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201 records in US in 1978
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Prohibits, during the fiscal years 1978 and 1979, the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a program on smoking and health described by the Secretary of such Department on January 11, 1978. Stipulates that programs on smoking and health for the period beginning October 1, 1977 and ending January 10, 1978, shall not be affected. Limits the use of funds which were projected on or before January 11, 1978, to be expended to carry out the program on smoking and health, announced on such date, to expenditures for additional research during 1978 or 1979 on the harmful properties of tobacco and dangerous effects of smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Act Amendments - Amends the term used to describe the providers of basic health services in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) organized under the Public Health Service Act from "health professionals" to "physicians," thereby excluding from the services provided by a HMO the services of dentists, nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, and such other individuals engaged in the delivery of health services as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may designate. Increases the maximum amounts available for: (1) grants and guarantees of loans for initial development of HMO's; (2) loans made or guaranteed for initial operation costs of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and guarantees to nonfederal lenders of payment of principal and interest on loans made to equip, construct, acquire, or renovate ambulatory care facilities. Extends for five years, through fiscal year 1985, the period during which loans and loan guarantees may be made for initial operation costs of HMO's. Establishes in the Treasury a loan and loan guarantee fund which shall be available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under loans and loan guarantees for the establishment and renovation of ambulatory care facilities. Directs employers who are required to offer membership in a HMO to their employees to arrange, at the option of the employee, for payroll deductions from such employees' salary for membership in a qualified HMO. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for feasibility surveys and planning and initial operating costs of HMO's. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program for the purpose of training qualified HMO administrators and managerial personnel. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for this purpose. Requires each HMO to annually file with the Secretary specified financial information. Requires the Secretary to annually file a report with Congress based on the information gathered from such financial disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide, through demonstration projects, payments to individuals who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, benefits with respect to post-hospital extended care services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or intermediate care facility services or skilled nursing facility services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, who do not require 24-hour nursing care or supervision, and who desire to establish a noninstitutional living arrangement which will meet their medical and other needs. Requires payments received to be used to finance appropriate noninstitutional living arrangements which meet the medical and other needs of the individual. Provides that such payments shall not be includable in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to design demonstration projects for the purpose of determining: (1) the feasibility of transferring inpatients of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to noninstitutional living arrangements; (2) the types and percentage of such inpatients who could live effectively in a noninstitutional living arrangement; and (3) the types and percentages of such inpatients who would benefit economically and qualitatively from transferring to a noninstitutional living arrangement. Directs that funds for such payments be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund established under the Social Security Act and from funds appropriated for Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that all amounts, compensation, goods and services received as National Research Service Awards under the Public Health Service Act since July 12, 1974, are excludable from gross income to the same extent as scholarships and fellowship grants. Provides a minimum period of limitations for refunds of taxes assessed on such amounts of one year commencing with the date of this enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Rural Health Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act: (1) to define environmental health services provided by community health centers as the identification and detection of unhealthful conditions associated with water supply, sewage treatment, solid waste disposal, rodent and parasitic infestation, field sanitation, and other environmental factors related to health; and (2) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to carry out developmental and demonstration projects for providing health care to rural medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit payment for eye care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and related examinations, dental care and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program. Increases the government contribution to the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund by twice the amount of premiums that are presently paid into the Fund each month, while decreasing the portion of the Fund comprised fo premiums from one-half to one-third. Excludes from the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program expenses relating to referrals of individuals by a doctor of optometry for the diagnosis or detection of eye diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to periodically publish his findings. Directs health systems agencies designated under Title XV of such Act to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out his responsibilities. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; and (2) the adoption policies to contain the rise of health care costs and promote efficiency in the health care delivery system. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Directs the Secretary, in considering the application of an organization for designation as an area health systems agency, to give priority to an application which has been recommended by a Governor of a State within the area served by such agency for approval. Permits the State in which an agency is located an opportunity to comment on the performance of such agency before renewal by the Secretary of designating the agency as the health systems agency for a specified area. Increases from 12 to 36 months the maximum length of the term for which an entity may be designated as a health systems agency. Increases the term of a redesignation by the same term. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council of each State in which a health systems agency is located before terminating such agency's designation as a health systems agency. Authorizes the Secretary to limit the functions an agency may perform if the Secretary determines that such agency has not fulfilled its obligations. Sets forth new criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made each fiscal year to each health systems agency for the operation of such agency. Stipulates that funds provided under grants to a health systems agency for specified purposes in a fiscal year which have not been expended during such year, shall remain available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year provided the designation of such health systems agency remains in effect during such succeeding year. Sets forth membership and selection requirements for the governing body of a health systems agency. Provides that records and meetings except for personnel matters shall be available to the public. States that each health systems agency shall have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body in making decisions for the agency. Prohibits any member of a governing body of a health systems or any member of Statewide Health Coordinating Council from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires that each State health planning and development agency consult with the Statewide Health Coordinating Council to determine statewide health needs. Requires that each health planning and development agency conduct a public hearing on the proposed Annual Implementation Plan and shall give interested persons an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Enumerates the requirements of a certificate of need program established by a State health planning and development agency (State Agency). States that such programs shall provide controls on the acquistion of additional equipment and facilities including: (1) review and determination of need for major medical equipment, health care facilities, and capital expenditures, (2) the acquisition and development of only such equipment, facilities, and services as the State Agency determines are needed; and (3) annual review of acquisition programs. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires health systems agencies located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health and development agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Directs the Secretary, before renewing an agreement designating an agency of a State as the State health planning and development agency for that State, to provide each health systems agency designated for a health service area located in such State an opportunity to comment on the performance of the State Agency. Extends through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for Health Planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary to make loans for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient facilities; (3) construction of new inpatient facilities in areas determined to require additional facilities; and (4) conversion of existing medical facilities for the provision of new health services. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for its loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Mental Health Advocacy Act - Amends the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Act of 1963 to require as a condition to a State receiving grants under such Act that the State establish a Statewide agency for mental health advocacy. Declares that the function of such an agency shall be to protect and advocate the rights of individuals identified as seriously disabled psychiatric patients. States that such an agency shall have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other remedies to insure the protection of the rights of seriously disabled psychiatric patients who are receiving treatment, services, or rehabilitation within the State. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish the National Clearinghouse on Mental Health Advocacy Coalitions to assist State and local coalitions with developing mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants and contracts for surveys of the feasibility of establishing, operating or expanding health maintenance organizations (HMO's); and (2) grants, contracts, loans and loan guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMO's. Prohibits a health maintenance organization from paying more than 15 percent of the estimated total amount to be paid for basic and supplemental health services in a given fiscal year to individual physicians under contract to the HMO. Implements such prohibition over a four-year period. Requires HMO's to provide the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with specified information on major financial transactions among HMO's and related organizations. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary give priority to an application for funds for a feasibility survey or planning and initial development costs for an HMO in which 30 percent of the members are members of a medically underserved population. Increases the maximum amount available for grants for the initial development and operation of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to public or private entities for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or purchase of ambulatory care facilities for HMO's. Repeals the prohibition against using funds appropriated under the Public Health Service Act, other than under the title pertaining to HMO's, for projects involving HMO's. Requires health systems agencies in reviewing facilities, equipment, or services of HMO's to include only those standards specified by the Secretary. Title II: Amendments to Titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act - Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to remove HMO's from the capital expenditures limitations of the Medicare, Medicaid, and Maternal and Child Health programs of such Act. Permits a HMO, under Title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act, to have more than 50 percent of its membership over the age of 65 if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program of the Public Health Service Act, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, to annually determine a per capita rate of payment to each HMO for services provided under the Medicare program. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost. Requires the Secretary to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance. Title III: Amendments to Title XIX of the Social Security Act - Permits a HMO to have more than 50 percent of its membership as Medicare or Medicaid recipients if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires a State to enter into a provider agreement under the Medicaid program with any HMO which requests such an agreement. Declares that under such agreement, the State will reimburse the HMO for services and benefits covered under the State Medicaid plan. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of care to members of the HMO. Requires the State to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
National Academy of Medicine Act - Establishes a National Academy of Medicine to train doctors at no cost to the student. Requires each student to sign a written agreement to serve as a commissioned officer of the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service upon graduation and after completion of residency and internship for a period of six years for general practitioners and nine years for specialists.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct that, except as provided in Title X of such Act (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs), no program for which funds are authorized by such Act which directly or indirectly provide health services shall exclude from such programs or services the provision of abortions as a health service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
National Academy of Medicine Act - Establishes a National Academy of Medicine to train doctors at no cost to the student. Requires each student to sign a written agreement to serve as a commissioned officer of the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service upon graduation and after completion of residency and internship for a period of six years for general practitioners and nine years for specialists.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to direct that no program for which funds are authorized which directly or indirectly provide health services shall exclude from such programs or services the provision of abortions as a health service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that all parties receive the prior approval of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency before discharging pollutants into navigable waters. Places the burden of proof on the party seeking to discharge pollutants to show that such discharge will not be harmful to the public health and welfare or to the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Delays for six months the effective date of the increase in the hospital deductible for 1978 under the hospital insurance program of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to health maintenance organizations for the construction of ambulatory services to be used by such organizations for the provision of health services to their members in medically underserved areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans for the same purpose to such organizations in areas which are not medically underserved. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set forth new regulations governing the payment of the cost of medical services incurred by a member of a health maintenance organization. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit reimbursement to States for payments made to health maintenance organizations in cases where such payments would have previously been prohibited because of the eligibility of a significant percentage of the members of such an organization for medicare payments when it is determined that the health needs of the population affected are best served by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Delays for six months the effective date of the increase in the hospital deductible for 1978 under the hospital insurance program of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for dental care including dentures, eye examinations including eyeglasses, and hearing aids including examination. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take steps to eliminate unnecessary or excessive medical (appliance) expenditures under the Medicare program. States that the Federal Trade Commission should continue and increase scrutiny of the medical appliance industries in the interest of consumer protection.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the services to be provided under such Act medically required outpatient rehabilitation services. Defines the terms "outpatient rehabilitation facility" and "outpatient rehabilitation services" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants and contracts for surveys of the feasibility of establishing, operating or expanding health maintenance organizations (HMO's); and (2) grants, contracts, loans and loan guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMO's. Prohibits a health maintenance organization from paying more than 15 percent of the estimated total amount to be paid for basic and supplemental health services in a given fiscal year to individual physicians under contract to the HMO. Implements such prohibition over a four-year period. Requires HMO's to provide the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with specified information on major financial transactions among HMO's and related organizations. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary give priority to an application for funds for a feasibility survey or planning and initial development costs for an HMO in which 30 percent of the members are members of a medically underserved population. Increases the maximum amount available for grants for the initial development and operation of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to public or private entities for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or purchase of ambulatory care facilities for HMO's. Repeals the prohibition against using funds appropriated under the Public Health Service Act, other than under the title pertaining to HMO's, for projects involving HMO's. Requires health systems agencies in reviewing facilities, equipment, or services of HMO's to include only those standards specified by the Secretary. Title II: Amendments to Titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act - Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to remove HMO's from the capital expenditures limitations of the Medicare, Medicaid, and Maternal and Child Health programs of such Act. Permits a HMO, under Title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act, to have more than 50 percent of its membership over the age of 65 if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program of the Public Health Service Act, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, to annually determine a per capita rate of payment to each HMO for services provided under the Medicare program. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost. Requires the Secretary to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State to enter into a provider agreement under the Medicaid program with any HMO which requests such an agreement. Declares that under such agreement the State will reimburse the HMO for services and benefits covered under the State Medicaid plan. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of care to members of the HMO. Requires the State to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for orthopedic shoes or other supportive devices prescribed by a physician for correction or treatment of abnormalities of the feet or legs which cause serious detrimental medical effects.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1978
Research on Aging Act - Limits the mission of the National Institute on Aging, established under the Public Health Service Act, to the conduct and support of biomedical research, and training related to the biological process of aging. Eliminates the support of research and training related to the social and behavioral aspects of aging from such mission. Amends the Public Health Service Act: (1) to eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to include on the National Advisory Council on Aging, such ex officio members deemed necessary; and (2) to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in lieu of the Secretary, to determine the area in and extent to which activities in support of the mission of the Institute will be carried out. Removes the requirement that studies be conducted into specified social, psychological, educational, and economic aspects of the aging process.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
Recombinant DNA Act - Title I: Interim Regulation of Recombinant DNA Activities - Requires all recombinant DNA activities, during the period from the tenth day after the enactment of this Act and ending 24 months thereafter, to be carried out in accordance with the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the National Institutes of Health published in part II of the Federal Register for July 7, 1976. Requires each individual or entity conducting recombinant DNA activities to report in writing to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare respecting such activities. Enumerates actions prohibited by this Act and establishes civil penalties for the commission of such actions. Authorizes inspectors designated by the Secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials and notice, to enter and inspect any place in which a recombinant DNA activity is being conducted or in which the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe such activity is being conducted. Authorizes an inspector to detain for a reasonable period of up to 20 days any recombinant DNA or material used in or produced by a recombinant DNA activity which the inspector believes to be violative of the prohibitions enumerated in this Act or to present a significant risk to health or the environment. States that such inspections may be conducted without obtaining a search warrant from a judicial officer before entering any plan to conduct an inspection. Declares that no State or political subdivision may establish or continue in effect any requirement for the regulation of recombinant DNA activities except upon application to and approval of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to conduct or support on a continuing basis studies designed to assess the risks to health and the environment which may be presented by recombinant DNA activities. Title II: Commission for the Study of Research and Technology Involving Genetic Manipulation - Establishes a Commission for the Study of Research and Technology Involving Genetic Manipulation. Directs the Commission to conduct a study of: (1) Federal policy regarding activities involving the genetic modification of organisms and viruses; and (2) the long-term consequences of the development of a technology capable of accomplishing the genetic modification of organisms and viruses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a limited refundable income tax credit for specified medical expenses (including insurance) paid for themselves, their spouses and dependents. Repeals the current deduction for medical and dental expenses. Applies this credit to taxable years beginning between 1979 and 1983. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to draft regulations for this program in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Genetic Disease Amendments - Title I: Revision and Extension of Genetic Diseases - Amends the National Sickle Cell Anemia, Cooley's Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Genetic Diseases Act to include genetic conditions, as well as genetic diseases, within the program of research, counseling, and education established by such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program for three fiscal years, through 1981. Title II: National Commission Amendment - Directs the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research to conduct a study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of voluntary testing, counseling, and information and education programs with respect to genetic diseases and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on cigarettes to be paid into a Cigarette Tax Trust Fund in the Treasury and disbursed to States which do not impose more than a three-cent special tax on a pack of cigarettes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit payment for eye care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and related examinations, dental care and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program. Increases the government contribution to the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund by twice the amount of premiums that are presently paid into the Fund each month, while decreasing the portion of the Fund comprised fo premiums from one-half to one-third. Excludes from the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program expenses relating to referrals of individuals by a doctor of optometry for the diagnosis or detection of eye diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
National Health Incentives Grants Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act by eliminating the directive to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State mental health authorities to assist in meeting the costs of providing services. Requires each State health authority which submits an application for a grant to assist in providing comprehensive public health services to have in effect a method satisfactory to the Secretary which will assure equitable distribution of funds among the communities of the State which have made expenditures for comprehensive public health services. Sets forth a method for computing the amount of grant funds which shall be distributed to those local public health entities which have spent funds during the fiscal year for comprehensive public health services. Establishes minimum and maximum limits for such payments to each local public health entity. Sets forth a method of computing the amount of funds a State public health authority shall receive. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for grants made pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to consult with a conference of State health authorities before promulgating regulations made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the limits of 100 visits which applies to post-hospital home health services. Drops the requirement that the home health care provided be of the same kind as provided in prior hospitalization. Eliminates the requirement that a physician review the home health care plan and that the patient be under the care of a physician. Requires that such functions be done by the appropriate health professional under regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Extends Medicare coverage to include periodic chore services, hospital outreach services, nutritional counseling, health and supportive services furnished in elderly day care centers, and expansion of professional standard review organization review functions. Requires the Secretary to establish a review plan which is adapted to meet the non-institutional nature of home health services. Extends Medicare coverage only to those outpatient rehabilitation services which are certified by a physician as being required.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Health Planning Amendments and Hospital Services Discontinuation Act - Title I: Three-Year Authorization Extensions - Extends, through fiscal year 1981, the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for: (1) planning grants for health systems agencies; (2) grants for state health planning and development; (3) grants for regulating rates for the provision of health care; and (4) grants for centers for health planning. Title II: Amendments to Health Planning Authorities - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity defined to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, to redesignate an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Authorizes the Secretary to change the boundary of a health service area if it would result in an area which better meets requirements specified in the Act. Excludes personnel records from the requirement that Health Systems Agencies (HSA's), State Health Planning and Development Agencies (SHPDA's), and Statewide Health Coordinating Councils (SHCC's) make their records available to the public. Directs that a majority of the members of a HSA governing body shall be those who are not providers of health care and have not within the 12 months preceding appointment been direct providers of health care. Permits HSA's to accept funds or contributions of services or facilities from health care insurers. Permits HSA's and SHPDA's to use funds granted in a fiscal year in the following fiscal year. Repeals the formula under which the amount of a planning grant for a HSA is now determined and states that such amount shall be determined by the Secretary. Requires State certificate of need programs to evaluate the need for major medical equipment. Defines the term major medical equipment to be equipment whose cost or fair market value (whichever is greater) exceeds $150,000. States that the number of representatives on the SHCC to which a health systems agency is entitled shall be proportional to the share of the State's population in the agency's health service area, except that each agency shall be entitled to at least one representative on the SHCC. Authorizes the Governor of a State to select a chairman from among the members of the SHCC; such selection is presently made by the members of the SHCC. Subjects a State health plan to the approval of the State Governor. Limits HSA's and SHPDA's, in reviewing the facilities, equipment, or services of Health Maintenance Organizations, to those criteria specified by the Secretary, for such review. Title III: Assistance to Hospitals for Discontinuing Inappropriate Inpatient Services - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit hospitals that have been in operation for at least seven years to assist them in discontinuing inappropriate inpatient hospital services. States that, upon the request of a hospital for such a grant, the State health planning and development agency shall determine whether the service to be discontinued is inappropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for the planning, development, and operation of approved residency training programs in preventive medicine and to schools of dentistry for planning, developing, and operating approved dental public health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Health Planning Amendments and Hospital Services Discontinuation Act - Title I; Three-Year Authorization Extensions - Extends, through fiscal year 1981, the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for: (1) planning grants for health systems agencies; (2) grants for state health planning and development; (3) grants for regulating rates for the provision of health care; and (4) grants and for centers for health planning. Title II: Amendments to Health Planning Authorities - Amends the Public Health Service Act (Act) to permit the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity defined to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, to redesignate an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Authorizes the Secretary to change the boundary of a health service area if it would result in an area which better meets requirements specified in the Act. Excludes personnel records from the requirement that Health Systems Agencies (HSA's), State Health Planning and Development Agencies (SHPDA's), and Statewide Health Coordinating Councils (SHCC's) make their records available to the public. Directs that a majority of the members of an HSA governing body shall be those who are not providers of health care and have not within the 12 months preceding appointment been direct providers of health care. Permits HSA's to accept funds or contributions of services or facilities from health care insurers. Permits HSA's and SHPDA's to use funds granted in any fiscal year in the following fiscal year. Repeals the formula under which the amount of a planning grant for a HSA is now determined and states that such amount shall be determined by the Secretary. Requires State certificate of need programs to evaluate the need for major medical equipment. Defines the term major medical equipment to be equipment whose cost or fair market value (whichever is greater) exceeds $150,000. States that the number of representatives on the SHCC to which a health systems agency is entitled shall be proportional to the share of the State's population in the agency's health service area, except that each agency shall be entitled to at least one representative on the SHCC. Authorizes the Governor of a State to select a chairman from among the members of the SHCC; such selection is presently made by the members of the SHCC. Subjects a State health plan to the approval of the State's Governor. Limits HSA's and SHPDA's, in reviewing the facilities, equipment, or services of Health Maintenance Organizations, to those criteria specified by the Secretary, for such review. Title III: Assistance to Hospitals for Discontinuing Inappropriate Inpatient Services - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit hospitals that have been in operation for at least seven years to assist them in discontinuing inappropriate inpatient hospital services. States that, upon the request of a hospital for such a grant, the State health planning and development agency shall determine whether the service to be discontinued is, in fact, inappropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Relieves hospitals and health-care facilities in Health, Education, and Welfare Department Region IV of specified Medicare payments.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit States to provide medical assistance to: (1) dependent children under Title IV part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or individuals who would, if needy, qualify as dependent children; (2) individuals who otherwise qualify as dependent children but do not meet certain age and school attendance requirements; (3) individuals who meet certain age requirements established by a State in its approved Medical plan; or (4) individuals who fall within such reasonable classifications as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare prescribes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit payment for eye care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and related examinations, dental care and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program. Increases the government contribution to the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund by twice the amount of premiums that are presently paid into the Fund each month, while decreasing the portion of the Fund comprised fo premiums from one-half to one-third. Excludes from the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program expenses relating to referrals of individuals by a doctor of optometry for the diagnosis or detection of eye diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Requests the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to hasten the assembly of data and expedite the reviews and consideration precedent to the introduction of sodium valproate for the treatment of epilepsy in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Act Amendments - Amends the term used to describe the providers of basic health services in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) organized under the Public Health Service Act from "health professionals" to "physicians," thereby excluding from the services provided by a HMO the services of dentists, nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, and such other individuals engaged in the delivery of health services as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may designate. Increases the maximum amounts available for: (1) grants and guarantees of loans for initial development of HMO's; (2) loans made or guaranteed for initial operation costs of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and guarantees to nonfederal lenders of payment of principal and interest on loans made to equip, construct, acquire, or renovate ambulatory care facilities. Extends for five years, through fiscal year 1985, the period during which loans and loan guarantees may be made for initial operation costs of HMO's. Establishes in the Treasury a loan and loan guarantee fund which shall be available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under loans and loan guarantees for the establishment and renovation of ambulatory care facilities. Directs employers who are required to offer membership in a HMO to their employees to arrange, at the option of the employee, for payroll deductions from such employees' salary for membership in a qualified HMO. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for feasibility surveys and planning and initial operating costs of HMO's. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program for the purpose of training qualified HMO administrators and managerial personnel. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for this purpose. Requires each HMO to annually file with the Secretary specified financial information. Requires the Secretary to annually file a report with Congress based on the information gathered from such financial disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Family Planning Services and Population Research Act Extension - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend for five fiscal years authorization of appropriations for family planning programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Extension - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend for five years authorization of appropriations for sudden infant death syndrome counseling, information, educational, and statistical programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Title I: Public Health Service Act Amendments and Clinical Laboratory Studies - Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of the Public Health Service Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Directs the Secretary to develop standards for the proficiency testing of such laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain a temporary injunction or restraining order, pending issuance of a final order, against any laboratory the Secretary believes would constitute a significant hazard to the public health. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary and any State which has primary enforcement responsibility to enter into agreements with certain entities which have adopted laboratory standards at least as stringent as those set forth in this Act to make inspections of clinical laboratories and administer proficiency tests to such laboratories. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress respecting: (1) the reliability of services performed by clinical laboratories; and (2) the effect of the costs of clinical laboratory services on health care services. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of existing voluntary certification standards and state licensure laws for clinical laboratories and their personnel. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of clinical laboratories exempted under the Act and provides that if such laboratories refuse to participate in such study that such laboratories will be required to meet the standards of this Act. Requires the Secretary to study the quality of the tests and procedures of highly specialized clinical laboratories exempted from national standards. Directs the Secretary, within two years of the passage of this Act, to report the result of studies on exempted laboratories and make appropriate recommendations. Title II: Social Security Act Amendments and Study and Report - Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is unrelated to the market value of the facility. Establishes procedures for determining reasonable costs and charges for clinical laboratory services provided under the Medicare, and Medicaid programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of financial arrangements between hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the providers of clinical laboratory services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act: (1) to modify the method of computing the number of positions in a medical school residency training program in primary health care for the purpose of determining the eligibility of such a school for capitation grants; and (2) to delete specified demographic information from that required to be collected on health professions personnel; and (3) to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1980 to carry out the data collection program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Biomedical Research and Research Training Amendments - Title I: Libraries of Medicine - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for assistance to medical libraries. Title II: Programs of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out programs for the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases. Title III: Programs of the National Cancer Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through 1981 for programs for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Provides for the appointment of the director of the National Cancer Institute by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare instead of by the President as is currently required. Title IV: National Research Service Awards - Extends authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for National Research Service Awards. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make available for biomedical and behavioral research, substances and living organisms when such action would promote the ends of such research.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to end, after fiscal year 1978, capitation grants to schools of medicine and osteopathy. Increases the authorization of appropriations during fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for grants: (1) for the establishment of departments of family medicine in medical schools; (2) for area health education centers; (3) for training, traineeships, and fellowships in general internal medicine and general pediatrics; (4) for family medicine and general dentistry practice in certain public or nonprofit private entities; (5) for educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; and (6) meeting the costs of schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy and other schools which are in serious financial distress. Authorizes appropriations during fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for the collection of demographic information on health professions personnel. Increases authorizations for appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for scholarships for first-year students of exceptional financial need.