-year implementation plan for each state or Indian tribal government desiring a grant to improve the automation and transmittal to federal and state repositories of: (1) mental health records and criminal history dispositions, (2) records relevant to determining whether a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, (3) court orders, and (4) mental health adjudications or commitments. Requires each federal agency in possession of records relevant to a determination of whether a person is disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under specified circumstances to make such records, updated at least quarterly, available to the Attorney General for use in NICS background checks. Directs HHS, under HIPAA, to allow states to make information concerning persons adjudicated as a mental defective or those committed to mental institutions available for NICS.

In-Home CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

In-Home Caregiver Assessment Resources and Education Act or the In-Home CARE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administration for Community Living to award grants to carry out home visiting programs for unpaid caregivers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate with the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and others on this grant program. Requires grantees to provide: caregiver education and training regarding medication management, food preparation, falls prevention and other subjects; services or referrals for services related to home care, such as transportation, home modification, or respite care; and an assessment and referral for physical and mental health services for the caregiver or person receiving care from the caregiver.

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the impact of climate change on health systems. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) publish and implement a national strategic action plan to assist health professionals in preparing for and responding to the impact of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations; (2) revise the plan periodically to reflect new information; (3) establish a permanent science advisory board; and (4) contract with the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine to assess the need for health professionals to prepare for and respond to the impact of climate change on public health.

Regulatory Transparency, Patient Access, and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Regulatory Transparency, Patient Access, and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2014 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Attorney General, within 45 days of receiving a recommendation from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to add a drug or substance that has never been marketed in the United States to a schedule of controlled substances, to issue an interim final rule under the exception for good cause, placing it into the schedule recommended, effective immediately. Allows a person who submits an application for registration to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance to indicate on the registration application that the substance will be used only in connection with clinical trials of a drug. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make a final decision on such application within 180 days, or (2) provide written notice to the applicant of the outstanding issues that must be resolved to reach a final decision and the estimated date on which such decision will be made. Defines: (1) "factors as may be relevant to and consistent with the public health and safety," and (2) "imminent danger to the public health or safety." Requires an order to show cause as to why a registration should not be denied, revoked, or suspended to notify the registrant of the opportunity to submit a corrective action plan on or before the date of appearance before the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General, upon review of any such plan, to determine whether denial, revocation, or suspension proceedings should be discontinued or deferred for purposes of modification or clarification of such plan. Makes these requirements inapplicable to the issuance of an immediate suspension order. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to identify: (1) obstacles to legitimate patient access to controlled substances; (2) issues with diversion of controlled substances; and (3) how collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and the pharmaceutical industry can benefit patients and prevent diversion and abuse of controlled substances.

Toxics by Rail Accountability and Community Knowledge (TRACK) Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Toxics by Rail Accountability and Community Knowledge (TRACK) Act of 2014 - Requires railroad carriers found at fault for an unintended release of hazardous materials (hazmat) due to a railroad accident or incident during calendar year 2010 to: review periodically any post-accident public health assessments of hazmat-exposed individuals who could experience long-lasting or irreversible health effects; inform those individuals in a timely manner of any health information, including information on long-lasting or irreversible health consequences; and offer to renegotiate any legal settlements made to affected individuals in which additional information about potential for such consequences has been later disclosed in a post-accident public health assessment. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe regulations: requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel accurate and current commodity flow data and assist with the development of emergency operations and hazmat response plans for railroad accidents or incidents; and establishing a procedure for railroad carriers to permit a train to pass a red signal at a moveable bridge. Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, to develop route safety and security risk assessment tools for short line and regional railroad carriers. Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program by requiring railroad carriers to develop a comprehensive program to improve safety by reducing the number and rates of accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities (as under current law) through the use of safety management systems and their associated key principles, analysis of operational incidents and accidents, and continuous evaluation and improvement programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring railroad carriers transporting hazmat to: give first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel real-time information regarding hazmat on the train in the event of an incident, accident, or emergency; and develop a public education program for communities along railroad hazmat routes. Prescribes certain civil penalties for any railroad carrier that violates a requirement or regulation under this Act.

Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH research on Tourette syndrome. Requires the Director to develop a system to collect data on Tourette syndrome, including epidemiological information, primary data, and data on the availability of medical and social services for individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families. Requires the Director to award grants and contracts to public or nonprofit private entities to support four to six Collaborative Research Centers for Tourette Syndrome in different regions to conduct basic and clinical research on Tourette syndrome. Requires the Director to award grants for research on the full range of symptoms within the Tourette syndrome clinical spectrum and the efficacy of treatment options for particular patient subpopulations. Requires the Director to designate a portion of the amounts made available to carry out NIH programs and activities for a fiscal year to carry out programs and activities with respect to Tourette syndrome.

A resolution designating September 23, 2014, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Designates September 23, 2014, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Recognizes that there are cost-effective falls prevention programs and policies. Commends the Falls Free Coalition and others for their efforts to increase awareness of falls prevention. Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Administration for Community Living, and others to continue developing, evaluating, and promoting interventions and programs to prevent falls.

A resolution designating September 2014 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Designates September 2014 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness of prostate cancer, (2) increase research funding to improve screening and treatment for prostate cancer, and (3) improve access to care for prostate cancer.

A resolution designating the month of September 2014 as "National Sepsis Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Designates the month of September 2014 as National Sepsis Awareness Month.

Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science to carry out a research program on low dose radiation to enhance the scientific understanding of and reduce uncertainties associated with the effects of exposure to low dose radiation. Requires the Director to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study assessing the current status and development of a long-term strategy for low dose radiation research. Requires such study to: identify current scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation, assess the status of current low dose radiation research, formulate overall scientific goals for the future of low-dose radiation research, recommend a long-term strategic and prioritized research agenda to address scientific research goals for overcoming the identified scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts, define the essential components of a research program that would address this research agenda within the universities and the National Laboratories, and assess the effectiveness of such a program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to deliver to Congress a five-year research plan that responds to the study's findings and recommendations and identifies and prioritizes research needs. Eliminates the limitation on DOE's biology research program conducting research on human cells or human subjects, or research designed to have direct application with respect to human cells or human subjects.

Exercise and Fitness For All Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Exercise and Fitness For All Act - Directs the Access Board to develop and publish guidelines for exercise or fitness service providers to provide accessible exercise or fitness equipment, including relevant personnel training. Requires such guidelines to ensure that exercise or fitness equipment is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow eligible small businesses a tax credit for providing accessible exercise or fitness equipment for use by individuals with disabilities.

First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), for the purpose of domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism, to: (1) make available surplus vaccines and antimicrobials, and vaccines and antimicrobials with short shelf lives, from the strategic national stockpile for administration to emergency response providers who voluntarily consent to such administration; (2) establish any necessary logistical and tracking systems to facilitate making such vaccines and antimicrobials available; and (3) distribute disclosures regarding associated risks to end users. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an 18-month pilot program to administer such vaccines and antimicrobials to emergency response providers, (2) select providers based in at least two states to participate in the program, and (3) provide to each participating provider disclosures and educational materials regarding the risks of any vaccine or antimicrobial administered and of exposure to anthrax. Requires the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to: (1) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and assessments of the threats posed by anthrax from an act of terror; (2) leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to an anthrax terror attack; and (3) share information and provide tailored analytical support on threats posed by anthrax to state, local, and tribal authorities, as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders.

Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act - Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) conduct a five-year management review of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on the matters reviewed, including recommendations for improving the VHA's management. Directs the Secretary of the VA to establish a five-year pilot program to improve the VHA's management and accountability that: gives VHA employees an opportunity to learn, implement, and identify successful means of advancing the VHA's management and the delivery of care and services; and improves the management and delivery of care and services at VA medical facilities by implementing the GAO's recommendations, and any other appropriate recommendations, regarding the VHA's planning and evaluation capabilities. Requires the Secretary, during such pilot program, to: (1) establish an annual performance plan that uses logic modeling and risk assessment to coordinate the VA's operations with its goals; and (2) prepare an annual organization evaluation plan for the VHA that is informed by the GAO's recommendations. Establishes an Office of the Management and Accountability Ombudsman within the VA to: assist the Secretary in conducting the pilot program; conduct inspections of VHA medical facilities, including non-VA facilities that provide VA contract care; and work with the Secretary and VHA employees in identifying and resolving problems with the VHA's management, administration, and delivery of care. Directs the GAO to review each budget the President submits to Congress during 2015-2020 to evaluate the proposed budget for VA health care. Establishes a Veterans' Bill of Rights regarding health care, which is to be prominently displayed in each VA medical facility and about which the Secretary shall conduct outreach to veterans and ensure that VA employees receive training.

To establish the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in the State of California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Establishes the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, comprised of approximately 18,610 acres of land in Inyo County, California. Declares that the purpose of the Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of present and future generations the nationally significant scenic, cultural, recreational, geological, educational, biological, historical, cinematographic, and scientific resources of the Area managed consistent with the multiple use principles defined in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) manage the Area as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System, (2) allow existing recreational uses of the Area to continue except as the Secretary otherwise determines to be necessary for public health and safety, (3) permit the use of motorized vehicles in the Area only on roads and trails designated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of a management plan promoting a semi-primitive motorized experience or on county-maintained roads in accordance with applicable state and county laws, and (4) develop a comprehensive plan for the Area's long-term management. Permits the Secretary to acquire non-federal land within the Area only through exchange, donation, or purchase from a willing seller. Withdraws the federal land within the Area from all forms of: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Directs the Secretary to take approximately 132 acres of federal land into trust for the benefit of the Lone-Pine Paiute Shoshone Tribe, excluding a specified right-of-way granted to the City of Los Angeles. Prohibits gaming on such land. Transfers administrative jurisdiction of approximately 40 acres of specified federal land from the U.S. Forest Service to BLM.

Clear the Air with Congress Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Clear the Air with Congress Act of 2014 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit to Congress a report, made available to the public, before issuing any rule proposing a new or revised: (1) primary national ambient air quality (NAAQ) standard for ozone (for pollutants considered harmful to public health), or (2) secondary NAAQ standard for ozone (for pollutants considered harmful to public welfare). Requires the report to contain: the proposed standard (in parts per million), all scientific and technical data relied upon to support the proposed standard in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of results, a description of all technologies and strategies that may be utilized to achieve the standard and their costs, an economic impact analysis estimating the total costs of the standard, a list of each U.S. area of the United States that would exceed the standard for ozone and thereby receive a nonattainment designation for ozone under the Act, and an identification of the level of ground level ozone in each U.S. county that is naturally occurring or produced outside of the United States. Requires the EPA to consider the cost and economic and technological feasibility of attaining the standard when establishing a NAAQ standard for ozone. Prohibits a NAAQ standard for ozone from taking effect unless a federal statute is enacted approving it.

FAST Generics Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Fair Access for Safe and Timely Generics Act of 2014 or the FAST Generics Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug from restricting availability of the drug for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with any aspect of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). Directs the Secretary to authorize product developers to obtain approved drugs for testing if the product developer is a license holder of an approved drug or the Secretary determines the product developer can comply with laws applicable to drug development. Requires the Secretary to authorize a product developer to conduct human clinical trials with an approved drug if the product developer's clinical trial protocol includes protections comparable to the distribution restrictions on the approved drug. Establishes a process for a product developer to obtain reasonable quantities of an approved drug when those quantities are not available commercially. Allows the Secretary to prohibit or limit transfer of an approved drug to a product developer if the transfer poses an imminent hazard to public health. Eliminates license holder liability for claims arising from a product developer's testing of an approved drug. Requires the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report on noncompliance with this Act. Allows the Secretary to waive the requirement that a drug use a single, shared system of elements to assure safe use with a comparable approved drug if the developer of the drug is unable to finalize terms for a shared system with the license holder of the approved drug.

Medicare CGM Access Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Medicare CGM Access Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices furnished to a CGM qualified individual. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a fee schedule and ensure that CGM qualified individuals are furnished with appropriate device components.

In-Home CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

In-Home Caregiver Assessment Resources and Education Act or the In-Home CARE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administration for Community Living to award grants to carry out home visiting programs for unpaid caregivers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate with the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and others on this grant program. Requires grantees to provide: caregiver education and training regarding medication management, food preparation, falls prevention, and other subjects; services or referrals for services related to home care, such as transportation, home modification, or respite care; and an assessment and referral for physical and mental health services for the caregiver or person receiving care from the caregiver.

Protecting Our Kids' Medicine Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Protecting Our Kids' Medicine Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of liquid formulations of over-the-counter drugs that are not packaged with a dosage delivery device, such as a calibrated cup or spoon, and that do not have measurements on the label and on the dosage delivery device exclusively in metric units. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive the requirement for metric units if that requirement would not benefit public health. Prohibits the sale of over-the-counter liquid drugs labeled for pediatric use that do not have a flow restrictor or another mechanism to reduce accidental ingestion.

Healthcare Consumer Privacy Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Healthcare Consumer Privacy Act of 2014 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure individuals who enter personal information on a health exchange website can remove their information from the website if they decide not to apply for health care coverage.

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include certain areas within the frontier and remote area levels designations.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in developing methodology for designating areas with limited access to goods and services generally only found in urban areas (e.g., advanced medical care) as frontier and remote (FAR) areas, to: (1) designate as a FAR area any area in Hawaii or Alaska that the state designates as rural for a federal program, and (2) include, in addition to otherwise defined levels of remoteness for FAR areas, a level for areas with unique characteristics that should qualify those areas to be designated as FAR areas.

Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states to develop a peer review process to identify and investigate questionable or inappropriate prescribing and dispensing patterns of drugs classified as schedule II or III under the Controlled Substances Act, which are drugs with an accepted medical use that have the potential to be abused and addictive. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to establish grant programs to: (1) facilitate training to increase the capacity of health care providers to screen and treat patients to prevent drug abuse, and (2) develop continuing education criteria that allow health profession boards or state agencies to certify appropriate education for safe prescribing of schedule II or III drugs. Requires the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to evaluate the prospect of state health professions boards expanding the authority of providers to prescribe drugs to treat drug abuse. Requires the Attorney General to request that practitioners registered to dispense controlled substances screen patients for potential drug abuse before prescribing a schedule II or III drug. Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider whether naloxone (a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse an overdose of heroin or other opioids, which are drugs with effects similar to opium) should be available without a prescription. Requires the Secretary to use an interagency working group to encourage states and local governments to increase opportunities for disposal of opiates (drugs derived from opium) and to reduce opportunities for abuse of opiates. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review federal opioid abuse activities and make recommendations to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses.

ACO Improvement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

ACO Improvement Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the shared savings program under which groups of service providers and suppliers meeting specified criteria may work together to manage and coordinate care for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries through an accountable care organization (ACO). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to permit an ACO that has elected a two-sided risk model to: (1) reduce or eliminate cost-sharing under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for some or all primary care services furnished by health care professionals within the ACO network; and (2) develop additional incentive programs to encourage patient engagement and participation in their own wellness. Prescribes requirements for fostering stronger patient-provider ties.  Directs the Secretary to require a primary care ACO professional to provide the beneficiary with information concerning the ACO program as part of the initial preventive physical examination of the beneficiary. Directs the Secretary to form a stakeholder group including representatives of ACOs, health care providers, Medicare beneficiaries, and ACO experts.  Requires such parties to advise the Secretary with recommendations to improve the process of ACO-to-beneficiary communication. Prescribes requirements for regulatory relief for an ACO that has elected a two-sided risk model and for improving care coordinatiion through access to telehealth. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a demonstration project to test the use of payment benchmarks that take into account geographic area differences, (2) study the feasibility of establishing a system of electronic access of service providers and suppliers to in-process and complete patient claims data, (3) establish one or more demonstration programs to test the global capitation payment model, and (4) develop a mechanism to make permanent those ACO-related pilot programs that have been successful.

Streamlining Verification for Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Streamlining Verification for Americans Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to allow large employers to prospectively report information regarding health care coverage available to employees eligible for premium subsidies on a health care exchange. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), upon an individual's request, to make an advance determination of the individual's eligibility for premium subsidies based on information other than the individual's most recent taxable year income. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the notification of employers by health care exchanges regarding employees determined to be eligible for premium subsidies and the appeals process for eligibility determinations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a person reporting an individual's health coverage to the Treasury to identify the individual using their birth date in place of their taxpayer identification number (TIN) in certain circumstances. Allows large employers or persons reporting an employee's or individual's health coverage to the Treasury to provide the required statement to the employee or individual electronically. Prohibits provision of premium subsidies and assessment of the penalty for not maintaining minimum essential coverage between December 31, 2014, and the date a process is established to verify eligibility for premium subsidies.

Electronic Health Fairness Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Electronic Health Fairness Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any patient encounter of an eligible professional occurring at an ambulatory surgical center from being treated as such an encounter in determining whether an eligible professional qualifies as a meaningful electronic health record (EHR) user. Terminates this prohibition three years after the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies EHR technology for the ambulatory surgical center setting.

Heartbeat Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Heartbeat Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, if performing an ultrasound on a pregnant woman prior to an abortion, to display the ultrasound images so that she may view them and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images of the unborn child's cardiac activity, if present and viewable. Requires an abortion provider to make the embryonic or fetal heartbeat audible for the pregnant woman to hear prior to the woman giving informed consent to an abortion if the pregnancy is at least eight weeks after fertilization. Exempts an abortion provider if the abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Requires a certification of the medical condition to be included in the pregnant woman's medical file and kept by the abortion provider for not less than five years. Subjects an abortion provider who knowingly or recklessly fails to comply with this Act to civil penalties and notification of the appropriate state medical licensing authority. Gives standing to file a civil action for violations of this Act to the Attorney General or a woman upon whom an abortion has been performed in violation of this Act or the parent or legal guardian of such a woman if she is an unemancipated minor.

Community Integration Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Community Integration Act of 2014 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to give an individual with disabilities needing the level of care provided in an institutional setting the choice and opportunity to receive such care in a home and community-based setting, including rehabilitative services, assistance and support in accomplishing activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related tasks, and assistance in acquiring, maintaining, or enhancing skills necessary to accomplish such activities, tasks, or services. Prescribes requirements for providing in home and community-based settings those services such an individual would otherwise receive in an institutional setting, such as a nursing facility, intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, institution for mental disease, or other similarly restrictive or institutional setting.

To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to exempt from manufacturer transparency reporting certain transfers used for educational purposes, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to exempt from manufacturer transparency reporting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) any transfer of value to a covered recipient of: (1) peer-reviewed journals, journal reprints, journal supplements, and medical textbooks that directly benefit patients or are intended for patient use; and (2) anything of value to a physician if it is intended solely to provide continuing medical education.

To require the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the interoperability of computer systems used by hospitals to store and access electronic health records, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to study and report on the interoperability of computer systems used by hospitals to store and access electronic health records. Requires the study to explore the ability of hospital computer systems to allow more than one hospital to access and update the electronic health records of the same patient, including: (1) the identity of hospitals that use computer systems with this ability, (2) reasons hospitals do not have computer systems with this ability, and (3) whether this ability allows hospitals to more effectively coordinate patient care.

Small Business Hardship Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Small Business Hardship Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage for its employees a small business (i.e., an employer of not more than 100 full-time employees) experiencing a hardship. Defines "hardship" to include situations in which a small business has missed two or more consecutive loan payments, is a debtor in a Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy proceeding, has received a notice of termination of utility services or a notice of eviction, has experienced a fire, flood, or other disaster, or has experienced another hardships as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to identify additional hardships appropriate for granting an hardship exemption. Prohibits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from taking into account the applicability of a hardship exemption to a small business as the sole factor in determining whether to audit such business.

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2014 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for: (1) national security reviews of transactions involving the construction of a new facility in the United States by any foreign person (currently, national security reviews are conducted only for certain mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person); and (2) net benefit reviews of new construction, mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person to determine whether the transaction is of net benefit to the United States. Makes net benefit reviews mandatory for transactions that meet specified requirements under the Clayton Act. Directs the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, to consider the effect of the proposed or pending transaction on: (1) employment, resource processing, the utilization of parts and services produced in or imported into the United States, and U.S. exports; (2) industrial efficiency, technological development, technology transfers, and product innovation in the United States; (3) competition within any U.S. industry or between the United States and other countries; (4) compatibility with national industrial, economic, and cultural policies; and (5) public health, safety, and well-being of U.S. consumers. Requires the Committee, in the case of a net benefit determination concerning a foreign government-influenced transaction, to consider additional factors including: the governance and commercial orientation of the foreign person engaging in such transaction; the extent to which the foreign person is owned, controlled, or influenced by the foreign government; and adherence to U.S. law and corporate governance standards, engagement of the foreign country with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the likelihood of operation on a commercial basis. Requires final determinations of the Committee to be certified to Congress. Requires the Committee to refer to the President any of the Committee's final determinations that a transaction will not be of net benefit to the United States. Requires the President to announce the determination regarding such transactions. Prohibits transactions that the President determines are not of net benefit to the United States. Requires the President to direct the Attorney General (DOJ) to seek appropriate relief in U.S. district courts to implement and enforce this Act. Bars judicial review of such determinations. Revises, for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, the composition of the Committee.

Accelerating Biomedical Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Accelerating Biomedical Research Act - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits in FY2015-FY2021 to accommodate increases in appropriations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit the 2-year phase-in for changes in hospital wage index classification from rural to urban without requiring waiver of a wage index increase, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any subsection (d) hospital located in an area which after September 30, 2014, is reclassified from a rural to an urban area from being required to waive the application of a wage index increase in order to be eligible for such reclassification for the first two fiscal years for which the reclassification from rural to urban is effective. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2014 - Makes technical and clerical amendments to: the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012; the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012; the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010; the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010; the Creating Small Business Jobs Act of 2010; the Hiring Incentives To Restore Employment Act; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009; the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008; the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008; the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007; the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users; the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005; and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Eliminates provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions).

Expressing support for designation of September 2014 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness of prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research to improve screening and treatment of prostate cancer and to discover the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer; and (3) improve detection and treatment of prostate cancer.