Healthcare

Scleroderma and Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Scleroderma and Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill requires the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) to establish the National Commission on Scleroderma and Fibrosis Research. (Scleroderma and fibrosis are connective tissue conditions that cause hardening or scarring of skin and organs.) The commission must develop a long-term, comprehensive plan for scleroderma and fibrosis research. The plan must: (1) prioritize research that has cross-cutting value and requires coordination across NIH, and (2) include specific steps for implementation of the research. The commission must establish working groups to make research recommendations for the various organs and systems impacted by fibrotic illness. The commission must be terminated not later than two years after establishment. The NIAMS must create the Scleroderma and Fibrosis Working Group to oversee and assist with implementation of the long-term plan.

Urban Agriculture Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 This bill amends several agricultural laws to establish an Office of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and make urban agricultural activities eligible to receive funding from various USDA programs. The Office of Urban Agriculture must: manage programs, coordinate agencies, and advise USDA on urban agriculture and urban food systems; continue a community garden program; and establish a rooftop agriculture and outdoor vertical production program. The bill includes urban agricultural activities in several existing and new grant, loan, risk management, and research programs. It also authorizes and provides funding for several of the programs. USDA must conduct various studies and collect specified data related to urban agriculture. USDA must also establish a voluntary farmer-to-farmer assistance and mentorship program. USDA must take several actions related to soil assessment and remediation, including: establishing a coordinated soil testing protocol, coordinating and conducting research to inform the protocol and soil remediation practices with respect to soil contaminated with high levels of heavy metals or other contaminants, and establishing a national soil testing and remediation program to provide related technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers. The bill establishes pilot programs for USDA to: (1) increase municipal compost and food waste reduction activities; and (2) make grants for projects that strengthen marketplace links between healthy food consumption, good environmental practices, and direct public health outcomes.

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2016 This bill bans food containers composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A (BPA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may grant waivers to a facility for a particular product if the facility: (1) demonstrates that it is not technologically feasible to replace BPA in the container or to use a BPA-free container, and (2) submits to the FDA a plan and time line for removing BPA from the container. Products granted a waiver must include a warning on the label. The FDA must promote and facilitate the use of BPA replacements. BPA may not be replaced with substances that: (1) are known or likely human carcinogens; (2) have been found by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; (3) cause reproductive or developmental toxicity; or (4) are endocrine disrupting chemicals. The FDA must review substances that may be found in food, including food additives and food contact substances, and take remedial action if it does not determine that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure, taking into consideration potential adverse effects from low-dose exposure and the effects on vulnerable populations and populations with high exposure. This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance to notify the FDA of the identity and intended use of the substance prior to its introduction into interstate commerce and that: (1) no adverse health effects result from low-dose exposures to the substance, and (2) the substance has not been shown to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans or animals.

MISSION ZERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Military Injury Surgical Systems Integrated Operationally Nationwide to Achieve ZERO Preventable Deaths Act or the MISSION ZERO Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to award grants to certain trauma centers to enable military trauma care providers and trauma teams to provide trauma care and related acute care at those trauma centers. Funds may be used to train and incorporate military trauma care providers into the trauma center, including expenditures for malpractice insurance, office space, information technology, specialty education and supervision, trauma programs, and state license fees. Grantees must allow the military trauma care providers to be deployed for military operations, training, or response to a mass casualty incident.

Accountability in Rulemaking Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Accountability in Rulemaking Act This bill requires each federal agency to submit to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), by December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30 of each year, a unified regulatory agenda listing each regulation under development or review by such agency. The agenda shall include a brief summary of, and the legal authority for, such regulation and a statement of whether the OIRA has declared the regulation to be a significant regulatory action. A "significant regulatory action" is defined as any regulatory action that is likely to result in a regulation that may: have an annual effect on the economy of $167 million or more; adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action of another agency; materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates. The OIRA shall: (1) make each such agenda available on a public website, and (2) review each significant regulatory action listed within 90 days of its submission to ensure such action is consistent with applicable law. The bill sets forth limitations on third-party communication during the review process. The OIRA shall: (1) document any change made by it to a significant regulatory action during the review process and make such change available on a public website; and (2) for each such action the OIRA returns to an agency for further consideration, it shall provide a written explanation of why further consideration is necessary.

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) create a special Medicare enrollment period for individuals enrolled in, or transitioning out of, continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA); and (2) exempt such individuals from certain monthly premium increases associated with delaying Medicare coverage.

Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2016 This bill authorizes payment by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the costs associated with service by Veterans Health Administration medical residents and interns at facilities operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or the Indian Health Service (covered facilities). The bill requires the VA to carry out a pilot program to establish graduate medical education residency training programs at such facilities that have an existing reimbursement agreement with the VA under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and that are located in rural or remote areas, including at one facility in each of Alaska and Montana. The VA shall reimburse each covered facility participating in the program for costs of: curriculum development; recruitment, training, and retention of residents and faculty; accreditation of programs of education; faculty salaries; and certain other expenses relating to providing medical education under the program. Each medical resident who participates in the program must agree to two years of obligated service at a covered facility or a VA facility for each year in the program. A program participant who fails to satisfy the period of obligated service shall be liable to the United States for prorated portion of the amount paid for program participation. A medical resident who participates in the program shall be eligible for participation in the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program.

Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should remain the primary means by which eligible veterans access health care, and (2) the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) needs a simple tool by which it can send veterans into the community to receive health care when appropriate. The bill establishes the Care in the Community Program to furnish specified hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through certain individuals and entities, including through the use of contracts or agreements. The VA shall: (1) administer the program through its Non-VA Care Coordination Program, and (2) establish an interdisciplinary panel to assist in developing a new clinical appeals process for resolving VA health care disputes. The Government Accountability Office shall report on: (1) clinical operations of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), (2) the VA travel benefits program, (3) management of the VA's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and (4) payment by the VA for health care furnished to veterans through non-VA health care providers. The bill repeals specified authorities for emergency treatment reimbursement and contracts for care in non-VA facilities. The bill establishes in the VHA a Payment and Access Commission, which shall: (1) review and make recommendations to Congress regarding VHA policies and regulations affecting veterans health care access, including topics affected by the Care in the Community Program; and (2) create an early-warning system to identify provider shortage areas.

Ellie's Law

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Ellie Helton, Lisa Colagrossi, Teresa Anne Lawrence, and Jennifer Sedney Focused Research Act or Ellie's Law This bill authorizes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to conduct or support research on unruptured brain aneurysms in a patient population diversified by age, sex, and race.

Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016

Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which currently requires drug manufacturers to discount orphan drugs (drugs for rare conditions) for certain entities covered by the program. The bill discounts orphan drugs that are not being used to treat rare conditions for all entities covered by the program.

SPARC Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification Act or the SPARC Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to specify recovery rules with respect to secondary claims responsibility under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Under current law, secondary payor provisions apply under the benefit in the same manner as they apply with respect to Medicare Advantage plans.

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2016 This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to indefinitely extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients. Under current law, such coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant.

Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. (MACs are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic areas.) Before such an LCD may take effect, the MAC issuing the determination must, with respect to each geographic area to which the determination applies: publish online a proposed version of the determination and other specified, related information; convene one or more public meetings to review the draft determination, receive comments, and secure the advice of an expert panel; post online a record of the minutes from each such meeting; provide a period for submission of written public comments; and post online specified information related to the rationale for the final determination. Upon the filing of an applicable request by an interested party with regard to the reconsideration of a specified LCD, the MAC that issued the determination shall: provide specified information related to whether the determination failed to correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence, exceeds the scope of its intended purpose, fails to apply as intended, or is otherwise erroneous; preserve the determination, modify the determination, or rescind the determination in part; and make publicly available a written description of such action. An interested party may appeal a reconsideration decision to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman to carry out specified duties with regard to LCDs.

SAVINGS Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Safely Advancing Valuable and Inexpensive New Generic Solutions Act or the SAVINGS Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize the review of certain generic drug applications and act on them within 150 days. This generic fast track review applies to applications for drugs: (1) that are not under patent or for which patents will expire soon, (2) for which there is no marketing exclusivity in effect, and (3) for which a generic has not recently been introduced to the market by more than one manufacturer. The FDA must report on applications subject to generic fast track review and provide an annual accounting of how it has spent generic drug user fees.

Fruit Labeling Accuracy Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Fruit Labeling Accuracy Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Food and Drug Administration from requiring the percent daily value of added sugars to appear on the label of dried fruit or vegetables that are naturally low in sugar or juice beverages made from fruit or vegetables that are naturally low in sugar.

Expressing support for designation of September as "National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Expresses support for the designation of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Recognizes the importance of preventing childhood obesity and decreasing its prevalence in the United States.

Supporting efforts to increase competition and accountability in the health insurance marketplace, and to extend accessible, quality, affordable health care coverage to every American through the choice of a public insurance plan.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Expresses support for efforts to build on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by ensuring that individuals have access to a public health insurance option.

Supporting the designation of a week as National Federal Nurse Recognition Week.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Expresses support for the designation of National Federal Nurse Recognition Week. Recognizes the dedication and vital role of federal nurses and the need to maintain an adequate number of well-trained federal nurses. Commends federal nurses as integral in supporting the government's mission to provide quality, accessible, and affordable health care.

PRIORITIZING PUBLIC HEALTH: THE FDA'S ROLE IN THE GENERIC DRUG MARKETPLACE

United States · United States Senate · 21 September 2016

Never Again Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

Never Again Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon the request of a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and entitled to in-patient psychiatric care, to furnish such veteran with in-patient psychiatric care at: (1) the VA facility that is closest to where the veteran resides and that has the capacity and capability to provide such care, or (2) at a non-VA facility if the VA facility lacks such capacity or capability.

Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: establish an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries; expand income-eligibility for cost-sharing and, with respect to beneficiaries consequently eligible for cost-sharing, establish a federal medical assistance percentage of 100% under Medicaid; limit the amount of coinsurance or copayment required of low-income beneficiaries; eliminate the two-year waiting period for Medicare coverage with respect to individuals with disabilities; allow beneficiaries residing in U.S. territories to be eligible for certain premium and cost-sharing subsidies available to other beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and modify other provisions related to special rules for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico, income and resource determinations, and enrollment procedures. The bill also amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 to extend funding for specified beneficiary outreach and education activities.

ACO Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

ACO Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow an accountable care organization (ACO) to: (1) reduce or eliminate certain cost-sharing for primary care services provided within the ACO's network; (2) develop incentives to encourage patient engagement; (3) elect prospective assignment of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries; and (4) if specified requirements are met, distribute internal cost savings. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall waive specified regulatory requirements for ACOs that have elected to share in both savings and losses under a "two-sided risk model." In addition, the bill: (1) requires CMS to waive, with respect to certain ACOs, specified limitations regarding telehealth services; (2) allows certain ACOs to depart slightly from specified minimum enrollment requirements; (3) requires CMS to establish a demonstration project for allowing growth of certain prospective risk scores; (4) and allows CMS to make permanent certain ACO-related pilot programs that have been successful.

Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: establish an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries; expand income-eligibility for cost-sharing and, with respect to beneficiaries consequently eligible for cost-sharing, establish a federal medical assistance percentage of 100% under Medicaid; limit the amount of coinsurance or copayment required of low-income beneficiaries; eliminate the two-year waiting period for Medicare coverage with respect to individuals with disabilities; allow beneficiaries residing in U.S. territories to be eligible for certain premium and cost-sharing subsidies available to other beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and modify other provisions related to special rules for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico, income and resource determinations, and enrollment procedures. The bill also amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 to extend funding for specified beneficiary outreach and education activities.

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to parole into the United States an alien veteran who: (1) is seeking temporary admission to receive health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) resides permanently abroad after having been removed or voluntarily departed from the United States. Such parole shall not be available for an alien who is inadmissible due to a criminal conviction for: (1) a crime of violence for which the alien has served at least five years in prison, or (2) a crime that endangers U.S. national security for which the alien has served at least five years in prison.

TREAT Astronauts Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act or the TREAT Astronauts Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a program that provides for the medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of crewmembers for space flight-associated medical conditions. The bill defines "crewmember" as an individual certified by NASA to be: a former NASA astronaut or payload specialist who has flown on at least one orbital space mission, or a management NASA astronaut who has flown on at least one such mission and is currently employed by the federal government. Medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment shall be provided under the program without any deductibles, copayments, or other cost sharing obligations required of participating crewmembers. NASA shall design the program to facilitate reasonable access of a crewmember to medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment under the program, including, at crewmember's option: through NASA; or from a health care provider selected by the crewmember and which enters into an agreement with NASA to provide such services to the crewmember. Participation by a crewmember under the program shall be voluntary and subject to the crewmember's written consent. Under the program, NASA shall provide for the uniform collection of data on space flight-associated medical conditions and the identification of any new space flight-associated conditions. NASA shall arrange with an independent organization to determine an estimate of the cost to NASA and the federal government for the implementation and administration of the program.

Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to authorize a local, state, or federal government body to: limit the number of residential recovery facilities within a particular area zoned for residential housing, provided that the limitation is necessary to preserve the residential character of the area, allows for a reasonable number of such facilities to be located within such area, and does not place an overall cap on their number within a municipality or state; and require a facility to obtain an operating license or use permit or satisfy a set of consumer protection standards. A residential recovery facility is a residence that provides housing to individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction with the promise of providing a clean and sober environment in return for direct or indirect payment to an owner, operator, or compensated staff person. Facilities receiving payments from a federal health care program, or via private insurance purchased on a federal exchange or federally subsidized, for either housing, recovery services, or testing or monitoring for drugs or alcohol, shall ensure that residents be provided a safe living environment completely free from illicit drugs, alcohol, firearms, harassment, abuse, or harm.

Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016 This bill delays the date upon which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may make Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for hospitals publicly available. With respect to such ratings, HHS shall: (1) make publicly available detailed information on the methodology used, (2) have the validity and accuracy of such methodology independently confirmed, and (3) provide a public comment period of specified duration. HHS may not make the ratings publicly available until the later of July 31, 2017, or the date upon which the bill's requirements are satisfied. In the event that such ratings have already been published on a specified website, HHS shall remove them and not republish them until the bill's requirements have been satisfied.

Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish Medicare coverage with respect to comprehensive treatment education services for cancer patients. In addition, the bill requires the National Institutes of Health to expand, intensify, and coordinate research on cancer symptom management improvement.

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee. The committee must monitor research and annually summarize research and medical advances regarding pulmonary hypertension. The committee must develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The plan must include recommendations regarding pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, research, transplantation criteria, public awareness, and health care delivery. HHS must report on activities related to improving health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The report must include information regarding pulmonary hypertension epidemiology, treatment, support available to individuals, and research.

Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to support the access of marginalized youth to sexual health services such as sexual health education and contraception. Marginalized youth are disadvantaged individuals under the age of 26. Grants may be awarded to state or local health or education agencies, public schools, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. Grants may be used to: (1) provide sexual health information to marginalized youth, (2) promote effective communication regarding sexual health among marginalized youth, (3) promote and support opportunities for school-age parents, and (3) train individuals who work with marginalized youth to promote sexual health and the development of safe and supportive environments. Grants may not be used to provide access to health services that: (1) are medically unsound; (2) withhold sexual health-promoting or lifesaving information; (3) promote gender stereotypes; or (4) are insensitive or unresponsive to the needs of homosexual, bisexual, or transgender youth, sexually active youth, school-age parents, or survivors of sexual abuse or assault. Unobligated FY2017 appropriations for abstinence education are made available for these grants.

Patient Navigation Assistance Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Patient Navigation Assistance Act of 2016 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid programs to provide medical assistance for patient navigator services. ("Patient navigators" are individuals who are trained to facilitate the care of other individuals and who have direct knowledge of the communities they serve.)

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as "Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month", in recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the quality care provided by trained rheumatologists.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Expresses support for the designation of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month in recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the care provided by rheumatologists. Encourages people to celebrate the contributions of researchers and health care providers in serving those living with rheumatic diseases and to support efforts to find a cure.

A resolution recognizing the importance of substance abuse disorder treatment and recovery in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2016

Recognizes the importance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Affirms the continued need to support substance use education, treatment, and research. Honors the achievements of individuals who are in recovery from substance use disorders.

SERVICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Supporting, Employing, and Recognizing Veterans in Communities Everywhere Act or the SERVICE Act TITLE I--ACCOUNTABILITY This bill establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and expands VA whistleblower protections. The VA may remove and suspend (without pay) employees based on performance or misconduct that threatens the health and safety of veterans. The VA: (1) shall reduce the federal annuity of an individual removed from the VA Senior Executive Service (SES) who is convicted of a felony that influenced his or her performance; (2) may reduce the federal annuity of an individual who was convicted of such a felony and was subject to removal or transfer from the SES but who left the VA before final action was taken; and (3) may recoup awards, bonus, or relocation expenses paid to a VA employee who has committed an act of fraud, waste, or malfeasance. TITLE II--HEALTH CARE The VA may enter into contracts or agreements with eligible providers to furnish hospital care and medical services to electing, eligible veterans, which include veterans who are unable to schedule an appointment with a VA health care provider within a specified time frame or who do not reside within 40 miles of a VA medical facility. Such provisions may be referred to as the Veterans Choice Program. VA emergency treatment reimbursement in non-VA facilities shall include reimbursement for urgent care. The bill: (1) expands and makes permanent the VA childcare program for beneficiaries,and (2) provides for adoption assistance for certain disabled veterans. The caregiver support program is terminated on October 1, 2020. The bill: (1) authorizes the transfer of entitlement to Post 9/11 education assistance to family members by veterans who are retired for a physical disability or who are seriously injured veterans in need of family caregiver services, without regard to length-of-service requirements; (2) expands the family caregiver program; (3) establishes the Office of Health Care Quality in the Veterans Health Administration; and (4) revises physician recruitment and retention provisions. The VA shall: (1) report annually, through 2020, on disability claims based on a mental health condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma; (2) establish a pilot program for veterans with chronic pain issues, including those veterans who are dependent on opioids; and (3) establish a center of excellence for the treatment of burn pit and other environmental exposures. TITLE III--EDUCATION The bill increases oversight of schools eligible to receive veterans benefits and increases counseling and access to information for student veterans. The VA shall establish: (1) an interagency working group to share information on education programs that employ deceptive or misleading practices, and (2) the Grow Our Own Directive (G.O.O.D.) pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as VA physician assistants. If, as a result of a permanent school closure, a veteran is forced to discontinue a course, did not receive credit, or lost training time toward completion of the education program, VA educational assistance payments shall not be: (1) charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or (2) counted against the aggregate assistance period. Certain reserves active duty time shall be considered for purposes of Post-9/11 educational assistance eligibility. TITLE IV--DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND PENSION The bill amends the disability benefits appeals process. The definition of "spouse" is amended for purposes of veterans' benefits to require the VA to recognize a marriage based on the law of the state where the marriage occurred. A marriage that occurs outside a state shall be recognized if such marriage is lawful in the place where it occurs and could have been entered into under the laws of any state. The bill allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability. The bill extends for two years: (1) the VA presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicides, including Agent Orange, with respect to specified veterans who served in Vietnam; and (2) VA authority to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate evidence regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides, including herbicides used in military operations in the Vietnam and each disease suspected to be associated with such exposure. TITLE V--HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS VA homeless veterans reintegration programs are extended. The VA shall begin a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility of awarding grants to eligible entities to purchase and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans. The bill establishes the Veterans Homelessness Grant Fund. TITLE VI--EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING The Department of Defense (DOD) may carry out a pilot program to enhance DOD efforts to provide job placement assistance and related employment services directly to members of the National Guard and Reserves and veterans of the Armed Forces. The VA may, in awarding a contract or task order for the procurement of goods or services, give preference to offerors based on the percentage of their full-time employees who are veterans. The Department of of Labor shall carry out a five-year pilot program to award grants to manufacturing employers and labor-management organizations that provide eligible veterans with training, apprenticeships, and certification. TITLE VII--CONSTRUCTION AND LEASES No funds may be appropriated for any major medical facility lease unless the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives adopt resolutions approving the lease. The VA shall: (1) enter into partnership agreements with appropriate non-federal entities for major construction projects, and (2) carry out a pilot program to accept the donation of medical facilities and related property. The VA may carry out: (1) certain leases at the Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California; and (2) a major medical facility lease for an outpatient clinic in Oxnard, California. TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS The Department of Homeland Security shall: (1) establish a program to permit eligible deported noncitizen veterans to enter the United States as, and to permit eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to adjust their status to that of, a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and (2) cancel the removal of eligible noncitizen veterans and allow them to similarly adjust their status. Each military department shall ensure that its oral historians review the circumstances surrounding members of the Armed Forces who were discharged between World War II and September 2011 because of their sexual orientation. Certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts is deemed to be active military service for VA benefits purposes.

Graduate Opportunities in Medical Education Distribution Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Graduate Opportunities in Medical Education Distribution Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to redistribute unused residency positions for which graduate medical education costs are paid under Medicare. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must: (1) reduce a hospital's resident limit by a specified amount if the hospital has unused residency positions and is not a rural hospital with fewer than 250 acute care inpatient beds, and (2) increase the resident limit for each qualifying hospital that applies for an increase. In aggregate, the number of increased positions shall equal the number of reduced positions. The bill establishes specified priorities and capacity considerations with respect to redistribution.

Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require manufacturers of certain drugs and biological products to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) price increases that result in a 10% or more increase in the price of a drug over a 12-month period. Reports are required for prescription drugs and drugs commonly administered in hospitals, except vaccines, drugs for rare conditions, and drugs with annual sales for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees of less than $1. Manufacturers that do not submit a required report are subject to a civil penalty. The Inspector General of HHS must review drug price information to determine compliance. Collected penalty funds must be used to carry out activities related to this reporting requirement and to improve consumer and provider information about drug value and drug price transparency. HHS must publish manufacturer reports, a summary of those reports, and supporting analyses.

A resolution supporting efforts to increase competition and accountability in the health insurance marketplace, and to extend accessible, quality, affordable health care coverage to every American through the choice of a public insurance plan.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Expresses support for efforts to build on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by ensuring that individuals have access to a public health insurance option.

Synthetic Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Synthetic Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study strategies for preventing and treating the use of synthetic recreational drugs, which are substances marketed for recreational use (regardless of claims to the contrary) that are analogous to a controlled substance and are not medications. The Department of Health and Human Services must coordinate with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to establish and maintain a database of synthetic recreational drugs. The database must be publicly available for use in preventing and treating the use of synthetic recreational drugs. The CDC, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institutes of Health, and the DEA, must develop and implement a national outreach campaign to educate law enforcement personnel, health care professionals, community members, and others about preventing and treating the use of substances similar to marijuana (cannabimimetic agents). The CDC may award grants to federally qualified health centers for public awareness programs regarding substances similar to marijuana.

Local Medicaid Enforcement Incentives Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Local Medicaid Enforcement Incentives Act of 2016 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to award grants to states for the purpose of establishing or expanding programs that: (1) detect and prevent Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse; (2) identify and recover overpayments resulting from such fraud, waste, or abuse; and (3) share recovered overpayments with localities that assist in detection, prevention, or recovery.

Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require manufacturers of certain drugs and biological products to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) price increases that result in a 10% or more increase in the price of a drug over a 12-month period. Reports are required for prescription drugs and drugs commonly administered in hospitals, except vaccines, drugs for rare conditions, and drugs with annual sales for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees of less than $1. Manufacturers that do not submit a required report are subject to a civil penalty. The Inspector General of HHS must review drug price information to determine compliance. Collected penalty funds must be used to carry out activities related to this reporting requirement and to improve consumer and provider information about drug value and drug price transparency. HHS must publish manufacturer reports, a summary of those reports, and supporting analyses.

Zero Impacted Kids in America (ZIKA) Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Zero Impacted Kids in America (ZIKA) Act This bill provides FY2016 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Departments of State and Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus and other infectious diseases. The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement, which exempts the funds from discretionary spending limits. The emergency funding is only available if the President also designates the amounts as an emergency requirement. The bill provides appropriations to HHS for: the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit Project BioShield to be used to support the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or treat harm from any infectious disease that may pose a threat to the public health. (Under current law, Project BioShield supports only countermeasures against specific chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorist threats.) The bill provides funds for HHS to award grants to U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands) for the purpose of combating the Zika virus. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of State for: the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, and Multilateral Assistance. This bill amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to adjust the FY2017-FY2025 funding levels for the Social Services Block Grant Program.

Community Integration Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Community Integration Act of 2016 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid program to, with respect to an individual who requires a level of care provided in a nursing facility, intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled, institution for mental disease, or other similar setting: (1) provide the individual with the choice and equal opportunity to receive such care in a home- and community-based setting; and (2) meet specified requirements relating to the provision and availability of care in such a setting, including a requirement to develop a statewide plan to increase affordable and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities.

EXPLORING THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION TO CREATE EFFICIENCIES AND HIGHER QUALITY IN HEALTH CARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 September 2016

Puerto Rico Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Puerto Rico Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2016 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exempt health insurers in jurisdictions where premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions are not available from the annual fee on health insurers. Currently, premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions are not available in U.S. territories. The bill reduces the total amount to be collected annually from health insurers by the amount that would have been collected from those jurisdictions.

Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2016 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exclude premiums paid by residents of U.S. territories from a health insurer's net premiums when calculating the annual fee on the health insurer, thereby lowering the fee for health insurers that collect such premiums. These premiums are still included in total health premiums when calculating the annual fee on health insurers, thus the total amount collected annually from health insurers is reduced.

State Flexibility to Provide Affordable Health Options Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

State Flexibility to Provide Affordable Health Options Act This bill deems to be a qualified health plan for 2017 any state-authorized health insurance offered in the individual or small group market in certain states. (Qualified health plans purchased through a health insurance exchange are eligible for premium subsidies.) This applies in states that: (1) determine that temporary access to affordable private health insurance outside of a health insurance exchange is necessary to ensure access to an adequate number of affordable private health insurance options in the individual or small group market; and (2) notify the Department of Health and Human Services of that determination no later than November 1, 2016. Residents of such a state are not subject to the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage in 2017.

Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2016 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exclude premiums paid by residents of U.S. territories from a health insurer's net premiums when calculating the annual fee on the health insurer, thereby lowering the fee for health insurers that collect such premiums. These premiums are still included in total health premiums when calculating the annual fee on health insurers, thus the total amount collected annually from health insurers is reduced.

A bill to provide an exemption to the individual mandate to maintain health coverage for certain individuals residing in service areas with no health insurance issuers offering plans on an Exchange, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exempt from the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage individuals who reside in areas where a health plan is not available through the health insurance exchange. Such individuals may remain enrolled in a short term health plan as long as a health plan is not available through the exchange.

A resolution designating the week of September 12, 2016, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Designates the week of September 12, 2016, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Commends direct support professionals for being integral to long-term support and services for individuals with disabilities. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the successful implementation of the public policies affecting individuals with disabilities depends on the dedication of direct support professionals.

Adding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Adding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add Middle East respiratory syndrome to the list of tropical diseases under the priority review voucher program, which awards a voucher to the sponsor of a new drug or biological product that is approved to prevent or treat a tropical disease. (A voucher entitles the holder to have a future new drug or biological product application acted upon by the Food and Drug Administration within six months.)