Healthcare

Pre-existing Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Pre-existing Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from: (1) imposing any preexisting condition exclusion; or (2) providing for an affiliation period for coverage offered by a health maintenance organization (HMO). Defines an "affiliation period" as a period of time before health insurance coverage becomes effective. Requires each health insurance issuer offering coverage in the group market in a state to accept every employer in the state that applies for such coverage. Revises provisions governing individual health insurance coverage to apply certain prohibitions related to denying coverage and preexisting condition exclusions to coverage offered in an area (currently, a state). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress concerning the occurrence of adverse selection as a result of this Act. Requires health insurance issuers to which this Act applies to submit to the Secretary specified information on enrollees and claims. Directs the Secretary to require that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide data to the Secretary for compliance purposes. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to the Secretary on: (1) the impact of this Act and other relevant federal laws; and (2) this Act's effect on the affordability of health insurance coverage and on the expansion of coverage and reductions in the number of uninsured and underinsured.

A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds to approve certain biologics license applications by the Food and Drug Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Prohibits the use of funds by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to process a biologics license application for any biologic product that is, bears, or contains an agent or toxin listed in federal regulations as dangerous to life, property, or the environment and that has been marketed, sold, or distributed to the Islamic Republic of Iran by an entity under investigation for potential violations of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.

Enhancing Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Enhancing Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to conduct and support research, evaluations, initiatives, and demonstration projects, and provide grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, to enhance the deployment of medical simulation technologies and the incorporation of such technologies and equipment into medical, nursing, allied health, podiatric, osteopathic, and dental education and training protocols. Requires the Director to: (1) establish medical simulation centers of excellence; (2) promote innovation by conducting and supporting research on complex or challenging medical simulation and interdisciplinary simulation technologies and developing an electronic clearinghouse of such technologies; and (3) award grants for purchasing, incorporating, and deploying such technologies for training of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and qualified students. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Federal Medical Simulation Coordinating Council. Requires the Director to establish an advisory panel to make recommendations on how to structure programs established by this Act.

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deny an application for a new animal drug that is a critical antimicrobial animal drug unless the applicant demonstrates that there is a reasonably certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the nontherapeutic use of the drug. Defines "critical antimicrobial animal drug" as a drug intended for use in food-producing animals that contains specified antibiotics or other drugs used in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection caused by microorganisms. Requires the Secretary to withdraw approval of a nontherapeutic use of such drugs in food-producing animals two years after the date of enactment of this Act unless certain safety requirements are met. Directs specified congressional committees to hold hearings on the implementation of such a withdrawal of approval.

Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from: (1) imposing any preexisting condition exclusion; or (2) providing for an affiliation period for coverage offered by a health maintenance organization (HMO). Defines an "affiliation period" as a period of time before health insurance coverage becomes effective. Requires each health insurance issuer offering coverage in the group market in a state to accept every employer in the state that applies for such coverage. Prohibits preexisting condition exclusions for individual health insurance coverage. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the impact of this Act on health benefits coverage. Authorizes the Secretary to request claims data, enrollee data, and other appropriate information from group health plans and health insurance issuers. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the impact of this Act and other relevant federal laws on the reduction in the number of uninsured and underinsured individuals and on the affordability of coverage.

To authorize the conveyance of a portion of the campus of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Danville Area Community College of Vermilion County, Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the Danville Area Community College of Vermilion County, Illinois, specified real property of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Responsible Education About Life Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Responsible Education About Life Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states for sex education programs, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Expresses the sense of Congress that states are encouraged, although not required, to provide matching funds to receive such grants. Requires the Secretary to provide for a national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in delaying the initiation of sexual intercourse and other high-risk behaviors, preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, and increasing contraceptive knowledge and behavior. Requires states receiving such grants to provide for an individual evaluation of the state's program by an external, independent entity. Prohibits such programs from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Pathway for Biosimilars Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Pathway for Biosimilars Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a person to submit an application for licensure of a biological product based on its similarity to a licensed biological product (the reference product). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve the application if: (1) the biological product is biosimilar to the reference product with respect to each condition of use for which the reference product is approved; and (2) the applicant consents to the inspection of the facility that is the subject of the application. Sets forth requirements for a determination by the Secretary that a biological product is interchangeable with a reference product. Prohibits a biological product from being evaluated against more than one reference product. Prohibits licensure under this Act of a biological product containing specified agents or toxins or a schedule I or II controlled substance unless the Secretary determines there would be no increased risk to the security or health of the public from licensing such a biological product. Prohibits the Secretary from making approval of an application under this Act effective until 12 yeas after the date on which the reference product was first licensed. Provides for confidentiality of information received pursuant to this Act. Sets forth provisions governing patent infringement actions related to this Act. Deems as patent infringement the submission of a statement under this Act by the applicant setting forth reasons why the making, use, or sale of the biosimilar product would not infringe the patent, or why the patent is invalid or unenforceable, if the purpose of such submission is to obtain approval to engage in the commercial manufacture, use, or sale before the expiration of such patent.

Congenital Heart Futures Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Congenital Heart Futures Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with appropriate congenital heart disease patient organizations and professional organizations, to conduct, support, and promote a comprehensive public education campaign to increase awareness regarding congenital heart disease, including the need for lifelong treatment. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award a grant to one entity to enhance and expand infrastructure to track the epidemiology of congenital heart disease and to organize such information into a comprehensive National Congenital Heart Disease Registry with the purpose of facilitating research into the types of health services patients use and identifying possible areas for educational outreach and prevention; and (2) establish an Advisory Committee on Congenital Heart Disease. Authorizes the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Institute regarding congenital heart disease.

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as "National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month" and supporting efforts to educate the public about atrial fibrillation.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Expresses support for the designation of National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Recognizes the need for additional research into treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Veterans Affairs should take full responsibility for financing the health care benefits earned by veterans with service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should take full responsibility for financing the health-care benefits earned by veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) the purchase of supplemental health insurance by a veteran should not be grounds for reducing the federal government's obligation to such veteran; and (3) the VA should not implement policies that discourage disabled veterans from purchasing supplemental health insurance coverage for themselves and their families.

Honoring Ms. Lois Burton for setting an example for all women through her influence and dedication to the Choctaw Nation and to improved health care and education in honor of Women's History Month.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Honors Lois Burton, in recognition of Women's History Month, as an extraordinary example for all women. Commends her for her dedication to the Choctaw Nation and praises her for her advocacy of improved health care and education in Oklahoma.

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) report on barriers to the receipt of comprehensive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encountered by women veterans, especially those of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) provide for an independent study on health consequences for women veterans serving on active duty in deployments in such Operations; and (3) report on the employment of full-time managers for women veterans programs at VA medical centers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a plan to improve the provision of VA health care services to women veterans; (2) carry out a program of education, training, certification, and continuing medical education for mental health professionals providing care for veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (3) carry out a pilot program of providing reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to women veterans recently separated from service after a prolonged deployment; and (4) carry out a pilot program on subsidies for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities. Requires women veterans recently separated from service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care for up to seven days after the birth of the child.

Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 to authorize FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for grants to domestic treatment centers for the costs of services provided in the rehabilitation of victims of torture (including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture), social and legal services, and research and training of health care providers outside of treatment centers or programs; (2) the President for grants to foreign treatment centers and programs for activities designed to treat victims for the physical and psychological effects of torture; and (3) the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009 - Treats any food container that is composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A or that can release bisphenol A into food as a container that is composed of a poisonous or deleterious substance for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Bans the use of such containers. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of such ban for one year (renewable for an additional year) under specified circumstances. Requires any product for which the Secretary grants a waiver to display a prominent warning on its label of the potential health effects associated with bisphenol A. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to periodically review substances listed in federal regulations and generally recognized as safe. Requires any such substances that are shown by new scientific evidence to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans or animals to be banned or otherwise restricted. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require (currently, permits) a manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance to notify the Secretary of the identity, intended use, and safety of any such substance and of determinations as to the health effects of such substance.

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers. Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.

Prescribe A Book Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Prescribe A Book Act - Creates a Pediatric Early Literacy program under which the Secretary of Education awards matching grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of three-part models through which: (1) health care providers encourage parents to read aloud to their children and offer them recommendations and strategies for doing so; (2) health care providers give each visiting child between the ages of six months and five-years a new, developmentally appropriate children's book to take home and keep; and (3) volunteers reading to children in health care facility waiting areas show parents the techniques and pleasures of reading aloud to children. Requires that the books provided to children under the program be obtained at a discount.

Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. Prohibits the above provisions from: (1) restricting presidential authority in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers; and (2) authorizing U.S. importation of personal consumption goods acquired in Cuba.

Expressing support for designation of March 22, 2009, as "National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Expresses support for the designation of a National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day.

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009 - Treats any food container that is composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A or that can release bisphenol A into food as a container that is composed of a poisonous or deleterious substance for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Bans the use of such containers. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of such ban for one year (renewable for an additional year) under specified circumstances. Requires any product for which the Secretary grants a waiver to display a prominent warning on its label of the potential health effects associated with bisphenol A. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to periodically review substances listed in federal regulations and generally recognized as safe. Requires any such substances that are shown by new scientific evidence to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans or animals to be banned or otherwise restricted. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require (currently, permits) a manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance to notify the Secretary of the identity, intended use, and safety of any such substance and of determinations as to the health effects of such substance.

Federal Tobacco Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Federal Tobacco Act of 2009 - Establishes the Tobacco Regulatory Agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but not as part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sets forth criteria by which tobacco products are deemed adulterated or misbranded. Establishes limits on tobacco product advertising, promotion, and marketing related to youth, including: (1) prohibiting the use of any cartoon; (2) restricting the use of any human image; (3) prohibiting sponsorship of certain athletic events; and (4) limiting the sale of small packages of cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce federal substance abuse grants for states that: (1) do not have in effect a statute setting forth specific provisions to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors; or (2) spend less than the recommended amount of tobacco settlement agreement funds on tobacco control programs. Prohibits the use of certain descriptors in the packaging and advertising of cigarettes. Requires an approved application under this Act for any reduced-exposure or reduced-risk claim. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to establish standards and procedures for ranking tobacco products and nicotine-containing products based on the relative risks of serious or chronic tobacco-related diseases and adverse health conditions. Requires tobacco product manufacturers to publicly disclose a list of the ingredients in each of their tobacco products. Establishes testing and reporting requirements for tobacco products to determine nicotine and tar yields. Sets forth provisions governing disclosures on tobacco product packaging. Directs the Administrator to assess an annual user fee on each tobacco product manufacturer.

National Neurotechnology Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

National Neurotechnology Initiative Act - Defines "neurotechnology" to mean the science and technology that allows an individual to analyze, understand, treat, and heal the brain and nervous system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a National Neurotechnology Initiative, under which the Secretary shall: (1) establish goals, priorities, and metrics for evaluation for federal neurotechnology research, development, and commercialization; (2) increase the investment in federal research, development, and translational programs in neurotechnology to achieve such goals; and (3) increase interagency coordination. Requires the Secretary to establish the National Neurotechnology Coordination Office and the National Neurotechnology Advisory Council. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop the Blueprint for Neuroscience Research to: (1) identify pervasive challenges in neuroscience and any technological barriers to solving such challenges; and (2) support the development of new tools, training opportunities, and other resources to assist neuroscientists in basic and clinical research. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to require the Directors of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health to improve the timelines of the review process for neurology and psychiatry. Requires the Director of the National Neurotechnology Coordination Office to establish the American Neurotechnology Study Center.

Quality Health Care Coalition Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Quality Health Care Coalition Act of 2009 - Exempts health care professionals from federal antitrust laws in connection with negotiations with a health plan regarding contract terms under which the professionals provide health care items or services for which plan benefits are provided. Declares that this Act: (1) applies only to health care professionals excluded from the National Labor Relations Act; and (2) does not apply to such negotiations relating to Medicare or Medicaid programs, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services, veterans' medical care, the federal employees health benefits program, or the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

National Neurotechnology Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

National Neurotechnology Initiative Act - Defines "neurotechnology" to mean the science and technology that allows an individual to analyze, understand, treat, and heal the brain and nervous system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a National Neurotechnology Initiative, under which the Secretary shall: (1) establish goals, priorities, and metrics for evaluation for federal neurotechnology research, development, and commercialization; (2) increase the investment in federal research, development, and translational programs in neurotechnology to achieve such goals; and (3) increase interagency coordination. Requires the Secretary to establish the National Neurotechnology Coordination Office and the National Neurotechnology Advisory Council. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop the Blueprint for Neuroscience Research to: (1) identify pervasive challenges in neuroscience and any technological barriers to solving such challenges; and (2) support the development of new tools, training opportunities, and other resources to assist neuroscientists in basic and clinical research. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to require the Directors of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health to improve the timelines of the review process for neurology and psychiatry. Requires the Director of the National Neurotechnology Coordination Office to establish the American Neurotechnology Study Center.

Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the tax credit for the health insurance costs of a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents to increase the amount of, and expand eligibility criteria for, such credit; (2) permit up to $500 of unused health benefits under a health flexible spending arrangement to be carried over to a succeeding plan year or paid directly to an employee as compensation; (3) revise the tax deduction for payments to a health savings account to eliminate the requirement for coverage under a high deductible health plan; and (4) repeal the 7.5% threshold limitation on the tax deduction of medical and dental expenses.

Puerto Rico Medicare Reimbursement Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Puerto Rico Medicare Reimbursement Equity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formula for the Medicare inpatient hospital services payment rate for Puerto Rico hospitals to: (1) reduce the applicable Puerto Rico percentage from 25% to zero; and (2) increase the applicable federal percentage from 75% to 100%.

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement disagreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records in a civil case, unless the court has found that: (1) such order would not restrict the disclosure of information which is relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the privacy interest. Prohibits any party from requesting, as a condition for the production of discovery, that another party stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits a court from: (1) approving or enforcing an order prohibited under this Act, or any provision of an agreement between parties to a civil action, that restricts a party from disclosing information to any federal or state agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information; or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing a case or evidence that involves matters related to public health or safety, except where the court finds that the public interest in disclosure of potential health and safety hazards is outweighed by a confidentiality interest. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information relating to an individual's financial, health, or other similar information outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, require, or authorize the disclosure of classified information, as defined under the Classified Information Procedures Act.

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the government inside the United States. Requires a reduction of claims under this Act by the present value of other benefits attributable to such death or injury received by the member and by that member's estate, survivors, and beneficiaries pursuant to other federal law. Prohibits a claim under this Act from being reduced by the amount of any benefit received under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. Makes this Act inapplicable to any claim arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces during the time of armed conflict.

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries. Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare part B and makes the individual responsible for the full amount of the applicable premiums. Applies deductible and coinsurance requirements to the provision of such drugs. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for group health plans to provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients.

Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem each year an individual is enrolled in a geriatric training program as a year of obligated service under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Requires an individual affected by this Act to provide geriatric health service for the remainder of the individual's period of obligated service. Applies this Act to no more than 500 individuals in any year.

Medical Justice Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Medical Justice Act of 2009 - Sets forth provisions regulating civil actions for an injury or death as the result of health care. Sets forth limits on: (1) the non-economic damages that an individual may recover from health care practitioners and health care institutions; and (2) the total damages that a person may recover from any single liable health care practitioner. Declares that an insurer of a health care practitioner or health care institution that rejects a reasonable settlement offer within policy limits is not, by reason of such rejection, liable for damages in excess of the liability of the insured. Sets forth requirements for qualified expert reports. Allows periodic or accrual payment for future damages. Prohibits a jury from awarding punitive or exemplary damages against a health care practitioner or health care institution unless the jury is unanimous. Makes each person liable only for a proportionate share of the total damages that directly corresponds to that person's responsibility. Makes a person liable for litigation costs incurred after rejection of a settlement offer if such person receives a judgment at trial that is significantly less favorable than the terms of the settlement offer. Sets forth a time frame within which claims related to any health care act or omission must be brought. Makes a health care practitioner or health care institution that provides emergency health care on a Good Samaritan basis immune from liability for damages caused by that care, except for willful or wanton negligence or more culpable misconduct.

Child Health Care Affordability Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Child Health Care Affordability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the medical expenses of a dependent. Limits the amount of such credit to $500 (adjusted for inflation) per dependent. Increases the amount of the credit to $3,000 (adjusted for inflation) for a dependent who has a terminal disease, cancer, a disability, or any other health condition requiring hospitalization or other forms of specialized care. (Coordinates the credit allowed by this Act with the income tax credit for household and dependent care expenses and the income tax deduction for medical expenses to prevent a double tax benefit.)

Puerto Rico Hospitals Medicare DSH Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Puerto Rico Hospitals Medicare DSH Equity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe a formula for the calculation of Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments for prospective payment system hospitals in Puerto Rico.

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to repay education loans in exchange for an individual working as a full-time member of the faculty of an accredited school of nursing.

Recognizing and promoting awareness of Chiari malformation.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Recognizes the importance of promoting Chiari malformation awareness.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND HEALTHCARE HEARING ON IMPACT OF FOOD RECALLS ON SMALL BUSINESSES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 March 2009

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to continue to expand and intensify research and related NIH activities with respect to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Directors of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to continue to conduct and support research to expand understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to undertake psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data collection and develop a psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient registry. Encourages the Secretary to convene a summit on federal efforts regarding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research, treatment, education, quality-of-life, and data collection. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institutes of Medicine to study insurance coverage of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish criminal penalties of a fine and imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, for any person who commits a prohibited act relating to counterfeiting knowing that: (1) the conduct concerns the rendering of a drug as a counterfeit drug; (2) the conduct will cause a drug to be a counterfeit drug; or (3) a drug, held, sold, or dispensed is a counterfeit drug. Increases the term of imprisonment to any term of years or for life if the use of a counterfeit drug is the proximate cause of a consumer's death. Modifies provisions pertaining to criminal fines for committing certain prohibited acts involving food, drugs, devices, or cosmetics.

Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, to give states the option to disregard certain income in providing continued Medicaid coverage for certain individuals with extremely high annual lifelong orphan drug costs.

Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the licensing of biosimilar and interchangeable biological products. Defines "biosimilar" and "interchangeability" for purposes of this Act. Allows any person to file an abbreviated biological product application with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires such applications to include information demonstrating a high degree of similarity or interchangeability between the biological product and the licensed biological product (reference product). Requires the Secretary to: (1) approve an application and issue a license for a biosimilar product unless the Secretary finds and informs the applicant that the information in the application fails to demonstrate biosimilarity between the biological product and the reference product or the safety, purity, and potency of the biological product; and (2) establish requirements for the efficient review, approval, suspension, and revocation of abbreviated biological product applications. Allows an applicant to request the Secretary to make a determination as to the interchangeability of a product and its reference product based on whether a product can be expected to produce the same clinical result as the reference product in any given patient. Grants market exclusivity to any biological product that is determined to be interchangeable for a specified period. Sets forth provisions governing patent infringement claims involving comparable biological products and legal remedies to expedite the adjudication of patent infringement disputes. Extends the period for approval of biological products to allow for studies of the use of new biological products in the pediatric population.

Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop a proposed rule for a Medicare modernized clinical diagnostic laboratory fee schedule; (2) report to Congress on the fee schedule; and (3) promulgate final regulations to establish it if the committee reaches consensus. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to report to Congress its own recommendations according to whether or not the committee does reach consensus. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish as $6.04 for 2010 (and the preceding year's amount adjusted for inflation for subsequent years) the fee for collecting specimens for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program.

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit physical therapy to be furnished under the Medicare program to individuals under the care of a dentist.

Stop Adolescent Smoking Without Excessive Bureaucracy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Stop Adolescent Smoking Without Excessive Bureaucracy Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth conditions for the receipt by states of federal substance abuse prevention and treatment grants. Requires such states to: (1) prohibit a minor from purchasing or receiving a tobacco product or possessing a tobacco product in a public place; and (2) require law enforcement agencies to notify a minor's parent, custodian, or guardian whose name and address is reasonably ascertainable of any such violation. Requires such states to require any person engaged in the business of distributing tobacco products at retail to implement a program to: (1) notify its employees that state law prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products to minors and the purchase, receipt, or possession in a public place of a tobacco product by a minor; and (2) ensure compliance with such law. Directs such states to provide for a civil monetary penalty or community service for violations. Requires such states to have established goals for reducing the rate of retailer violations. Allows states to use minors to test compliance under certain conditions. Directs such states to certify expenditure of more than 10% of the funds paid to the state as part of the comprehensive settlement of November 1998 against tobacco manufacturers on health programs, tobacco control and cessation activities, or economic development for tobacco regions. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide assistance to states in developing, enacting, and implementing such laws and in setting goals, including by developing model legislative language.

STRENGTHENING EMPLOYER- PROVIDED HEALTH CARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2009

MAKING HEALTH CARE WORK FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES: DESIGNING A HIGH PERFORMANCE HEALTH SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2009

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries. Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare part B and makes the individual responsible for the full amount of the applicable premiums. Applies deductible and coinsurance requirements to the provision of such drugs. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for group health plans to provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients.

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (the counties of Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May) for full-service medical care shall be met through a project for: (1) inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans at an existing facility in southern New Jersey; or (2) construction of a new full-service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to provide inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans in southern New Jersey. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the existing facility option is chosen, to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of such care and services; or (2) if the new construction option is chosen, to carry out an appropriate major medical facility construction project for such purpose.

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project under which a state shall reimburse, under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, a privately owned and operated institution for mental diseases for medical assistance to an eligible individual between ages 21 and 65 who requires it to stabilize an emergency medical condition.

Nino's Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Nino's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory Medicaid coverage of drugs prescribed for certain research study child participants, regardless of Medicaid eligibility otherwise, if the state provides drug coverage.

United States Primary and Preventive Health Care Corps Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

United States Primary and Preventive Health Care Corps Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Primary and Public Health Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to students pursuing a health professional degree, including dentistry and behavior and mental health, in exchange for service as a health professional for not less than four years at a health care facility that serves a designated primary care or public health shortage area located in the state in which the institution of higher education is located.