Healthcare

A bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to allow qualifying States to use all or any portion of their allotments under the State Children's Health Insurance Program for certain Medicaid expenditures.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow qualifying states to use all or any portion (currently, up to 20%) of their allotments under SCHIP for certain Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures. Requires qualifying states to meet at least three of certain policies and procedures, including: (1) a simplified application process; (2) elimination of any asset test; (3) twelve-month continuous eligibility; and (4) easy access to enrollment staff.

Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from awarding any contracts under the competitive durable medical equipment items and services acquisition program unless: (1) the quality standards have been implemented; and (2) the Secretary has received advice from the program oversight committee. Requires the Secretary (who currently is authorized), in carrying out competitive acquisition programs, to exempt: (1) rural areas and areas with low population density within urban areas that are not competitive, unless there is a significant national market through mail order for a particular item or service; and (2) items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings. Adds to such exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas. Modifies requirements for the protection of small suppliers in bidding and contracting. Requires the Secretary to permit suppliers classified as small businesses to continue to participate as suppliers at the selected award price so long as they submit bids at less than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items and they otherwise comply with applicable program requirements. Provides for appeal rights (currently denied). Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings of at least 10%. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a program with respect to an item or service unless the Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving significant savings of at least 10%, compared to the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by including the item or service in the program. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing certain requirements for the payment basis for covered items furnished after January 1, 2009, with respect to the application of rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition area, unless the Secretary has completed and published in the Federal Register a comparability analysis to ensure the application is appropriate. Requires application of the comparability analysis requirement to certain other part B items and services.

9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to eligible entities to provide medical and mental health monitoring, tracking, and treatment to individuals whose health has been directly impacted as a result of the attacks on New York City and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Includes as eligible individuals firefighters, police officers, paramedics, workers, volunteers, residents, and any other individual who worked at Ground Zero, Fresh Kills (recovery site on Staten Island), or the Pentagon or lived or worked in the vicinity of such areas, whose health has deteriorated as a result of the attacks, and who has been evaluated by a physician or mental health professional for 9/11-related health conditions and needs treatment for such conditions. Sets the order of priority for individuals covered under this Act.

A resolution recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by designating funds for education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how that disease affects African American men.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Declares the critical importance of the designation of increased funding for: (1) research to address and attempt to end the health crisis; and (2) efforts relating to education, awareness, and early detection at the grassroots levels to end the health crisis.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain a metropolitan area's eligibility to receive an AIDS emergency relief grant until such area fails to meet eligibility requirements for three consecutive years. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of living names-based cases of HIV/AIDS. Provides for exemptions and adjustments for states that continue to use code-based reporting. Limits the amount by which a grant to an eligible metropolitan area can decrease each year. Sets forth provisions regarding the use or return of unobligated balances of a grant award. Directs the chief elected official of an eligible area to use not less than 75% of grant funds to provide core medical services. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant waivers to such requirement. Establishes a transitional grant program for metropolitan areas with lower numbers of AIDS cases. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a list of classes of core AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) antiretroviral therapeutics. Requires states to ensure that such medications are the minimum treatments provided by the ADAP program. Provides for supplemental grants to states that demonstrate a need for supplemental financial assistance. Provides for grants to states for the universal testing of newborns for HIV/AIDS. Expands the program for early intervention services grants to require the provision of core medical services for individuals with HIV/AIDS in underserved populations. Establishes a grant program for the provision of family-centered care involving outpatient or ambulatory care for women and children with HIV/AIDS. Provides for activities to evaluate and address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and disparities in access, treatment, care, and outcome on racial and ethnic minorities.

Pregnant Women Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion, except in a medical emergency. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Allows the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women. Provides for the collection and dissemination of information on Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions. Provides for services to pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to have a pregnant "box check" on homicide death certificates. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist pregnant and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to provide for programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to finish high school. Requires group homes for pregnant and parenting women to provide counseling on adoption and parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and make refundable the tax credit for adoption expenses. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps.

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

GEDI Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to convene a Research Advisory Committee. Requires the Director of CDC, in consultation with such Committee, to develop a multisite research project to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations or state health agencies for demonstration projects that test specified hypotheses about interventions designed to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and obesity among young women and implement relevant activities. Requires the Director of CDC and the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in collaboration with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, to conduct and support basic, clinical, and public health research regarding gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. Requires the Director of CDC to encourage screening for gestational diabetes within state-based diabetes prevention and control programs to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its related complications.

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytologic preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; and (2) maintain a record of program results. Requires the Secretary to terminate individual proficiency testing that was in effect before enactment of this Act.

Enhanced Options for Rural Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Enhanced Options for Rural Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nothing in such title shall be construed as preventing a critical access hospital from using any of its designated number of beds to provide assisted living or from accepting private payments for related services. Declares that such use shall not increase the total number of beds that the facility may have and maintain its designation as such a hospital.

Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Extends the exceptions process period from the beginning of calendar 2006 through calendar 2007.

Requesting the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for a comprehensive and permanent program to medically monitor individuals who were exposed to the toxins of 9/11 Ground Zero in New York City and to provide medical treatment for all such individuals who are sick as a result of exposure to the toxins.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Requests the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and submit to Congress by December 1, 2006, a plan for a comprehensive and permanent program to: (1) medically monitor all individuals who were exposed to toxins of the 9/11 Ground Zero in New York City; and (2) provide medical treatment for all such individuals who are sick as a result of the toxins.

GEDI Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to convene a Research Advisory Committee. Requires the Director of CDC, in consultation with such Committee, to develop a multisite research project to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations or state health agencies for demonstration projects that test specified hypotheses about interventions designed to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and obesity among young women and implement relevant activities. Requires the Director of CDC and the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in collaboration with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, to conduct and support basic, clinical, and public health research regarding gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. Requires the Director of CDC to encourage screening for gestational diabetes within state-based diabetes prevention and control programs to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its related complications.

Smoke Free Mothers and Babies Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Smoke Free Mothers and Babies Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require coverage, without cost-sharing, of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use by pregnant women. Provides for an increased federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for tobacco cessation counseling services and medications.

Taxpayer Protection from Genetic Discrimination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Taxpayer Protection from Genetic Discrimination Act of 2006 - Prohibits a group health plan sponsored by a covered entity or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with such a plan from: (1) adjusting premiums or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of genetic information concerning an individual in the group or a family member of the individual, including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services by such an individual or family member; and (2) requesting or requiring an individual or family member to undergo a genetic test. Defines "covered entity" as any agency or part of the federal government, any state or local entity that receives federal funds, or a federal contractor. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for any covered entity to discriminate against an individual or deprive such individual of employment opportunities because of genetic information. Prohibits the collection and disclosure of genetic information, with certain exceptions. Establishes a federal cause of action for any employee or family member of an employer of a covered entity who has been adversely effected by a violation of this Act.

Remember 9/11 Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Remember 9/11 Health Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to deem certain emergency service, rescue and recovery, and law enforcement personnel and transit and cleanup workers who responded to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, residents of and persons employed or attending school, child care, or adult day care in the declared disaster area, and persons employed at the Fresh Kills recovery site on Staten Island between September 11, 2001, and August 31, 2002 (eligible recipients) to be civil employees under provisions relating to: (1) compensation to federal employees for work injuries; and (2) claims relating to damage to, or loss of, personal property incident to federal service, except that such an eligible recipient shall not be responsible for the payment of any health care expenses that result from exposure to the adverse conditions after such attack. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants or cooperative agreements to specified programs, including one established by the New York City Fire Department, to carry out screening and clinical examinations and long-term health monitoring and analysis for eligible recipients. Limits such monitoring to 20 years and 40,000 individuals. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a similar program for those affected by the September 11, 2001, Pentagon attack. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct or support diagnostic or treatment research for adverse health conditions considered to be associated with the terrorist attacks. Requires the Secretary to convene a 9/11 Health Emergency Coordinating Council to examine and formulate recommendations on the adequacy of the: (1) responses by the federal, state, and local governments and the private sector to the attacks; (2) care and compensation for the victims; (3) federal tracking of the monitoring and treatment of individuals suffering health effects from the attacks; and (4) coordination among the Council members to the attacks. Allows the Council, upon request, to issue advisory opinions on the relative obligation of the federal government and any insurance company resulting from the attacks.

Medicare Physician Assistant Continuity of Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Medicare Physician Assistant Continuity of Care Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a physician assistant, when delegated by a physician, to: (1) certify that inpatient psychiatric hospital services or post-hospital extended care services are required; (2) establish and review a plan for home health services; and (3) certify a terminal illness with respect to hospice care. Covers as hospice care any legally authorized services of a physician assistant performed under a physician's supervision.

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program. Amends SSA title XI, with respect to criminal penalties for certain illegal remunerations, to exclude from prohibited remunerations (provide safe harbor for) any remuneration paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either in cash or through the distribution or donation of covered Part D drugs, to an individual enrolled in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C.

Contact Lens Consumer Health Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Contact Lens Consumer Health Protection Act - Amends the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act to require the seller to provide the prescriber with a toll-free telephone number and email address for questions relating to a contact lens prescription verification request. Revises the verification event in which a prescription is verified if the prescriber fails to communicate with the seller within eight business hours, or a similar time as defined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), after receiving required patient and prescription information from the seller. States that if a prescriber communicates a question or concern to a seller through such toll-free telephone service or dedicated email address before such eight-hour period has ended, the seller must obtain affirmative confirmation of the accuracy of the prescription from the prescriber before the prescription is considered verified. Authorizes a prescriber to make a written request to a seller that all contact lens prescription verification requests be communicated by a preferred method of communication, including telephone, facsimile, or email. Authorizes fines for violations of this Act in amount up to $100,000 per violation. Directs the FTC to examine and report to Congress on the potential and actual adverse effects on consumers of seller violations of the requirements of this Act.

Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Extends the exceptions process period from the beginning of calendar 2006 through calendar 2007.

Keep Children Covered Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Keep Children Covered Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (3) extend authority through FY2006 for qualifying states to use certain SCHIP funds for Medicaid expenditures.

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant jurisdiction to the U.S. Tax Court to review taxpayer petitions for equitable relief from joint and several tax liability (i.e., innocent spouse relief).

Keep Kids Covered Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Keep Kids Covered Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (3) extend authority through FY2006 for qualifying states to use certain SCHIP funds for Medicaid expenditures.

To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to help ensure that no Service hospital or outpatient health facility is closed unless Congressional reporting requirements regarding the hospital or facility are current.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to prohibit the closure of any Indian Health Service hospital or outpatient health care facility if the Secretary of Health and Human Services has not reported to Congress at least one year (as under current law) but not longer than two years before the proposed closure date an evaluation of the closure's expected impact.

Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception for certified medical emergencies. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.

Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare and private data that is publicly available or is provided by the entity requesting the report, concerning national, regional, and service provider- and supplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for disclosure of Medicare data to Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to establish a Quality Advisory Board to: (1) coordinate existing collaborative efforts identifying quality and efficiency health care measures; (2) provide the Secretary with recommendations for development of model quality health care measures; (3) request Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations for reports on existing recommended model quality and efficiency health care measures; and (4) examine how clinical registries can be linked to Medicare data in order to develop reports on the quality and efficiency of service providers and suppliers. Directs the Secretary to permit researchers that meet existing criteria for appropriate release of Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services data to: (1) have access to all Medicare data; and (2) report on the performance of service providers and suppliers.

Medicare Data Access and Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Medicare Data Access and Research Act - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to: (1) enter into data release agreements with specified agencies to provide access to relevant data submitted by prescription drug (PD) plans and MedicareAdvantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) and linked to hospital, physician, and other relevant medical claims, utilization, and diagnostic Medicare and Medicaid (SSA title XIX) data; and (2) permit such an agency to link such data with other relevant health data as needed to accomplish its research objectives. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into data use agreements with specified research centers and organizations to provide access to the same kind of data; (2) permit them to link it with other relevant health data for research purposes; and (3) prepare the linked sets of data for release not later than July 1, 2007. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to provide a congressional support agency upon request with Medicare part D information for use in carrying out its functions and activities as mandated by Congress.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a public information and educational campaign to inform the public, new parents, child care providers, and other care givers of young children about: (1) brain injuries and other harmful effects that may result from shaking infants and children under five years of age; and (2) healthy strategies to cope with a crying baby and related frustrations. Directs that such campaign include dissemination of effective prevention practices and techniques to parents, care givers, maternity hospitals, child care centers, organizations providing prenatal and postnatal care, and organizations providing parenting education and support services. Requires the Secretary to establish biannual meetings with Shaken Baby Syndrome advocacy groups, parenting support communities, organizations involved in child protection and child maltreatment prevention, and other federal and state agencies involved in prevention activities. Directs the Secretary and such entities to provide support for the parents of surviving children who suffer serious brain injuries as the result of shaking.

To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to provide for funding of the shortfalls in State allotments for fiscal year 2007 under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for funding of the shortfalls in state allotments for FY2007 in the same manner that shortfall funding requirements apply to FY2006.

Recognizing the invaluable service of our Nation's public hospitals and health systems.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Recognizes the quality health care delivered at public hospitals. Congratulates the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems for a quarter century of service.

CONTINUING ETHICS AND MANAGEMENT CONCERNS AT NIH AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE COMMISSIONED CORPS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 September 2006

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Provides for: (1) grants to prevent teen pregnancy; and (2) a national center for parents of adolescents to support parents in preventing teen pregnancy. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of Social Security Act to expand coverage of family planning services. Sets forth requirements for primary care clinics that receive federal financial assistance and provide abortion services. Expands state options to provide health care coverage to low-income pregnant women. Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for voluntary family planning projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit individual health insurance coverage from excluding pregnancy as a preexisting condition. Provides for: (1) grants for ultrasound equipment and prenatal testing for pregnant women; and (2) programs to better identify and treat pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist students who have decided to carry their pregnancies to term and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to require that federally funded group homes for pregnant and parenting women provide, upon request, adoption counseling and counseling on parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax credit for adoption expenses; (2) make such tax credit refundable; and (3) increase the exclusion from gross income for employer-paid adoption expenses. Provides for: (1) education of teen and first-time mothers through home visits by registered nurses; and (2) the collection and reporting of abortion surveillance data.

Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states to: (1) provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener, with priority to children under age nine; (2) provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of such children; and (3) develop and disseminate educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.

Remote Monitoring Access Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Remote Monitoring Access Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of remote patient management services for chronic health care conditions.

Fix And Improve Reimbursement (FAIR) for Physicians Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Fix And Improve Reimbursement (FAIR) for Physicians Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Establishes the Physician Payment Update Commission to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) on all matters relating to payment rates under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Requires the Commission to develop recommendations for establishment of a new Medicare physician payment system that would keep pace with increases in medical practice costs and provide stable, positive Medicare updates.

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to require disclosure of information on hospital charges, to make such information available to the public, and to provide individuals with information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services. Directs the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to research and report to Congress on: (1) the types of information on the charges and out-of-pocket costs for health care services that individuals find useful in making decisions about where, when, and from whom to receive care; (2) how such types of information vary by whether they have health benefits coverage, and what kinds; and (3) ways in which such information may be available on a timely basis and in easy-to-understand form to individuals facing such decisions.

PROGRESS SINCE SEPTEMBER 11TH: PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESPONDERS AND RESIDENTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 September 2006

To amend section 1729 of title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the authorization for the United States to recover or collect from health plans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2006

Eliminates the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain payment or reimbursement of veterans' health care costs from health care plans, other than plans under the Social Security Act, state medical assistance plans (Medicaid), and certain workers' compensation plans.

A resolution supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Calls for Congress to support: (1) efforts to promote awareness of cancer in children; (2) investment in childhood cancer research; (3) medical trainees and investigators in the field of pediatric oncology; (4) incentives to encourage the development of drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers; (5) policies that encourage participation in clinical trials; (6) medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients; and (7) enhanced education, services, and other resources related to late effects from treatment.

Medicare Outpatient Therapy Value-Based Purchasing Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Medicare Outpatient Therapy Value-Based Purchasing Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize providers of outpatient physical therapy services and of occupational therapy services to submit to a national therapy outcomes database information on quality and efficiency (Q & E) measures. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures for disclosure of such information to the public. Directs the Secretary to establish a value-based purchasing program for such services under which service providers will receive higher payments for high quality care, reduced payments for low quality care, or no payments if they have not submitted Q & E information. Revises requirements for the treatment of such services under the Medicare therapy cap, especially during the period before implementation of the value-based purchasing program. Requires physical or occupational therapists who furnish Medicare therapy services as an incident to physicians' services meet the licensing requirements of the Secretary. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary shall develop a system under which each covered provider of covered outpatient therapy services participating in the Medicare program has a unique supplier identification number in order to enable the Secretary to monitor the quality and efficiency of such services.

9/11 Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

9/11 Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare-based eligibility and benefits for individuals with a 9/11 disaster-connected health condition. Makes Medicare the secondary payor for 9/11-related coverage. Prohibits a workers' compensation law or plan from discriminating against an individual by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an individual regarding hiring, advancement, compensation, or other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a consortium to conduct and coordinate screening, monitoring, treatment, and diagnostic research on the 9/11 disaster-connected health conditions.

EXAMINING COMPETITION IN GROUP HEALTH CARE

United States · United States Senate · 6 September 2006

Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2); payment for clinical laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals; (3) rebasing for sole community hospitals; (4) establishment of a rural community hospital program; (5) extension of the Medicare rural hospital hold harmless provision under the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services; (6) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (7) permanent treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare; (8) extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for a physician scarcity area; (9) proportional representation of interests of rural areas on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and (10) additional payments for providers furnishing ambulance services in rural areas and prompt payment of clean claims by Medicare prescription drug plans and MedicareAdvantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans under the Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to extend: (1) certain Medicare hospital wage index reclassifications and disregarding hospital reclassifications for purposes of group reclassifications; (2) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas; and (3) the temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to eligible entities in rural areas for purchase and enhanced utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) establish a capital infrastructure revolving loan program and a Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission; and (3) provide for delta rural disparities and health systems development.

Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Vets (HEALTHY Vets) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Vets (HEALTHY Vets) Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a veteran for whom Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities are geographically inaccessible, to use current authority for contracting out veterans' medical care to non-Department facilities in order to provide the following care to such veterans: (1) primary care; (2) acute or chronic symptom management; (3) nontherapeutic medical services; and (4) other medical services determined appropriate by the director of that geographic service region, after consultation with the Department physician responsible for the veteran's primary care. Outlines conditions under which Department facilities shall be deemed geographically inaccessible. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement of geographic inaccessibility, on a case-by-case basis, if the costs to the Department of providing such care significantly outweigh the benefits of localized health care for the veteran.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ON THE MEDICAID PROGRAM AND OUR HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 August 2006

HEALTHCARE AND SMALL BUSINESS: REAL OPTIONS FOR COLORADO BUSINESSES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 August 2006

Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Long-Term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to long-term care. Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX to require states to establish a process for joint training and education of nursing home surveyors and providers at least annually as changes to nursing facility regulations, guidelines, and policy are implemented and used in surveys of participating facilities. Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX with respect to: (1) facility-based training for new surveyors; and (2) resumption of nurse aid training programs for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) after correction of deficiencies. Permits split or shared Medicare billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in SNFs. Amends SSA title XVIII to permit nurse practitioners employed by SNFs to certify skilled care. Directs the the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a condition-based system of physical therapy services based on medical necessity, including a standardized patient assessment tool for evaluating service levels and limiting Medicare coverage. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to: (1) Medicare SNF specific wages; (2) authority to exclude high cost and low probability cancer treatment drugs as well as additional items and services from the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for SNFs; and (4) exclusion of all ambulance services from that PPS. Directs the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to predict future nursing shortages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require annual reports to the Secretary on nursing levels. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a 10-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property; (2) an investment tax credit for long-term care facility information technology; (3) tax-exempt long-term care trust accounts to which an individual may contribute up to $5,000 annually; (4) a refundable tax credit for 10% of annual contributions to such an account; and (5) an income exclusion for certain distributions from such an account for chronically-ill individuals. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to make contributions for repair or replacement to the owner or operator of a long-term care facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment that existed prior to the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Repeals: (1) the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use; and (2) the requirement that the equipment supplier transfer title to the individual at the end of such period, with payments continuing at specified monthly rates.

Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to day care centers, camps, educational entities, prisons, and other entities that provide dorm-like housing, information concerning bacterial meningitis and the meningitis vaccine.

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) a national mental health campaign to increase mental health awareness in the veteran community; (2) mandatory training on suicide and suicide prevention for appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and contractor personnel; (3) family education and peer support counseling; (4) veterans' health assessments, counseling, and access to mental health services; (5) suicide prevention counselors; (6) research on suicide prevention and on mental health of veterans who experienced sexual trauma; (7) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (8) a toll-free hotline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary should take into consideration the special needs of veterans suffering from PTSD in developing and implementing the program.