Healthcare

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Service from providing any federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion. Excludes an abortion where: (1) the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or an act of incest against a minor; or (2) a physician certifies that the woman suffered from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy. Excludes hospitals from such requirement so long as the hospital does not provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion. Requires the Secretary to annually provide Congress: (1) information on grantees who performed abortions under the exceptions; and (2) a list of entities to which grant funds are made available.

Health Care Safety Net Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Health Care Safety Net Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations; (2) the National Health Service Corps; and (3) rural health care programs. Requires studies or reports on: (1) school-based health centers; (2) community health centers; and (3) integrated health system models for the delivery of health care services to medically underserved populations.

To provide for the issuance of a veterans health care stamp.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a veterans health care stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.

Homeless Access to Recovery through Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Homeless Access to Recovery through Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) require hospitals and other inpatient facilities receiving federal funding under such Act or under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to ensure that patients are referred to appropriate medical care upon discharge and are placed in stable and appropriate housing; (2) establish a state substance abuse planning council to evaluate state substance abuse plans; (3) establish comprehensive community-based substance abuse prevention treatment for the homeless that is linguistically and culturally competent; (4) designate the homeless as a priority population and expand substance abuse and mental health services for the homeless; (5) expand substance abuse services for runaway, homeless, and street youth; (6) expand mental health and substance abuse services under the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH); (7) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on federal, state, and local policies and practices regarding homelessness and addiction and mental illness prevention and treatment; and (8) require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to collaborate with the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Children and Families to develop programs to provide substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and mental health services to children and families experiencing homelessness.

DRUG RESISTANT INFECTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY: CONSEQUENCES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 November 2007

National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the grant program for trauma care centers by: (1) establishing three programs to award grants to public, non-profit, Indian Health Service, Indian tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers to assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of such trauma centers, and provide emergency relief to trauma centers at risk of closing; and (2) setting forth minimum qualifications for trauma centers, including requirements for the treatment of charity or self-pay patients.

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries. Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare part B. Makes him or her responsible for the full amount of the applicable premiums. Applies deductible and coinsurance requirements to the provision of such drugs. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for group health plans to provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients.

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a long-term epidemiological study on the health of women veterans who served on active duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) assess barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of comprehensive health care; (3) assess all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (4) provide training for mental health professionals who provide counseling to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (5) develop a plan for the identification, development, and dissemination of treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions attributable to combat or sexual trauma that are proven effective for women veterans; (6) conduct a study of the provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health services for women veterans at vet centers; (7) carry out a pilot program for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities; and (8) carry out a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of providing counseling and transition adjustment assistance for women veterans who are newly separated from active duty service. Requires women veterans recently separated from active duty service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.

Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Moratorium Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Moratorium Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to effect a one-year moratorium on the Medicare recovery audit contractor program, under which the Secretary contracts with recovery audit contractors to identify underpayments and overpayments, and recoup overpayments, with respect to all services for which payment is made under part A or B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate the program for Congress; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the use of recovery audit contractors in the Medicare Integrity program.

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, and appoint the Director of, the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance to develop plans for addressing antimicrobial resistance in the United States and internationally; (2) establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to assist the Director; and (3) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan. Renews the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force and sets forth its membership and duties. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the submission of human and animal drug distribution data to the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance, the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force, and the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board. Requires the Director to make drug distribution data publicly available by antimicrobial drug class. Requires the Secretary to establish at least 10 Antimicrobial Resistance Clinical Research and Public Health Network sites to describe outbreaks of antimicrobial resistant pathogens and monitor the patterns of such pathogens in individuals.

Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize: (1) the amendment or repeal of an over-the-counter drug monograph without notice and public procedure if there is a finding by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that a category of drugs or a specific drug is associated with a significant risk or that such drugs lack evidence of effectiveness; and (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate over-the-counter drug advertisements. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to identify over-the-counter drug monographs that may require amendment or repeal and to report the findings to Congress.

Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Service to conduct a demonstration program requiring a state to establish a process for joint training and education of surveyors and providers for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities at least annually. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow resumption of nursing aid training programs in SNFs after correction of deficiencies. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for SNFs: (1) certain (high cost and low probability) cancer treatment drugs, including antineoplastic drugs, antiemitics, and supportive medications; (2) all ambulance services, including those furnished to an individual in conjunction with renal dialysis services; and (3) other appropriate items and services. Authorizes a physician, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist to certify under Medicare that a prescribed series of blood glucose tests are medically required. Provides for: (1) counting of observation days in application of the Medicare post-hospital requirement for coverage of SNF care; (2) extension of the exceptions process for Medicare therapy caps; and (3) expansion of telehealth services to SNFs. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on developing management alternatives to the Medicare payment cap for physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to make grants to, and contract with, physical therapy programs for projects to recruit and retain faculty and students, develop curriculum, and support the distribution of physical therapy practitioners in underserved areas; and (2) repeal the limitation to nonprofit entities only in the assignment of nurses under the nursing loan repayment program to private entities. Requires the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to predict future nursing shortages. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Long Term Care Quality Advisory Commission; and (2) make grants for five demonstration projects to implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of health care in long-term care settings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set a 15-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property.

Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Non-Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize: (1) the amendment or repeal of an over-the-counter drug monograph without notice and public procedure if there is a finding by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that a category of drugs or a specific drug is associated with a significant risk or that such drugs lack evidence of effectiveness; and (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate over-the-counter drug advertisements. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to identify over-the-counter drug monographs that may require amendment or repeal and to report the findings to Congress.

Expressing support for advancing vital United States interests through increased engagement in health programs that alleviate disease and poverty, and reduce premature death in developing nations, especially through programs that combat high levels of infectious disease, improve children's and women's health, decrease malnutrition, reduce unintended pregnancies, fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, encourage healthy behaviors, and strengthen health care capacity.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Recognizes that: (1) contributing to improving health in developing nations is in the vital interest of the United States as it helps protect the health of the American people, facilitates development among partner nations, and cultivates a positive U.S. image; and (2) investments in health, particularly investments that reach disadvantaged populations, contribute to poverty alleviation. Acknowledges the need to strengthen health care systems to meet essential health needs. Expresses support for U.S. investments in reducing the global burdens of HIV/AIDS and malaria through the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative. Encourages the U.S. government to expand adoption and implementation of policies and programs that alleviate the greatest burden of disease in developing nations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

Tim Fagan's Law

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Tim Fagan's Law or the Counterfeit Drug Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a criminal fine and/or imprisonment for a person who: (1) knowingly causes a prescription drug to be adulterated, misbranded, or misrepresented as an approved prescription drug and sells or trades the drug; or (2) purchases or trades for such drug knowing or having reason to know that the drug was knowingly adulterated, misbranded, or misrepresented. Requires a manufacturer of a drug to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 48 hours after first receiving or becoming aware of information that reasonably suggests that such a violation may have occurred. Deems a drug to be misbranded if it is not manufactured in accordance with the use of technologies that the Secretary determines are technically feasible and will assist in preventing such violations. Requires the Secretary to establish alternative requirements to the extent that such requirements provide greater certainty on the chain of custody and are technically feasible. Increases funding for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections, examinations, and investigations. Requires the Secretary to educate the public and health care professionals on counterfeit drugs. Directs the Secretary: (1) upon a finding of reasonable probability that a drug intended for human use would cause serious health consequences or death, to issue an order requiring the appropriate person (including the manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of the drug) to cease distribution of the drug and to notify and instruct health professionals to cease administering or prescribing the drug; and (2) amend the order to include a recall if necessary.

A bill to amend the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate final regulations revising case management and targeted case management under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. (Currently, such regulations may be effective and final immediately on an interim basis as of their publication date.) Requires such regulations to be consistent with: (1) federal rule making notice and comment requirements, except that the period of public comment on them shall be at least 80 days; and (2) congressional review requirements. Makes the regulations effective at least 90 days after publication in the Federal Register or presentation to each chamber or the Comptroller General, whichever occurs later. Repeals the Secretary's authority to change or revise such regulations after completion of the comment period.

Restitution for the Exonerated Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Restitution for the Exonerated Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants, including emergency grants, to nonprofit organizations for programs to provide support services (e.g., employment training, health care services, and legal assistance) to exonerees. Defines "exoneree" as an individual who has been convicted of a crime carrying a prison sentence of one year or more, has served at least six months of such prison sentence, and has been determined to be factually innocent of the crime.

Medicare Cervical Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Medicare Cervical Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of screening tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of specified substance use disorder treatment services at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and community-based outpatient clinic. Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently by a team of experienced clinicians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program of enhanced care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) establish at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance use disorders. Requires a report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Pays tribute to Justin Bailey. Requires a: (1) pilot program on peer outreach and support services, readjustment counseling services, and other mental health services for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) program of research into comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder; and (3) pilot program on the provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet Centers.

Prevention Through Affordable Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Prevention Through Affordable Access Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the best price component of the formula for determination of the Medicaid rebate for a covered single source outpatient drug or a covered innovator multiple source outpatient drug. (Under current law, best prices shall not take into account prices that are merely nominal in amount.) Revises the list of entities to which sales by a manufacturer of covered outpatient drugs at nominal prices shall be considered to be sales at a nominal price, or merely nominal in amount (and thus excluded from computation of the best price for such drugs). Adds to such list any entity that is: (1) operated by a health center of an institution of higher education, primarily for its students (university-based clinic); or (2) a public or private nonprofit entity that provides family planning services under the Public Health Service Act (safety-net clinic).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of Federal and State funded home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities of any age, especially the elderly.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) federal and state financial assistance should be increased, and access should be broadened, for publicly supported home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities; and (2) there should be implemented on both the federal and state levels more unified training and supervision standards for certified nurse aides and homecare aides.

POST-CATASTROPHE CRISIS: ADDRESSING THE DRAMATIC NEED AND SCANT AVAILABILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THE GULF COAST

United States · United States Senate · 31 October 2007

Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007

Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop best-practices guidelines for internal infection control plans to prevent, detect, control, and treat community and healthcare-associated infections at hospitals. Requires AHRQ to: (1) establish best practices with supporting justification, including the establishment of an infection control oversight committee; (2) collaborate with other agencies and organizations whose area of expertise is the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease; (3) publish proposed guidelines; (4) provide for a comment period of not less than 90 days; and (5) establish final guidelines. Directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to: (1) consult best practices guidelines in evaluating hospitals' infection control plans as a condition of participation in the Medicare program; and (2) report to Congress on the feasibility of reducing healthcare-associated infection rates through a Quality Improvement Payment Program. Requires: (1) hospitals to report information about community and healthcare-associated infections to the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network, which shall be used by the CDC to develop a national database of infection rates in hospitals; (2) the Director of the CDC to award grants to states to carry out public awareness campaigns; (3) the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and intensify NIH programs regarding research and related activities concerning such infections; (4) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group on community and healthcare-associated infections; and (5) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on this Act's impact.

Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007

Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act of 2007 - Requires an insurance issuer that offers a long term care insurance plan to implement claims dispute resolution procedures that: (1) are designed to expeditiously resolve disputes; (2) provide for alternative means of dispute resolution involving independent third-party review by entities that are mutually acceptable to the issuer and the enrollee, with the reviewer's decision being binding on the issuer; and (3) ensure that an enrollee is eligible to obtain claims review only to the extent and in the manner provided for in the applicable insurance contract. Allows an enrollee to appeal the decision of an independent reviewer to an appropriate state court as provided for under state law.

Pay for All Your Undocumented Procedures (PAY UP!) Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007

Pay for All Your Undocumented Procedures (PAY UP!) Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to pay emergency ambulance and medical service providers for the cost of uncompensated care of aliens aided by a border patrol officer or other federal immigration official.

Nursing Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007

Nursing Education Opportunities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include accelerated degree nursing students who pursue a second baccalaureate degree or a master's degree as an entry level nursing degree as eligible for financial assistance through nursing programs in the Act, including the Nursing Student Loan Program. Raises the yearly loan amounts available to all nursing students through that Program. Modifies the definition of "collegiate school of nursing" to include accelerated nursing degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more than 10% of traineeships for individuals in doctoral degree programs. Directs the Secretary to award grants to: (1) eligible entities to establish doctoral nursing degree programs, giving priority to such entities located in states in which there are no such programs; and (2) partnerships of eligible entities to establish doctoral nursing consortia to enhance and expand the availability of doctoral nurse faculty and education by enabling the partners to share doctoral faculty and programmatic resources. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships composed of an accredited nursing school at an institution of higher education and a hospital or health facility to establish up to five pilot projects to enable such hospital or facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while providing a mechanism to have these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school.

Urban Health Care Delivery Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007

Urban Health Care Delivery Act of 2007 - Revises requirements for adjustments in payments made by a state under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for inpatient hospital services furnished by a disproportionate share hospital (DSH). Provides that DSH payment adjustments made by a state to a state- or local government- owned or operated hospital providing up to 450 inpatient beds, and meeting certain other criteria, shall be made without regard, and in addition, to the standard DSH allotment limitation on federal financial participation. Caps such adjustments at 175% of the costs of furnishing such services. Prescribes criteria for such a hospital, including operation of a community mental health center, a burn center serving the entire state, and a Level I trauma center with at least 100,000 encounters per year.

Ambulatory Surgical Center Medicare Payment Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2007

Ambulatory Surgical Center Medicare Payment Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the requirements and the formula for payments for services, including an implantable medical device, furnished to individuals in ambulatory surgical centers.

H.R. 3582, THE FAIR HOME HEALTH CARE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 October 2007

Preexisting Condition Exclusion Patient Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Preexisting Condition Exclusion Patient Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to allow a group health plan to impose a preexisting condition exclusion only if: (1) such exclusion relates to a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within the 30-day period ending on the enrollment date; and (2) such exclusion extends not more than three months, or nine months for a late enrollee, after the enrollment date. Applies such requirement to coverage offered in the individual market. Allows an issuer of individual health insurance coverage to impose a preexisting condition exclusion for a period of not more than three months under certain circumstances. Revises provisions that prohibit health insurance issuers that offer health insurance coverage in the individual market from declining to offer coverage or imposing any preexisting condition exclusion on coverage to an eligible individual to remove eligibility requirements that require an individual to have: (1) elected COBRA continuation coverage, if it was offered; and (2) exhausted such continuation coverage, if elected.

LEAPP Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Lead Elimination, Abatement, and Poisoning Prevention Act of 2007 or the LEAPP Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration projects and outreach programs for the identification and abatement of lead hazards. Requires the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish the Joint Task Force on Lead-Based Hazards. Requires the President, in conjunction with the Administrator, to establish the Task Force on Children's Environmental Health and Safety. Requires the Secretary to conduct outreach and education activities about lead exposure. Requires the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to undertake pilot projects in states to provide lead poisoning risk assessments, blood-lead level screening, interventions to reduce exposure to lead-based hazards, and medically appropriate treatment to pregnant women enrolled in the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Amends the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to require a seller or lessor of housing to: (1) conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards (current law permits the purchaser a 10-day period to conduct such assessment or inspection unless the parties mutually agree on a different period); (2) disclose to the purchaser or lessee the results of such inspection or assessment and hazard control measures carried out; (3) remediate any lead-based paint hazards found; and (4) include in any contract for the purchase or lease of housing documentation of any inspection, risk assessment, or hazard control measure. Includes within the meaning of the term "target housing" housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities or any zero bedroom dwelling. Redefines the term "qualified allocation plan" for purposes of the low-income housing tax credit. Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to require the conduct of lead hazard control measures during weatherization projects. Authorizes appropriations for HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

Nursing Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Nursing Education Opportunities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include accelerated degree nursing students who pursue a second baccalaureate degree or a master's degree as an entry level nursing degree as eligible for financial assistance through nursing programs in the Act, including the Nursing Student Loan Program. Raises the yearly loan amounts available to all nursing students through that Program. Modifies the definition of "collegiate school of nursing" to include accelerated nursing degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more than 10% of traineeships for individuals in doctoral degree programs. Directs the Secretary to award grants to: (1) eligible entities to establish doctoral nursing degree programs, giving priority to such entities located in states in which there are no such programs; and (2) partnerships of eligible entities to establish doctoral nursing consortia to enhance and expand the availability of doctoral nurse faculty and education by enabling the partners to share doctoral faculty and programmatic resources. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships composed of an accredited nursing school at an institution of higher education and a hospital or health facility to establish up to five pilot projects to enable such hospital or facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while providing a mechanism to have these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school.

Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover the services of a qualified respiratory therapist performed under the general supervision of a physician.

Healthy Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Healthy Schools Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to expand and intensify programs to reduce the incidence of staph infections in elementary and secondary schools. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct surveillance activities to collect data on such infections; and (2) develop and periodically update best practices guidelines for reducing the incidence of such infections. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to schools to improve awareness of, and to implement, such guidelines. Requires the Secretary to reserve CDC funds to carry out this Act.

Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007

Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the CHIP program (also known as SCHIP) through FY2012 at increased levels. Revises requirements for: (1) CHIP allotments; (2) optional coverage of low-income pregnant women; (3) outreach and enrollment activities; (4) verification of U.S. citizenship or nationality for CHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX); (5) state option for providing premium assistance, including coordination with private coverage; (6) child health quality improvement activities; (7) access to dental and mental health benefits; and (8) program integrity and data collection, including the payment error rate measurement (PERM). Establishes in the Treasury the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund. Denies payments under CHIP for coverage of children with effective family income that exceeds 300% of the poverty line. Denies federal funding for illegal aliens. Prohibits initiation of new health opportunity account demonstration programs. Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle the family member of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Expresses the sense of the Senate affirming its intent to enact legislation this year that improves access to affordable and meaningful health insurance coverage for employees of small businesses and individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on tobacco products, but allow a specified credit against such tax. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to decrease the estimated tax rate for certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2012.

Native American Full Access to Dental Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007

Native American Full Access to Dental Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers for income tax purposes loan repayments under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in exchange for service as an dentist.

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) establishment of one or more Medicare operated prescription drug plan options; (2) an appeals process for denials of benefits under a Medicare operated prescription drug plan; and (3) pharmacy payments under such a plan.

Transparency in Medical Device Pricing Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Transparency in Medical Device Pricing Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require manufacturers of implantable medical devices to report annually to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on sales prices and related data about such devices.

National Hepatitis B Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the success of such integration. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the establishment of a national hepatitis B surveillance program; and (2) report on population-based seroprevalence studies and hepatitis B's economic and clinical impact and its impact on quality of life. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary to give priority in carrying out this Act to individuals with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services and groups that may be disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit the disabled surviving spouse of an individual to elect to retain private health insurance as the primary payor of health insurance benefits under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit the disabled surviving spouse of an individual to elect to retain a private group health plan as the primary payor of health insurance benefits under the Medicare program.

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) establishment of one or more Medicare operated prescription drug plan options; (2) an appeals process for denials of benefits under a Medicare operated prescription drug plan; and (3) pharmacy payments under such a plan.

Food Import Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Food Import Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prohibit the importation of food from a particular country if there is a pattern of FFDCA violations. Requires the Secretary to establish a certification program to ensure that imported food meets U.S. food safety standards. Prohibits food from being imported unless there are facility and country certifications in effect. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and other appropriate federal agencies to work with foreign countries that are major U.S. trading partners to establish certification programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to assist small businesses in developing countries in complying with this Act. Requires a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the identity and location of the food. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions.

To amend the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate final regulations revising case management and targeted case management under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. (Currently, such regulations may be effective and final immediately on an interim basis as of their publication date.) Requires such regulations to be consistent with: (1) federal rule making notice and comment requirements, except that the period of public comment on them shall be at least 80 days; and (2) congressional review requirements. Makes the regulations effective at least 90 days after publication in the Federal Register or presentation to each chamber or the Comptroller General, whichever occurs later. Repeals the Secretary's authority to change or revise such regulations after completion of the comment period.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Infection Prevention Week.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infection Prevention Week; and (2) raising awareness of the importance of preventing health care-associated infections.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Urges Congress to work with health care providers and advocacy organizations to encourage awareness and education regarding Down syndrome.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services relating to Medicare coverage for the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in cancer and related neoplastic conditions.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007

Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to Medicare coverage for the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in cancer and related neoplastic conditions. Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.

Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007

Trade and Globalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, a public agency, or subdivision. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by such workers' firm or subdivision to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services that are provided by the workers' firm or subdivision; or (2) instances where the workers' firm or subdivision obtains or is likely to obtain such articles or services from a foreign country. Provides for the certification for TAA of: (1) adversely affected workers in a public agency, its subdivision, or in a domestic industry; and (2) adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision. Prohibits TAA program benefits from being provided to an alien worker unless such worker is a lawful permanent resident living in the United States. Revises certain qualifying requirements for TAA for adversely affected workers. Increases: (1) the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers; and (2) the maximum allowance to cover costs of such workers for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit for health insurance costs of certain TAA and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Establishes eligibility requirements for reemployment TAA for adversely affected older workers. Establishes the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Extends through FY2012 the TAA program for workers and farmers. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments in FY2008-FY2012 by certain transfers from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of the states in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Provides for the issuance of manufacturing redevelopment bonds (qualified tax credit bonds) and tax-exempt facility bonds and require the proceeds to be used for environmental remediation and public infrastructure improvements in manufacturing redevelopment zones. Increases the state low-income housing credit for buildings located in such zones. Allows a credit to holders of such qualified tax credit bonds.

Medical Innovation Prize Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2007

Medical Innovation Prize Act of 2007 - Prohibits any person from having the right to exclusively manufacture, distribute, sell, or use in interstate commerce a drug, a biological product, or a drug or biological product manufacturing process, including the exclusive right to rely on health registration data or the 30-month stay-of-effectiveness period for Orange Book patents under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, notwithstanding provisions of that Act and other specified laws. Establishes the Fund for Medical Innovation Prizes. Requires the Board of Trustees for the Fund to award prize payments for medical innovations relating to a drug, biological product, or manufacturing process. Requires an eligible award recipient to be either the first person to receive market clearance or the holder of the patent. Directs the Board to consider: (1) the number of patients who benefited from the drug, including non-U.S. patients; (2) the incremental therapeutic benefit of the drug to treat the same disease or condition, except that the Board shall provide for cases where drugs, biological products, or manufacturing processes are developed at roughly the same time so that the comparison is to products that were not recently developed; (3) the degree to which the drug addresses priority health care needs, such as global infectious diseases and neglected diseases that primarily afflict the poor in developing countries; and (4) the improved efficiency of manufacturing processes for drugs or biological processes. Allows the Board to award prize payments for no more than ten years. Allocates certain minimum payments from the Fund for priority research and development. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit to determine the Board's effectiveness in bringing to market new drugs, vaccines, biological products, and manufacturing processes in a cost-effective manner and in addressing society's global medical needs.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 October 2007

More Children, More Choices Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

More Children, More Choices Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a state SCHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children. Prohibits SCHIP payment for children with family income above 250% of the applicable poverty line. Sets forth special rules for SCHIP payment for children with family income above 200% of the applicable poverty line. Provides for standardization of income determinations. Applies citizenship documentation requirements to SCHIP beneficiaries, and increases the federal matching rate for citizenship documentation enforcement under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and SCHIP. Places limitations on SCHIP eligibility based on substantial net assets. Requires state SCHIP plans to describe how they will provide for targeted low-income children covered under a group health plan. Revises federal financial participation requirements for employer-sponsored insurance. Requires the offering of alternative coverage options under SCHIP. Changes the allotment distribution formula for allotments to the states and the District of Columbia, particularly for targeted low-income children and pregnant women. Prohibits redistribution of unused allotments. Reauthorizes the SCHIP program through FY2012 at increased levels. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to improve outreach to and enrollment of eligible children. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a limited tax credit for qualified health insurance for any dependent child; and (2) advance payment to insurance providers of health insurance credit for purchasers of such insurance. Directs the Secretary to establish a State Health Innovation Commission to make grants to states for innovative health reform projects. Expresses the sense of the Senate that any increases in federal budget outlays resulting from this Act be fully offset by reductions in federal budget outlays, and that any reductions in federal revenues resulting from this Act be fully offset.