Healthcare

REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2015

Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal HIV Discrimination Act of 2015 or the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2015 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that federal and state laws, policies, and regulations regarding people living with HIV/AIDS should: (1) not place unique or additional burdens on such individuals solely as a result of their HIV status; and (2) demonstrate a public health-oriented, evidence-based, medically accurate, and contemporary understanding of HIV transmission, health implications, treatment, and the impact of punitive HIV-specific laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions on public health and on affected people, families, and communities. The bill directs: (1) the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to initiate a national review of federal (including military) and state laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions regarding criminal and related civil commitment cases involving people living with HIV/AIDS; and (2) DOJ to transmit to Congress and make publicly available the results of such review with related recommendations. DOJ and HHS must: (1) develop and publicly release guidance and best practice recommendations for states, and (2) establish an integrated monitoring and evaluation system to measure state progress. DOJ, HHS, and DOD must transmit to the President and Congress any proposals necessary to implement adjustments to federal laws, policies, or regulations. The bill prohibits this Act from being construed to discourage the prosecution of individuals who intentionally transmit or attempt to transmit HIV to another individual.

Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2015

Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through international organizations, national governments, and international and local nongovernmental organizations, to: (1) address the social and health issues that lead to obstetric fistula, and (2) support treatment of obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula occurs when a woman who is experiencing prolonged, obstructed labor and needs trained medical assistance for a safe delivery, usually a cesarean section, cannot get it. Such assistance shall promote the coordination facilitated by the International Obstetric Fistula Working Group.

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2015

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a Docs-to-Doctors Program to recruit individuals separating from the Armed Forces who served in a health care capacity in the Armed Forces. The VA shall: (1) implement a uniform credentialing process for certain health care employees of the Veterans Health Administration; and (2) provide full practice authority to advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and such other licensed VA health care professionals as consistent with their education, training, and certification.

U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA: HAS THE RESPONSE IMPROVED?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 November 2015

Prepaid Card and Mobile Account Consumer Protection Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Prepaid Card and Mobile Account Consumer Protection Act of 2015 This bill amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to extend its coverage to spending accounts (deposit accounts) established by a consumer at an insured depository institution or credit union: to which recurring electronic fund transfers (EFTs) may be made, at the consumer's direction; and from which payments may be made, at the consumer's direction, through the use of a card, code, or device ( prepaid cards). Any similar deposit account operated or managed by a financial institution, or any other person, shall be treated as a spending account subject to the Act if its funds: (1) are pooled with the funds of a person other than the one who established the account, or (2) are held in a name other than that of the person who established the account. The bill excludes from coverage by the Act any: demand deposit, savings deposit, or other asset account established primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; account held by a financial institution pursuant to a bona fide trust agreement; nonreloadable general-use prepaid card in an amount under $250; and general-use prepaid card solely associated with a certain kind of health plan, any qualified transportation fringe, any health savings account or any other healthcare benefit account, or other specified kinds of cards. The bill requires spending accounts to be structured to provide and maintain separate deposit insurance coverage for the funds of each consumer under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration regulations. Any person that receives funds in connection with an EFT to a spending account must: (1) transfer them, within one business day after funds are activated, to an account at an insured depository institution or credit union; and (2) credit the spending account in an amount equal to the amount of such funds. The bill waives the requirement to give a consumer a periodic statement if a financial institution, among other things, grants the consumer access to the account balance through a readily available telephone line, the Internet, text messaging, or at an electronic terminal or other device (e.g., automated teller machine [ATM]) allowing the consumer to make a balance inquiry. The bill prohibits the charging of fees for services required to meet these requirements, other than $1 for an optional written statement. The bill specifies other fees which may and may not be charged in connection with a spending account. No person may offer or provide a spending account that has a credit feature or that can be linked to a credit account that is automatically repaid from the spending account. The bill prohibits the issuance of cards or other means of access for receipt of EFTs of wages or government benefits unless the recipient has first been offered the option of receiving funds in a form selected from among a set of alternatives specified by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including at least one option for direct deposit, cash, or check. The CFPB shall establish an implementation plan and timeline for a prepaid card research study to determine if any differences exist for both the short- and long-term economic well-being of consumers at different income levels who use spending accounts versus those who use traditional bank accounts for their primary means of making financial transactions. The Expedited Funds Availability Act is amended to declare that funds deposited in an account by the transmission of an image of a check using a mobile device or computer shall be available on the same schedule as a check deposited at an ATM.

DME Access and Stabilization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

DME Access and Stabilization Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions relating to payment for durable medical equipment (DME) under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (DME includes certain medically necessary equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and hospital beds.) With respect to DME furnished in areas that are not competitive acquisition areas, current regulations require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) to phase in, over a two-year period, Medicare payment adjustments using information from competitive acquisition programs. (Through such programs, payment amounts for each area are determined based on competitive bids submitted by suppliers, rather than according to an established fee schedule.) The bill codifies this requirement and specifies that CMS shall adjust fee schedule amounts to the lesser of: (1) a specified percentage of the regional amount; and (2) the amount that would otherwise be determined according to the fee schedule, with specified adjustments. In determining Medicare payment adjustments for areas that are not competitive acquisition areas, CMS shall solicit stakeholder input and take into account several specified factors. CMS may not establish a ceiling on competitive bids submitted for DME that is less than the amount that would otherwise be paid under Medicare. The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman shall evaluate the impact of the competitive acquisition program on beneficiary health status and health outcomes. The bill limits federal Medicaid reimbursement rates to states for DME to the rates that would be paid for such items under Medicare.

Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to make grants to states to establish, expand, or maintain culturally competent programs for maternal depression screening and treatment. HRSA must give priority to states proposing to expand or enhance screening for maternal depression in primary care settings. Activities eligible for funding: (1) must include providing to health care providers training and resources, including information on maternal depression screening, treatment, and follow-up support, and linkages to community-based resources; and (2) may include enabling real-time psychiatric consultation to aid in the treatment of pregnant and postpartum women, conducting a public awareness campaign, funding start-up costs, and establishing linkages with and among community-based resources.

Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015 Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include skilled nursing facilities among the types of health care providers who may request from a telecommunications carrier under the Universal Service Fund the necessary telecommunications and information services to serve persons who reside in rural areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas.

CAHV Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Critical Access Hospitals for Veterans Act or the CAHV Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide eligible requesting veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system with hospital care and medical services at critical access hospitals pursuant to an agreement between the VA and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Health Care Choices for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Health Care Choices for Seniors Act This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Medicare Alternative Voucher (MAV) Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high-deductible health plan. HHS must establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the MAV Program. In addition, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the deduction from gross income for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. The bill also suspends Medicare late enrollment penalties for an individual between ages 65 and 70.

Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise Act or the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to jointly update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain, including guidelines regarding: prescribing opioids for outpatient treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain; contraindications for opioid therapy; treatment of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric disorders, or a history of substance abuse or addiction; case management for patients transitioning between inpatient and outpatient health care and between DOD and non-DOD health care; routine and random urine drug tests to help prevent substance abuse; and options to augment opioid therapy with other clinical and complementary and integrative health services to minimize opioid dependence. The VA shall: expand the opioid safety initiative to include all VA medical facilities, including providing employees with pain management training, and establishment of pain management teams; track and monitor opioid use, including through the use of state program information; increase the availability of Food and Drug Administration-approved opioid receptor antagonists; modify the computerized patient record system to ensure that any health care provider that accesses a veteran's record will be immediately notified whether the veteran is receiving opioid therapy and has a history of substance use disorder or opioid abuse; establish standard protocols for the designation of pain management teams at each VA medical facility; carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility of using wellness programs to complement pain management and related health care services to veterans; carry out a program of internal audits to improve health care services to veterans and their families; and provide to the medical board of each state in which a VA health care provider is licensed information about such provider's medical license violations. The Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery Commission is established to examine the evidence-based therapy treatment model used by the VA for treating mental health conditions of veterans and the potential benefits of incorporating complementary alternative treatments available in non-VA facilities. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the VA's opioid safety initiative and patient advocacy program. The VA shall request from the medical board of each state in which a prospective health care provider has a medical license information on: (1) medical license violations during the past 20 years, and (2) any settlement agreements for a medical-related disciplinary charge.

Medicare Established Provider Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Medicare Established Provider Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a system for designating providers that represent a low risk of submitting fraudulent Medicare claims as "established providers" for purposes of applying for special treatment in the claim review process. To qualify as an established provider, a provider must demonstrate that, within a specified timeframe: (1) at least 90% of Medicare claims submitted by the provider were determined to be eligible for full or partial payment, and (2) the provider appealed at least 90% of all Medicare claims that were not initially determined to be eligible for payment. HHS may withhold payment for a Medicare claim made by an established provider only if a final determination has been made that the claim is ineligible for payment. If such a final determination is made, the provider shall repay such payment electronically and within a specified timeframe.

TREAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

The Reforming and Expanding Access to Treatment Act or the TREAT Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow federal payment for qualified substance use disorder services furnished to inmates in public institutions under state Medicaid programs. "Qualified substance use disorder services" include medication or behavioral treatment administered to eliminate, mitigate, treat, or cure an individual's substance abuse disorder or use or abuse of drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shall not establish, maintain, or implement any policy that restricts its statutorily authorized provision or support of substance abuse treatment for incarcerated individuals.

Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth provisions governing the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) regulation of cosmetics, including requiring the registration of manufacturing establishments and the submission of a cosmetic and ingredient statement for each cosmetic. The FDA must publish a list of registered establishments and a list of cosmetics and their ingredients. Cosmetic manufacturers, packers, and distributors must report to the FDA any serious and unexpected adverse events likely caused by a cosmetic. Cosmetic labels must include contact information to report a serious adverse event. The FDA may establish principles and standards for good manufacturing practices for cosmetics. A cosmetic may not be sold if it presents a significant risk of serious adverse health consequences because it was not manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practices. Certain ingredients are deemed safe for use in cosmetics unless restricted by the FDA. The FDA must establish a program to evaluate the safety of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients. The FDA must establish and maintain a National Cosmetic Regulatory Databank that contains submitted information on cosmetics. Confidential business and trade secret information may be disclosed only to state agencies that request this information for good cause. The FDA may establish exemptions to requirements so that implementation and compliance is cost-effective. Color additives that the FDA has not listed as suitable and safe but that are generally recognized as safe may be used in cosmetics. States and local governments may not establish or continue in effect specified requirements relating to cosmetics. Cosmetics may only be imported from registered establishments that have submitted a cosmetic and ingredient statement.

Protecting Seniors Access to Proper Care Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Protecting Seniors Access to Proper Care Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow an authorized physician or practitioner who is not enrolled as a Medicare provider to, under certain circumstances, prescribe covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the physician or practitioner must not be: (1) otherwise disqualified from being enrolled; or (2) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, unless the doctor's practice prescribes a low-volume of billings for such drugs under Medicare.

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the front of food packages to bear a nutrition label that complies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The bill specifies principles for such regulations, including that there should be a standard, easily understood symbol system for calorie and nutrient information. Only under specified conditions may the front of a food package include: (1) descriptions of whole grain content, (2) the term "wheat" or "whole wheat," or (3) a reference to a characterizing ingredient. If a food contains added coloring, non-caloric sweetener, or flavoring, that fact must be stated on the front of the package. The FDA must regulate food labels that make claims about the mechanism by which a nutrient affects the body. Food manufacturers must substantiate health claims on a label upon request from the FDA. Labeling regarding trans fat and cholesterol is restricted. The FDA must establish a level of added sugars above which a food is disqualified from making health claims on the label. Regarding food labels, the FDA must: (1) regulate use of "natural," (2) prohibit use of "healthy" on certain foods, and (3) establish formatting requirements for ingredient lists. Food labels must include the percent of recommended daily calories and daily added sugars per serving. Labels must disclose the amount of added sugars in teaspoons and grams. Foods containing caffeine must be labeled with the amount. Sesame is added to the list of major food allergens. The names of major food allergens in nonpackaged food offered for sale at retail must be on a sign adjacent to the food. Food manufacturers and importers must submit to the FDA for publication the information to be included on a food's label and keep this information updated. "Artificial" and "synthetic" are defined for purposes of the FFDCA.

Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish an Advance Directive Certification Program. Under the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall grant accreditation to advance directive vendors that meet specified accreditation criteria. CMS shall establish procedures for an eligible beneficiary to register the adoption of a certified advance directive under the program. Beneficiary registration in the program shall be optional, but each eligible beneficiary who adopts and registers a certified advance directive shall receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS shall provide for related education and outreach.

Obamacare Full Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Obamacare Full Disclosure Act This bill requires a form provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to group health plans and health insurers as a template for a cancellation notice to include specified information under specified circumstances. The form must include a statement that an enrollee's plan or coverage was cancelled because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) if the plan or coverage was cancelled because it did not meet PPACA requirements or because of financial losses incurred due to PPACA requirements.

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the front of food packages to bear a nutrition label that complies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The bill specifies principles for such regulations, including that there should be a standard, easily understood symbol system for calorie and nutrient information. Only under specified conditions may the front of a food package include: (1) descriptions of whole grain content, (2) the term "wheat" or "whole wheat," or (3) a reference to a characterizing ingredient. If a food contains added coloring, non-caloric sweetener, or flavoring, that fact must be stated on the front of the package. The FDA must regulate food labels that make claims about the mechanism by which a nutrient affects the body. Food manufacturers must substantiate health claims on a label upon request from the FDA. Labeling regarding trans fat and cholesterol is restricted. The FDA must establish a level of added sugars above which a food is disqualified from making health claims on the label. Regarding food labels, the FDA must: (1) regulate use of "natural," (2) prohibit use of "healthy" on certain foods, and (3) establish formatting requirements for ingredient lists. Food labels must include the percent of recommended daily calories and daily added sugars per serving. Labels must disclose the amount of added sugars in teaspoons and grams. Foods containing caffeine must be labeled with the amount. Sesame is added to the list of major food allergens. The names of major food allergens in nonpackaged food offered for sale at retail must be on a sign adjacent to the food. Food manufacturers and importers must submit to the FDA for publication the information to be included on a food's label and keep this information updated. "Artificial" and "synthetic" are defined for purposes of the FFDCA.

Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish an Advance Directive Certification Program. Under the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall grant accreditation to advance directive vendors that meet specified accreditation criteria. CMS shall establish procedures for an eligible beneficiary to register the adoption of a certified advance directive under the program. Beneficiary registration in the program shall be optional, but each eligible beneficiary who adopts and registers a certified advance directive shall receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS shall provide for related education and outreach.

A resolution to authorize deposition testimony and representation in Care One Management LLC, et al. v. United Healthcare Workers East, SEIU 1199, et al.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Authorizes: (1) Rachel Pryor, former employee in the Office of Senator Richard Blumenthal, to testify in a deposition in the case of Care One Management LLC, et al. v. United Healthcare Workers East, SEIU 1199, et al. , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Ms. Pryor in connection with this case.

Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2015

Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to conduct demonstration projects to implement and evaluate strategies to help families address the diapering supply needs of eligible children. Title XI of the Social Security Act is amended to exempt diaper benefits from the territorial payment ceiling.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON: H.R. 1319; H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904; H.R. 2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 3549; DRAFT LEGISLATION, THE PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE OPIOID MANAGEMENT AND INCORPORATING MEDICAL EXPERTISE ACT; AND, A VA LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL, THE VA PURCHASED HEALTH CARE STREAMLINING AND MODERNIZATION ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 November 2015

[ERRATA] LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON: H.R. 1319; H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904; H.R. 2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 3549; DRAFT LEGISLATION, THE PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE OPIOID MANAGEMENT AND INCORPORATING MEDICAL EXPERTISE ACT; AND, A VA LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL, THE VA PURCHASED HEALTH CARE STREAMLINING AND MODERNIZATION ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 November 2015

To amend the Public Health Service Act to prioritize the treatment of veterans with traumatic brain injuries through the National Health Service Corps, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the priorities the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) uses in assigning National Health Service Corps (NHSC) members to health professional shortage areas and awarding contracts under the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. Specifically, HHS must prioritize: (1) assignment of members to areas with a high number of veterans with ailments resulting from traumatic brain injuries, and (2) awarding contracts to health professionals receiving training or trained in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder.

SCORE Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2015

SCORE Act of 2015 This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a Regulatory Analysis Division within the Congressional Budget Office to assess the impact of economically significant rules. The division must provide an economic analysis of proposed rules that: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of at least $100 million; or (2) adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities.

Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2015

Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence proceedings on the provision of roaming agreements between mobile service providers to: (1) allow for mobile service at reasonable rates during emergencies when there is a mobile service outage lasting longer than 24 hours, and (2) provide for roaming agreements at no charge for communications during emergencies to or from 911 services. The types of emergencies subject to this Act are: (1) occasions or instances under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for which the President determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States; or (2) an emergency declared by the governor of a state or U.S. territory. The FCC must create a master point of contact directory for communications between public safety answering points and telecommunications service providers. The FCC must also submit a study on mobile service providers supplying outage data to public safety answering points and on making WiFi access points available to the public for 911 services during emergencies. The Government Accountability Office must report on the resiliency of telecommunications networks power utility during emergencies. The Stafford Act is amended to include all categories of communications service providers (currently, only telecommunications service providers) among the essential service providers that may access a disaster site to restore and repair essential services in an emergency or major disaster without being denied or impeded by a federal agency. Communications services include wireline and mobile telephone, Internet, radio and television broadcasting, cable, and direct broadcast satellite services. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must: (1) ensure that essential service providers have escorts to relevant locations and priority access to relevant resources, and (2) establish a program to provide credentials to essential service providers to facilitate such access.

Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment, and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2015

Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment, and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop, publish, and disseminate to school personnel, state and local health departments, health professionals, and others public education and awareness materials and resources that include: (1) background information to increase education and awareness of cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle) among school administrators, educators, and families; (2) a cardiomyopathy risk assessment worksheet for use by parents, guardians, or other caregivers; (3) guidelines regarding the placement of automated external defibrillators in schools and child care centers; (4) training information on defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as "CPR"); and (5) recommendations for how schools and child care centers can develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan. The CDC must update these materials and resources as necessary and, in support of such effort, HHS is encouraged to establish an advisory panel and engage in a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with a national nonprofit advocacy organization with expertise in cardiomyopathy.

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2015

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to revise and extend through FY2020 the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory program. (These programs help match patients in need of a transplant with unrelated bone marrow and cord blood donors.) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must review the state of the science of using adult stem cells and birthing tissues to develop new therapies and consider the inclusion of new therapies in the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. Requirements for HHS contracts under the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 are revised. HHS must determine whether to include peripheral blood stem cells and umbilical cord blood in the definition of human organ.

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a Docs-to-Doctors Program to recruit individuals separating from the Armed Forces who served in a health care capacity in the Armed Forces. The VA shall: (1) implement a uniform credentialing process for certain health care employees of the Veterans Health Administration; and (2) provide full practice authority to advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and such other licensed VA health care professionals as consistent with their education, training, and certification.

Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2015 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall provide mental health care to a veteran who: has a mental health issue resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other health condition incurred or aggravated on active duty; and lives in a rural or highly rural area. Such care may be provided by contracting with or providing payments to mental health care providers that are not VA-affiliated. Care shall be provided if: a VA-affiliated mental health care provider is not available at the nearest VA medical facility and in-person and telehealth VA mental health care services are not available, or travel to a regional VA medical center is impractical or severely detrimental to the veteran's health; and a VA-affiliated mental health care provider has recommended a complementary and alternative therapy to a veteran who is a member of an Indian tribe or a Native Hawaiian who requests a healing method that is part of his or her cultural tradition. The VA may: award grants to state veterans agencies, veterans service organizations, and tribal organizations to provide transportation to and from medical centers to veterans in rural and highly rural areas who would otherwise be eligible for payment of travel expenses by the VA; and carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing a housing allowance to health care providers who become VA employees and accept assignment at rural or highly rural community-based outpatient clinics. The VA shall establish a program to train health care professionals for assignment at community-based outpatient clinics that predominantly serve veterans who live in rural and highly rural areas. The VA and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a program to encourage members of the Armed Forces with a health care-related military occupational specialty to seek post-service employment with the Veterans Health Administration. The VA shall: periodically assess rural community-based outpatient clinics to determine whether their expansion and improvement are feasible or advisable, and report on the feasibility of establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in each area in which the nearest such center or site is more than 300 miles away.

CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer screening test, and (2) exclude screening CTC from a special Medicare payment rule applicable to certain imaging services.

A resolution designating the week beginning November 8, 2015, as "National Pregnancy Center Week" to recognize the vital role that community-supported pregnancy centers (also known as pregnancy care and pregnancy resource centers) play in saving lives and serving women and men faced with difficult pregnancy decisions.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2015

Designates the week beginning November 8, 2015, as National Pregnancy Center Week. Expresses support for the work of pregnancy care and resource centers. Recognizes the importance of protecting life and assisting women and men in need as they bring children into the world.

Rural ACO Provider Equity Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2015

Rural ACO Provider Equity Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.) Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those furnished in federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics.

ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2015

ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.) Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

Co-Prescribing Saves Lives Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Co-Prescribing Saves Lives Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) establish training guidelines for federal health care facilities and federally qualified health centers; and (2) train certain health care providers at federal health care facilities on best practices for prescribing pain medications, principles of pain management, the misuse potential of controlled substances, identification of potential substance use disorders and referral to further evaluation and treatment, and disposal of controlled substances. HHS, the VA, and DOD must establish, for certain health care facilities, guidelines for the prescription of naloxone to individuals at an elevated risk of overdose. (Naloxone is a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse an overdose of opioids, which are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.) HHS must award grants to state departments of health for the development and application of guidelines for the prescription of opioid overdose reversal drugs and to increase access to naloxone. Grants may be used to: establish a program for purchasing, prescribing, and distributing opioid overdose reversal drugs; expand innovative models of naloxone distribution; train and provide resources to health care providers and pharmacists on prescribing opioid overdose reversal drugs; offset individuals' cost-sharing for opioid overdose reversal drugs; conduct community outreach to raise awareness of the availability of opioid overdose reversal drugs; and establish protocols to connect patients who have experienced a drug overdose with treatment.

High School Football Safety Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

High School Football Safety Study Act This bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) conduct a study to more precisely identify the causes of deaths related to high school football and to develop recommendations to prevent such deaths, and (2) submit to Congress and publish on the public website of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality a report on the study's results.

Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention Act of 2015 This bill requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to: (1) establish a plan to reduce the administrative time required to process and resolve cases of identity theft in connection with tax returns and refunds to no more than 90 days, on average; (2) ensure that taxpayers who have been adversely affected by identity theft have a single point of contact at the IRS; (3) issue a personal identification number to any individual requesting protection from identity theft-related fraud after such individual's true identity has been established and verified; (4) implement a program to prevent the processing of a tax return by an identity thief; and (5) issue regulations that restrict the delivery or deposit of multiple tax refunds to the same individual account or mailing address in the same tax year The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Health Information Technology Policy Committee to develop, incorporate, and report on a plan to provide for a reliable nationwide health information technology infrastructure that does not use a Social Security account number for data matching, coordination of benefits, billing, and research purposes. The bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the display, sale, or purchase of Social Security account numbers without the consent of the account holder. The bill: (1) imposes restrictions on the use of prepaid debit cards for tax refunds; (2) imposes criminal penalties for obtaining a Social Security number for purposes of locating or identifying an individual with the intent to physically injure, harm, or use the identity of an individual for any illegal purpose; (3) provides for civil remedies to enjoin and recover losses from violations of this Act; and (4) sets forth civil penalties for such violations. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require notification to a taxpayer if there has been an unauthorized use of such taxpayer's identity or if a person has been criminally charged for such unauthorized use; (2) impose a criminal penalty for willful misappropriation of another person's taxpayer identity; (3) increase the civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information by paid tax return preparers; (4) allow the use of an identifying number, instead of a Social Security account number, for an employee on a W-2 form; and (5) impose a penalty on tax return preparers who fail to verify the identity of a taxpayer who is filing a tax return or claiming a refund. The IRS may transfer appropriated funds to be used solely to prevent, detect, and resolve potential cases of tax fraud. The IRS must: (1) establish in the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS the position of Local Law Enforcement Liaison to coordinate the investigation of tax-related identity theft and fraud with state and local law enforcement agencies, (2) establish a program to verify the identity of any individual opening an e-Services account with the IRS, and (3) report to Congress on options for creating a tax system that reduces burdens on taxpayers and decreases tax fraud through real-time information matching. The bill grants the Department of the Treasury: (1) enhanced authority to regulate and sanction paid tax return preparers, and (2) access to information in the National Directory of New Hires for purposes of administering the tax code.

Veterans Freedom of Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veterans Freedom of Healthcare Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Program permanent. (The program allows the furnishing of hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through agreements with non-VA entities.) Program eligibility requirements are revised. The VA shall ensure that veterans enrolled in the health care system, particularly those with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or greater, are able to receive: health care at VA medical facilities within certain wait-time goals; and the highest degree of care possible, with an emphasis on maintaining the highest degree of quality in treating ailments unique to or prevalent among the veteran population, including mental health services.

Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to report annually on its research activities, including a study of congenital heart disease, from birth to adulthood, that considers health care utilization, demographic factors, and outcomes. (Congenital heart disease is a condition caused by a heart defect that is present at birth.) The CDC must implement an awareness, outreach, and education campaign regarding congenital heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute must report on its ongoing research efforts regarding congenital heart disease, future plans for such research, and areas of greatest need for such research.

Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the Grow Our Own Directive or G.O.O.D. pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as VA physician assistants. An individual is eligible to participate in the program if the individual: has medical or military health experience gained while serving in the Armed Forces; has received a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, or postbaccalaureate training in a science relating to health care; has participated in the delivery of health care services or related medical services; and does not have a degree of doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of dentistry. The VA shall: provide educational assistance to program participants for the costs of obtaining a master's degree in physician assistant studies or a similar master's degree, ensure that mentors are available for program participants at each VA facility at which a participant is employed, and seek to partner with specified government programs and with appropriate educational institutions that offer degrees in physician assistant studies. The VA shall: establish specified standards to improve the education and and hiring of VA physician assistants, and implement a national plan for the retention and recruitment of VA physician assistants that includes the adoption of competitive pay standards. VA physician assistant pay grades are established.

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act This bill establishes in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of the Ombudsman, which shall: investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of patients receiving medical care or hospital services at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility (covered patients) that relate to action, inaction, or decisions made by VA employees that may adversely affect such patients; assist covered patients in finding patient advocates, veterans service organizations, or other similar entities to advocate for their health, safety, welfare, and rights; ensure that covered patients have regular and timely access to Office services; administer the reporting system provided for by this Act; and provide training to local ombudsmen and volunteers. The Office shall establish a reporting system to collect and analyze complaint data in order to determine how to resolve significant VA medical facility problems. Each VA medical facility shall have a local ombudsman responsible for carrying out the duties of the Office at such location.

Veterans Health Care Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veterans Health Care Stamp Act This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Veterans Health Care Stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.

To establish in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs the Office of Health Care Quality.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill establishes in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of Health Care Quality to oversee the implementation and dissemination of best practices, quality improvements, corrective actions, and Inspector General recommendations across all Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The Office shall be headed by a Director who shall be an expert in health care quality or administration.

Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the authorization for a National Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System with a requirement for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding congenital heart disease, to enhance and expand research and surveillance infrastructure, and plan and implement a public outreach and education campaign. (Congenital heart disease is a condition caused by a heart defect that is present at birth.) The CDC must award grants to nonprofit entities to conduct: (1) a cohort study of congenital heart disease, from birth to adulthood, that considers health care utilization, demographic factors, and outcomes; and (2) an awareness, outreach, and education campaign regarding congenital heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute must report on its ongoing research efforts regarding congenital heart disease, future plans for such research, and areas of greatest need for such research.

Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into contracts to repay the student loans of physician assistants who agree to serve as: (1) faculty members for physician assistant education programs; or (2) physician assistants in health professional shortage areas, in medically underserved areas, or at health centers serving medically underserved populations. The bill extends through FY2021 programs that: (1) award grants to health professional schools to provide need-based scholarships, (2) repay the student loans of health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds who agree to serve as faculty members at health professional schools, (3) support fellowships to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty members at health professional schools, and (4) award grants to health professional schools to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Support provided by HHS for the development, operation, expansion, and improvement of primary care training programs is revised and extended through FY2021. HHS must award grants to nonprofit organizations to increase research on physician assistant education.

Meaningful Use Hardship Relief Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Meaningful Use Hardship Relief Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create a blanket exception for providers from the application of certain negative payment adjustments for failing to comply, during the 2015 reporting period, with requirements related to the meaningful use of electronic health records. Under current law, providers may be exempted due to significant hardship on a case-by-case basis.

Supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging individuals to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options and enhancing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention. Recognizes the importance of early detection, awareness of the symptoms, and the risk factors that often lead to the development of diabetes.

E-Free Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

E-Free Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to withdraw approval for Essure, a medical device for permanent, non-surgical female sterilization.

District of Columbia Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

District of Columbia Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 2015 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for the District of Columbia from 70% to 80%. Under current law, a state's FMAP is based on its per capita income and may range from 50% to 83%.