Healthcare

Measuring State Healthcare Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Measuring State Healthcare Freedom Act This bill temporarily requires studies on licensing of health care professionals, mergers and acquisitions of health care entities (e.g., hospitals and health insurance companies), and other matters affecting health care competition and consolidation at the state level. For 10 years following the bill's enactment, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation within the Department of Health and Human Services must annually carry out the studies. The office must consult with the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission on the studies.

Expanding Care in the Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Expanding Care in the Home Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support certain at-home services for Medicare beneficiaries. For example, the bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow Medicare primary care providers to opt to receive a monthly capitated payment for up to five years for certain services instead of on a fee-for-service basis. Covered services include home services and wellness visits. The CMS must also establish payments under Medicare for (1) home infusion services and equipment, including 24/7 nursing services; (2) staff-assisted home dialysis; and (3) travel and mailing costs associated with collecting specimens from at-home clinical laboratory tests. The bill also authorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to nonprofit health care entities and state and local health agencies to develop the home-based care workforce through training, recruitment, and placement in home-care models.

Chronic Care Management Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Chronic Care Management Improvement Act of 2023 This bill eliminates cost-sharing for chronic care management services under Medicare.

Self-Insurance Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Self-Insurance Protection Act This bill specifies that stop-loss coverage is not health insurance coverage for purposes of regulation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Stop-loss policies are generally obtained by self-insured health plans or sponsors of self-insured group health plans to reimburse the plan or sponsor for losses incurred in providing health benefits to plan participants in excess of a level set forth in the stop-loss policy. The bill also preempts state laws that prevent employers from obtaining stop-loss coverage.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Sunshine and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Sunshine and Accountability Act This bill expands and otherwise modifies reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Current law requires PBMs that contract with plans under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or plans that are offered on state health insurance exchanges to report certain information regarding rebates, fees, and other related information. The bill applies these requirements to PBMs that contract with private health insurers, and it expands these requirements to include more specific information relating to prices and fees, such as rebates that the PBM receives from drug manufacturers that are not passed through to other entities and the highest and lowest rebate percentages the PBM receives among all its contracts. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to annually post the information reported by PBMs on its website.

Association Health Plans Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Association Health Plans Act This bill provides statutory authority for the treatment of association health plans (AHPs) as single, large employers for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Under AHPs, groups of individuals or small employers join together to purchase health insurance coverage. AHPs were historically subject to the market requirements for individual and small group health plans. In 2018, the Department of Labor issued regulations that allowed an AHP to be considered a single, large employer under ERISA if certain conditions are met. The regulations have been subject to litigation, which is still ongoing. The bill provides that an AHP qualifies as a single, large employer if it (1) among other listed criteria, has been in existence for at least two years and was formed for a purpose other than offering health insurance; (2) meets any criteria set by Labor in a prior advisory opinion; or (3) meets any other criteria set by Labor through regulations. Additionally, the bill establishes rules for AHPs to set premium rates and prohibits AHPs from discriminating in coverage based on health status-related factors or denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.

Bruce’s Law

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Bruce's Law This bill reauthorizes certain grants through FY2028 and sets out other activities to address the dangers of fentanyl-related drug overdoses, with a particular focus on drug contamination with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Specifically, the bill (1) reauthorizes grants that are available through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for community-based coalitions to address local drug crises, and (2) authorizes new grants for coalitions to implement education and prevention strategies in communities that face significant levels of drug overdoses related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The ONDCP may delegate authority to execute the new grants to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must carry out a campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, including the risk of contamination of counterfeit drugs with fentanyl or other synthetic drugs. The bill also establishes an interagency work group to coordinate and improve federal efforts to reduce and prevent drug overdoses involving contamination with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Work group members include the ONDCP, HHS, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State.

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023 This bill generally extends liability protection for harm caused by acts or omissions by volunteer health care professionals in the course of providing certain health care services during specified public-health or national emergencies or major disasters. However, the liability protection shall not apply if (1) the harm was caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed; or (2) the health care professional provided services under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug.

INSULIN Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2023 or the INSULIN Act of 2023 This bill limits cost-sharing for insulin under private health insurance and revises the requirements for approval and cost-sharing of generic drugs and biosimilar products. Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin products at $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price (after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in 2025. The bill also requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to remit to the group health plan 100% of the fees, alternative discounts, and all other remuneration received from a drug manufacturer. Additionally, the bill modifies the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) procedures for determining whether a petition to delay the approval of a generic drug was made with the primary purpose of delaying the application and provides for the referral of such petitions to the Federal Trade Commission. The bill also authorizes the FDA to expedite the development and review of applications for products designated as a competitive biosimilar therapy. Finally, the bill permits prescription drug plan sponsors under Medicare Part D to make certain mid-year changes to the cost-sharing tier of a reference biological product if the sponsor also adds the respective biosimilar product to the same or a lower cost-sharing tier as the reference biological product immediately prior to the change.

A resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; establishing millions of high-wage union jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

SMART Prices Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Strengthening Medicare And Reducing Taxpayer Prices Act or the SMART Prices Act This bill modifies requirements of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and makes other changes with respect to the prices of prescription drugs under Medicare. Current law requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate maximum prices for brand-name drugs that do not have other generic equivalents and that account for the greatest Medicare spending. The CMS must negotiate the prices of 10 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2026, 15 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2027, 15 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2028, and 20 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2029 and each year thereafter. The bill requires the CMS to negotiate the prices of 20 drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2026 and 40 drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2027 and each year thereafter. It also (1) shortens the required period of market approval from 7 years and 11 years for drugs and biologics, respectively, to 3 years; and (2) modifies the ceiling for the maximum fair price for short-, extended-, and long-monopoly drugs. The bill also repeals provisions that prohibit the CMS from interfering in negotiations between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and PDP sponsors (i.e., noninterference clause).

Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2023

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; establishing millions of high-wage union jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

Harm Reduction Through Community Engagement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2023

Harm Reduction Through Community Engagement Act of 2023 This bill requires opioid treatment programs to meet additional conditions related to community engagement, location, and other matters to be registered to dispense controlled substances for treating opioid use disorders. In particular, treatment programs must engage with the surrounding community to address concerns and mitigate any negative impacts of the treatment program on the community. This includes establishing a community advisory board and implementing a community relations plan. Additionally, treatment programs may not provide treatment services near specified locations frequented by children (e.g., elementary schools, day cares, and playgrounds) or another drug treatment facility or program. The bill also requires treatment programs to actively promote the use of telehealth to minimize the need for in-person treatment.

Green New Deal for Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Green New Deal for Health Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to mitigate the health effects of climate change and environmental effects of the health care sector, particularly on vulnerable populations. The Department of Health and Human Services must, for example, lead a research initiative to mitigate the health effects of climate change and develop a plan for preparing the health care system to respond to those effects. The bill establishes programs and requirements for medical facilities. It funds through FY2028 the Community Health Center Program (which supports outpatient facilities for medically underserved populations) and establishes grants for sustainability and resiliency planning for medical facilities. Further, the bill revives the Hill-Burton program (which historically supported construction and modernization of medical facilities) and makes climate resiliency a program focus. It also restricts certain hospitals from terminating essential services without engaging in planning and other efforts to preserve access. The bill also provides support for workforce and community programs. This includes (1) grants for incorporating climate change into medical training and community-based mental wellness and resiliency programs; and (2) funding through FY2028 for the National Health Services Corps, which awards educational incentives to providers in underserved areas. Additionally, the bill addresses efforts to reduce (1) the health sector's contributions to climate change, (2) climate-related risks to pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical supply chains, and (3) health impacts of extreme heat. It also expands Medicare coverage to include items and services (e.g., solar batteries) for individuals who are medically at-risk at home from climate or man-made disasters.

SPARC Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care Act or the SPARC Act This bill establishes student loan repayment programs to support the provision of specialty medical care in rural areas. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must carry out such a program for certain specialty medicine physicians who provide care in rural communities with shortages of such physicians. Physicians must agree to a period of obligated service and, for each year of such service, HRSA must pay one-sixth of the principal payment and interest on eligible loans up to a maximum cap of $250,000. Additionally, HRSA may carry out a similar loan repayment program for nonphysician specialty health care providers.

PROTECT 911 Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma in 911 Act or the PROTECT 911 Act This bill establishes a grant program, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop resources, for addressing mental health conditions among public safety telecommunicators. These include 9-1-1 operators and other public safety personnel who are responsible for responding to requests for emergency assistance. Specifically, HHS must award grants to state, local, and regional emergency communications centers or nonprofits for behavioral health and wellness programs to prevent and mitigate job-related mental health issues among public safety telecommunicators. Additionally, HHS must develop and disseminate (1) best practices for identifying, preventing, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder among public safety telecommunicators; and (2) resources for educating mental health professionals about the workplace culture of, stressors and challenges experienced by, and therapies for treating mental health issues common to public safety telecommunicators.

School Meals during School Closures Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

School Meals during School Closures Act This bill allows states or eligible service providers (e.g., school districts) to request a waiver of certain requirements to continue providing no-cost and reduced-cost meals to students during certain school closures. The Department of Agriculture may provide a waiver, with exceptions, to provide meals and meal supplements during a school closure due to a strike or other labor-management dispute; inclement weather, a natural disaster, a public health emergency, unsafe facilities, construction, or repairs; or other unanticipated events.

SMART Prices Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Strengthening Medicare And Reducing Taxpayer Prices Act or the SMART Prices Act This bill modifies requirements of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and makes other changes with respect to the prices of prescription drugs under Medicare. Current law requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate maximum prices for brand-name drugs that do not have other generic equivalents and that account for the greatest Medicare spending. The CMS must negotiate the prices of 10 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2026, 15 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2027, 15 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2028, and 20 drugs that are covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2029 and each year thereafter. The bill requires the CMS to negotiate the prices of 20 drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2026 and 40 drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit or under Medicare medical services in 2027 and each year thereafter. It also (1) shortens the required period of market approval from 7 years and 11 years for drugs and biologics, respectively, to 3 years; and (2) modifies the ceiling for the maximum fair price for short-, extended-, and long-monopoly drugs. The bill also repeals provisions that prohibit the CMS from interfering in negotiations between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and PDP sponsors (i.e., noninterference clause).

Bruce's Law

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Bruce's Law This bill reauthorizes certain grants through FY2027 and sets out other activities to address the dangers of fentanyl-related drug overdoses, with a particular focus on fentanyl contamination. Specifically, the bill (1) reauthorizes grants that are available through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for community-based coalitions to address local drug crises, and (2) authorizes new grants for coalitions to implement education and prevention strategies in communities that face significant levels of drug overdoses related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The ONDCP may delegate authority to execute the new grants to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must carry out a campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, including the risk of fentanyl contamination in counterfeit drugs. The bill also establishes an interagency work group to coordinate and improve federal efforts to reduce and prevent overdoses involving fentanyl contamination in illegal drugs. Work group members include the ONDCP, HHS, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State.

Green New Deal for Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Green New Deal for Health Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to mitigate the health effects of climate change and environmental effects of the health care sector, particularly on vulnerable populations. The Department of Health and Human Services must, for example, lead a research initiative to mitigate the health effects of climate change and develop a plan for preparing the health care system to respond to those effects. The bill establishes programs and requirements for medical facilities. It funds through FY2028 the Community Health Center Program (which supports outpatient facilities for medically underserved populations) and establishes grants for sustainability and resiliency planning for medical facilities. Further, the bill revives the Hill-Burton program (which historically supported construction and modernization of medical facilities) and makes climate resiliency a program focus. It also restricts certain hospitals from terminating essential services without engaging in planning and other efforts to preserve access. The bill also provides support for workforce and community programs. This includes (1) grants for incorporating climate change into medical training and community-based mental wellness and resiliency programs; and (2) funding through FY2028 for the National Health Services Corps, which awards educational incentives to providers in underserved areas. Additionally, the bill addresses efforts to reduce (1) the health sector's contributions to climate change, (2) climate-related risks to pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical supply chains, and (3) health impacts of extreme heat. It also expands Medicare coverage to include items and services (e.g., solar batteries) for individuals who are medically at-risk at home from climate or man-made disasters.

Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2023 or the DTC Act of 202 3 This bill requires consumer advertisements for drugs and biologicals to include certain price information if the drug or biological is (1) covered under Medicare or Medicaid, and (2) required to include a risk summary under current law. The requirement does not apply to advertisements for drugs or biologicals with a wholesale cost of less than $35 for a one-month supply. Each violation of this requirement is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100,000.

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes, provides funding through FY2027 for, and otherwise makes changes to programs that address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities. Specifically, the bill provides funding for states and localities to enhance adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman programs. Additionally, the bill modifies an existing long-term care workforce grant program, including by requiring that grant recipients use funds to provide employees with wage subsidies, educational assistance, and access to affordable child care and transportation. Furthermore, the bill establishes new grant programs for states to (1) link health care and social services for older adults and adults with disabilities, including through medical-legal partnerships and legal services hotlines; and (2) prevent and address social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities. The bill also provides funding for reporting by the Department of Health and Human Services on the effectiveness of various programs and activities in addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.

MADE in America Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients in America Act or the MADE in America Act This bill establishes a tax credit for certain manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or medical products. Specifically, the bill establishes a tax credit for manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients (i.e., inactive ingredients), medical diagnostic devices, or personal protective equipment, if they are located in a designated distressed zone. The tax credit is equal to 25% of the manufacturer's production expenditures; the credit increases to 30% of expenditures if a substantial portion of the manufacturer's employees reside in a distressed zone. The bill defines distressed zone as an area that has been designated as a qualified opportunity zone by the Internal Revenue Service (i.e., an economically distressed community in which certain new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment) and that has a poverty rate of over 30%.

I CAN Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act or the I CAN Act This bill allows other health care providers besides physicians (e.g., nurses) to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid. Among other changes, the bill (1) allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of special shoes for diabetic individuals; (2) expedites the ability of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise Medicare cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; and (3) allows nurse practitioners to certify the need for inpatient hospital services under Medicare and Medicaid.

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act This bill expressly prohibits health care providers and other entities involved in matching donated organs with recipients from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely on the basis of the individual's disability, except in limited circumstances. Specifically, these entities may consider an individual's disability when making decisions about transplants only if a physician finds, based on an individualized evaluation, that the individual's physical or mental disability is medically significant to the provision of the transplant. A disability shall not be considered medically significant if the individual has an adequate support system in place to comply with transplant-related medical requirements. These entities must also make reasonable changes to their policies to make transplants and related care more available to individuals with disabilities. Aggrieved individuals may bring claims of discrimination to the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services or before a federal court. The bill provides for expedited resolutions of these claims. In addition, entities that receive federal contracts to manage all or part of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network may not issue policies that prohibit or hinder access to an organ transplant based solely on the individual's disability. This network is a public-private partnership linking professionals involved in the U.S. organ donation and transplantation system.

RARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Retaining Access and Restoring Exclusivity Act or the RARE Act This bill specifies that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drug exclusivity period) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. Current law grants a seven-year period of market exclusivity for an approved orphan drug, during which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may not approve an application from another manufacturer for the same drug for the same disease or condition. The FDA's regulations provide that this exclusivity is specific to the same approved use or indication of the drug, rather than all uses or indications, for the disease or condition. However, in Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra, a court held that exclusivity did extend to all uses or indications for the disease or condition. The bill provides statutory authority for the FDA's regulations.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or require the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has agreed to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by a government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.  

Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023 or the Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2023 This bill includes Middle Easterners and North Africans (MENA) as a distinct population in the statutory definition of racial and ethnic minority group that applies to efforts to reduce health disparities by the Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill also requires HHS to conduct a study on health and related outcomes of MENA populations.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Food and Drug Administration has the authority to approve drugs for abortion care.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to review and approve drugs pursuant to its own expertise, and that recent court decisions blocking the FDA's approval of mifepristone (which is used in medication abortion) violate congressional intent with respect to the FDA's authority.

Ending the Prescription Drug Kickback Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Ending the Prescription Drug Kickback Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits prescription drug manufacturers from providing rebates to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) or private health insurance plans. Specifically, the bill eliminates the safe harbor for rebates, or other payments, provided to PBMs that are intended to influence the applicable cost-sharing tier of the drug (e.g., placing the drug in a more favorable formulary tier). The bill further prohibits health insurance plans from receiving such rebates with respect to a prescription drug covered by the plan. Plans also must ensure PBMs do not receive any such rebates.

Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act This bill caps the price of drugs and biologics at the average price among certain countries. Specifically, the retail list price of a drug or biologic in the United States may not exceed the average retail list price among Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must calculate the average price in these countries based on data that is submitted by manufacturers directly to HHS and on publicly filed materials from manufacturers. Manufacturers who violate the bill's price cap are subject to civil penalties.

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Peace Corps program through FY2028 and requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon their return to the United States; requires the Peace Corps to establish processes to return volunteers to service after their service has been interrupted by a mandatory evacuation, and to strive to allow evacuated volunteers to return to the country in which they had formerly been assigned (except for Peace Corps missions in China); requires the Peace Corps to provide separating volunteers with information on postservice health care options; provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position); requires the Peace Corps to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding volunteer or trainee involvement with illegal drugs; requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer; and authorizes suspension without pay for employees engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for cause.

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes, provides funding through FY2027 for, and otherwise makes changes to programs that address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities. Specifically, the bill provides funding for states and localities to enhance adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman programs. Additionally, the bill modifies an existing long-term care workforce grant program, including by requiring that grant recipients use funds to provide employees with wage subsidies, educational assistance, and access to affordable child care and transportation. Furthermore, the bill establishes new grant programs for states to (1) link health care and social services for older adults and adults with disabilities, including through medical-legal partnerships and legal services hotlines; and (2) prevent and address social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities. The bill also provides funding for reporting by the Department of Health and Human Services on the effectiveness of various programs and activities in addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or require the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has agreed to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by a government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.  

Health Equity for People with Disabilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Health Equity for People with Disabilities Act This bill modifies certain grants available to health centers that offer primary health services to medically underserved populations to ensure that members of such populations with disabilities receive accessible health services.

Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs into the United States. Current law authorizes HHS to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of communicable diseases. Under this bill, HHS may also restrict migration and imports from a country if HHS determines that the existence of substantial illicit drug smuggling from that country poses a risk to public health.

CLEANER VEHICLES: GOOD FOR CONSUMERS AND PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States Senate · 18 April 2023

Medicaid VBPs for Patients Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Medicaid VBPs for Patients Act or the MVP Act This bill provides statutory authority for regulations that allow for the use of varying best price points under value-based purchasing arrangements for purposes of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. ( Value-based purchasing arrangements refer to arrangements in which the price of a drug is linked to clinical outcomes; such arrangements are particularly used for new high-cost treatments, such as gene therapies.) The Government Accountability Office must study the impact of value-based purchasing arrangements on federal health care programs, including with respect to the bill's changes. Additionally, the bill (1) exempts sales of drugs that are made under value-based purchasing arrangements from calculations of the manufacturer average sales price for purposes of payments under Medicare medical services, if the manufacturer reports multiple best prices under Medicaid in accordance with the bill's changes; and (2) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a program under which state Medicaid programs may cover drugs in inpatient settings via value-based purchasing arrangements. The bill's changes terminate five years after enactment; any value-based purchasing arrangements that are in effect as of the date of termination continue to apply.

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care, social service, and other sectors. Specifically, Labor must issue an interim occupational safety and health standard that requires certain employers to take actions to protect workers and other personnel from workplace violence. The standard applies to employers in the health care sector, in the social service sector, and in sectors that conduct activities similar to those in the health care and social service sectors. In addition, Labor must promulgate a final standard within a specified time line.

Pharmacy Benefits Manager Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Pharmacy Benefits Manager Accountability Act This bill establishes reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) with respect to services provided to health insurance plans. First, PBMs must report annually to the plan sponsor certain information about the PBM's services, including the amount of prescription drug copayment assistance funded by drug manufacturers, a list of covered drugs billed under the plan during the reporting period, and the total gross and net spending by the health plan on prescription drugs during the reporting period. PBMs also must submit specified elements of the report (e.g., the total gross spending on prescription drugs) to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report must comply with the privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of these requirements and provides for enforcement by the appropriate agencies. GAO must report on the pharmacy networks of plans or PBMs, including whether such networks under common ownership with the plans or PBMs are designed to encourage plan enrollees to use network pharmacies over other pharmacies.

RELIEVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the RELIEVE Act This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act This bill delays reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) allotments until FY2026. (DSHs are hospitals that receive additional payments under Medicaid for treating a large share of low-income patients.)

Transparent PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Transparent Prices Required to Inform Consumer and Employers Act or the Transparent PRICE Act This bill revises the hospital price transparency requirements and the health plan price transparency requirements. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that hospitals publish specified pricing information for each item or service the hospital provides. It also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a standard method and format for hospitals to disclose such pricing information. The method and format may be similar to any template already established by the CMS. The bill requires the CMS to regularly monitor the accuracy of such pricing information and establishes civil penalties for violations of the requirements. The CMS also must establish and maintain on its website a list of each hospital that is not in compliance with the requirements (including whether it has been issued a warning or civil penalty) and a list of each hospital that is in compliance. Additionally, the bill requires health insurance plans to report every three months certain rate and payment information for in-network services, out-of-network services, and prescription drugs available under the plan. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the compliance with, and enforcement of, the requirements of this bill.

340B Reporting and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

340B Reporting and Accountability Act This bill requires providers participating in the 340B drug discount program to ensure patients receive covered outpatient drugs at a price that does not exceed the amount the provider paid, minus any additional discounts or rebates the provider receives. Further, participating providers must report annually information about amounts paid and received for covered outpatient drugs and how any excess revenue was spent.

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care, social service, and other sectors. Specifically, Labor must issue an interim occupational safety and health standard that requires certain employers to take actions to protect workers and other personnel from workplace violence. The standard applies to employers in the health care sector, in the social service sector, and in sectors that conduct activities similar to those in the health care and social service sectors. In addition, Labor must promulgate a final standard within a specified time line.

A resolution designating the week of April 17 through April 23, 2023, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week".

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

This resolution designates National Osteopathic Medicine Week.

A resolution recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2023, as the sixth annual "Black Maternal Health Week" to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act This bill expressly prohibits health care providers and other entities involved in matching donated organs with recipients from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely on the basis of the individual's disability, except in limited circumstances. Specifically, these entities may consider an individual's disability when making decisions about transplants only if a physician finds, based on an individualized evaluation, that the individual's physical or mental disability is medically significant to the provision of the transplant. A disability shall not be considered medically significant if the individual has an adequate support system in place to comply with transplant-related medical requirements. These entities must also make reasonable changes to their policies to make transplants and related care more available to individuals with disabilities. Aggrieved individuals may bring claims of discrimination to the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services or before a federal court. The bill provides for expedited resolutions of these claims. In addition, entities that receive federal contracts to manage all or part of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network may not issue policies that prohibit or hinder access to an organ transplant based solely on the individual's disability. This network is a public-private partnership linking professionals involved in the U.S. organ donation and transplantation system.

Electrodiagnostic Medicine Patient Protection and Fraud Elimination Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023

Electrodiagnostic Medicine Patient Protection and Fraud Elimination Act of 2023 This bill requires, as a condition for Medicare payment, specified electrodiagnostic services to be furnished by qualified facilities that comply with accreditation, training, and other quality control requirements, as established under the bill. Specifically, the bill requires nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography tests to be furnished by facilities that are accredited by an organization that is approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The accrediting organization must certify that the facility meets certain standards, including having a quality control program and requiring those who administer needle electromyography tests to have at least three months of specialized training. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to support the CMS in developing appropriate facility standards.

MINAJ Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023

Medical Information Nuanced Accountability Judgement Act of 2023 or the MINAJ Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits federal agencies from requiring an individual to receive a vaccine unless the required vaccine has been approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for at least 10 years. During a declared public health emergency, however, a federal agency may require that individuals receive a vaccine with fewer years of approval or authorization if the agency provides Congress with (1) adequate notice of the requirement, (2) data about the safety and efficacy of the required vaccine, and (3) sufficient time to review the data and deliberate about the requirement. Under the bill, sufficient time for review and deliberation is the lesser of three months or the period of time during which the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions each complete three hearings related to matters in the report.