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Bill· HRH.R. 5433 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Health Professions Minority Training Assistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to accredited public or nonprofit health professions schools to establish a fund from which low interest loans may be made to low income students. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for health professions schools for such a grant. Sets as eligibility requirements for a loan that a student be a member of a minority group and have a demonstrated need of $6,000 or one-half of the cost of attending the school in which he is enrolled or to which he has been accepted. States that such loans shall be repayable over a ten-year period which begins one year after the student ceases a full-time course of study, excluding periods of: (1) active duty performed as a member of a uniformed service; (2) service as a volunteer under the Peace Corps Act; or (3) periods of advanced professional training including internships and residencies. Cancels such debt upon the death of the borrower or upon permanent or total disability. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through FY 1987. Directs the Secretary to make grants to accredited public or nonprofit health professsions schools to establish a fund from which loans may be made to minority students from families with gross incomes of less than $30,000. Sets forth the eligibility requirements a student must meet for such a loan. Provides for partial payment by the Secretary of principal and interest on any such loan for an individual who enters into an agreement to practice his profession for a period of at least two years in a health manpower shortage area and meets certain other requirements. Permits the Secretary to designate academic institutions as health manpower shortage areas. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of making such grants through FY 1988. Provides for federally guaranteed loans to assist minority graduates of health profession schools to set up private practices in underserved areas. Establishes in the Treasury a loan guarantee fund to be available for such loan guarantees. Permits the Secretary to make annual grants to accredited public or nonprofit health professions schools with at least 20 percent but not more than 50 percent minority enrollment. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987 for such grants. Directs the Secretary to make annual endowment grants to accredited public or nonprofit health professions schools with 50 percent or more minority students or students from families with gross incomes of $30,000 or less. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987 for such grants. Directs the Secretary to make annual grants to accredited public or nonprofit health professions schools to identify, recruit and train minorities for careers as teachers and investigators on the faculties of such schools. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987 for such grants. Provides for apportionment of appropriations if approved grants exceed the total of the amounts appropriated. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987 for the purpose of entering into contracts for health research and teaching facilities and the training of professional health personnel.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 545 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Designates the week of September 16 through September 22, 1984, as Emergency Medicine Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5400 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Alternative Medical Liability Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an alternative liability system for malpractice. Requires a health care provider, in order to participate in the alternative liability program, to participate, directly or through an insurance company which has agreed to be the compensation obligor with respect to that provider, in an assigned claims plan which meets the requirements of this paragraph in order to insure the payment of compensation benefits by compensation obligors. Permits entities (including insurance companies) in a State to organize and maintain, subject to approval and regulation by the State insurance regulator, an assigned claims plan and adopt rules for its operation consistent with this paragraph. Provides that if such a plan is not established or maintained in a State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall organize and maintain an assigned claims plan for the State. Requires each assigned claims plan to provide for the assessment of costs on a fair and equitable basis consistent with the liability system established by this Act. Prohibits an assigned claims plan from permitting an entity covered under the plan to withdraw from the plan retrospectively. Permits an injured individual entitled to compensation benefits from a compensation obligor to obtain them through the assigned claims plan if the initiating compensation obligor claims that it is unable to fulfill its obligation. Provides that where an assigned claims plan finds that a compensation obligor which is associated with such plan reasonably claims that it is unable to pay the compensation benefits it owes, the assigned claims plan shall promptly assign the claims to a member or members of the plan and notify the individual or individuals entitled to receive such benefits of the identity and address of the assignee or assignees. Permits any such assignee to seek payment from the compensation obligor or its successor of 120 percent of the costs and expenses in fulfilling the obligor's obligations. Defines the "compensation obligor", with respect to a personal injury, as the health care provider obligated to pay benefits for an injury and includes in such definition: (1) any other entity (including an insurance company) obligated for payment; and (2) any person joined with respect to the injury. Prohibits an individual from bringing a civil action against a health care provider for a disease or injury arising from health care services provided pursuant to Medicare, Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act), an armed forces' or veterans' health plan, the Federal employees' health benefits program, or any other health benefits program established under Federal law in any case where a provider which is participating in an assigned claims plan and is potentially liable for the injury, if the provider provides the individual (within a specified time period) with a written tender to pay compensation benefits in accordance with the alternative liability malpractice system. States that civil actions include any civil action which could have been brought against a compensation obligor with respect to recovery of damages relating to personal injury, whether based on: (1) negligence or gross negligence; (2) strict or absolute liability in tort; (3) breach of express or implied warranty or contract; (4) failure to discharge a duty to warn or instruct or to obtain consent; or (5) any other theory that is the basis for an award of damages for personal injury. States that civil actions do not include: (1) any action to recover for compensation benefits tendered under this Act; or (2) any action in the nature of a wrongful death action, but only in the case of such an action for losses accruing to survivors after the death of an injured individual and resulting from the death of an individual. Permits a health care provider making a tender to join any person who is potentially liable for the injury. Provides that any disagreement as to any party's share of the costs shall be submitted to binding arbitration and that each party's share shall be based on the comparative fault of the parties. Sets forth provisions relating to the subrogation of parties. Provides that the amount of compensation benefits payable with respect to a personal injury is equal to the net economic loss resulting from the injury, plus attorney's fees. Defines "net economic loss" and other terms used in defining "net economic loss." Requires compensation benefits to be paid not later than 30 days after the date that reasonable proof of the fact and amount of net economic loss incurred is submitted to the initiating compensation obligor, except that payment may be made for expenses incurred over periods not exceeding 31 days within 15 days after the end of the period. Provides that if reasonable proof is supplied as to only a portion of net economic loss, and the portion totals $100 or more, the compensation benefits with respect to that portion shall be paid without regard to the remainder of the net economic loss. Sets the statute of limitations for a claim under this Act at five years. Provides, upon the request of an injured individual or compensation obligor, for the disclosure of facts about, and the mental and physical examination of, the injured individual. Provides that in the case of a dispute as to the right of an injured individual or compensation obligor to discover information, a petition may be made to a court having jurisdiction over the matter for an order for discovery. Provides that if a health care provider tenders compensation benefits with respect to an injured individual and there is a dispute between the compensation obligors and the injured individual respecting the determination of the amount of compensation benefits owing, except as otherwise provided for in this Act, application may be made to a court with appropriate jurisdiction for a declaration as to the amount of compensation benefits owed. Permits an obligation to pay compensation benefits to be discharged by a settlement or lump sum payment, except that no such discharge shall be made with respect to an injury with a current value of net economic loss exceeding $5,000 unless a court having jurisdiction over the matter determines that the settlement is fair to the injured individual. Permits an agreement or judgment to be modified as to amounts to be paid in the future upon a finding that a material and substantial change of circumstances has occurred after the date the agreement or judgment was made, or that there is newly discovered evidence which would not have been known previously in the exercise of reasonable diligence. Provides that the preceding provisions of this Act shall not apply to any personal injury occurring: (1) before January 1, 1987; or (2) in a State which has in effect an alternative medical liability law which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines meets specified requirements. Sets forth requirements for a State alternative medical liability law.
Bill· HRH.R. 5408 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that with respect to the establishment of an appropriate allowance for depreciation and for interest on capital indebtedness with respect to a hospital's asset which has undergone a change of ownership: (1) the valuation of the asset as a result of the change shall not exceed the net book value of the asset; (2) to the extent that the sum of the capital indebtedness and equity exceeds the net book value of the asset, capital indebtedness and equity capital shall not be recognized; and (3) only the amount (if any) by which the net book value of the asset exceeds the equity capital established with respect to the asset shall be recognized as capital indebtedness. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of the disposition of depreciable assets for which depreciation has been taken and reimbursed as a reasonable cost under Medicare, to provide for an appropriate net depreciation adjustment in the reimbursement of the transferor so as to reflect any gain or loss upon such disposition relative to the net book value of the asset. Defines "net book value" to mean, with respect to an hospital asset the ownership of which has changed, the valuation of the asset established for Medicare (less accumulated depreciation) on the date before the date of the ownership change. Sets forth effective date provisions. Requires a report to Congress from the Secretary concerning net appreciation adjustments in reimbursements to hospitals under Medicare. Prohibits, in determining the reasonable cost of services, the recognition as reasonable: (1) in the provision of health care services, costs attributable to the negotiation or settlement of the sale or purchase of any capital asset for which a valuation has previously been established under Medicare; (2) rental charges incurred for a capital asset the ownership of which has been transferred under a sale-and- leaseback agreement to the extent the charges exceed the amount which the provider would have included in reimbursable costs had the provider retained legal title to the asset; and (3) in the case of a capital asset for which a valuation has been established for purposes of Medicare, rental charges incurred for the lease of the asset under a lease-purchase agreement to the extent the charges exceed the amount which would have been included in reimbursable costs with respect to the provider having legal title to the asset.
Bill· HRH.R. 5413 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health services block grants. Sets aside at least ten percent of such fiscal year appropriations for alcohol and drug abuse services for women and for mental health services for severely disturbed children and adolescents. Limits Federal assistance to 80 percent of a project's costs. Bases State allotments on population and per capita income. Sets minimum State allotments at 1984 levels. Permits direct grant payments to Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Sets aside at least ten percent of mental health appropriations for establishing new community mental health centers or providing services through existing centers. Requires participating States to: (1) make funds available for local mental health centers through FY 1987; (2) collect data on alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness; (3) establish a State mental health services planning council to serve as an advocate for the mentally ill and monitor the State comprehensive mental health plan; and (4) develop a comprehensive mental health plan. Establishes the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Strategy Council to periodically assess and advise regarding the national needs for alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health services, and the extent to which such needs are being met by existing programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for demonstration projects, data collection, and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to make grants to medical, nursing, and other graduate schools for training in the identification and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for alcohol and drug abuse research. Requires the Secretary to present to Congress by April 15, 1985, a comprehensive national plan to combat alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Repeals title III of the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Amends the definition of "detoxification treatment" under the Controlled Substances Act to increase the maximum number of treatment days from 21 to 180. Requires the Secretary to promulgate related implementing regulations within 90 days.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 364 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the recommendations of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control (the Grace Commission) relating to the Veterans Administration (VA) health care system should be rejected as a matter of national policy. (The Grace Commission recommended a series of reductions in the provision of care by the VA, including the reduction of a patient's stay in a VA facility, the elimination of unobligated VA facility construction funds, and the conversion and phasing out of existing, old facilities.)
Law· HRH.R. 5386 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from establishing a rate of payment for hospice care that is less than $53.17 per day for routine home care furnished during the 24 month period beginning with the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary after the 24 month period to: (1) review at least annually and, as appropriate, adjust the payment rate for routine home care and for other services included in hospice care; and (2) report to Congress concerning such review and adjustments.
Bill· HRH.R. 5383 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Uniform Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent in FY 1987, and ten percent in FY 1988, of certain Federal-aid highway funds from States in which the minimum drinking age is less than 21 years.
Bill· HRH.R. 5375 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Employee Health Care Cost Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow trustees of individual retirement accounts maintained for the benefit of employees to extend credit for the payment of medical expenses, with such accounts as security for such credit. Allows such extension of credit only in cases where the individual agrees to accept a high-deductible option under a group health insurance plan offered by the employer of such individual in return for contributions by the employer to such account.
Bill· HRH.R. 5335 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Amends the Public Health Service Act to transfer certain functions of the Surgeon General regarding the Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Establishes within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a National Institute on Population and Human Reproduction to conduct and support basic and applied research, training, and related programs regarding human reproduction and the population sciences. Establishes a related National Population and Human Reproduction Advisory Council. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for such Institute. Requires at least 25 percent of such annual appropriations to be spent for research and contraceptive development and evaluation. Establishes a NICHD National Advisory Council for Mothers and Children. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for such Institute. Requires the Directors of such Institutes to provide for scientific peer review of research and program grants. Establishes within NIH a National Science Policy Committee for Research on Human Development with coordinating responsibilities for the budgets and planning of NICHD and the Population Institute.
Bill· SS. 2514 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1984
Veterans' Administration Health Care Amendments of 1984 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to designate one office in each Veterans Administration (VA) health care facility and central office to provide referrals to veterans for outside care. Grants priority to veterans 50 percent service disabled or age 65 or older. Authorizes the Administrator to contract for halfway house care at prevailing community rates as part of the alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. Directs the Administrator to establish the parameters of treatment under such program. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Veterans' Affairs Committees on a survey of all such VA programs. Makes such programs permanent. Includes devices for the hearing-impaired among the medical services the VA will provide to eligible veterans. Directs the Administrator to establish within the Mental Health and Behavorial Sciences Services of the Department of Medicine and Surgery the position of Associate Director for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to develop policies and coordinate services for the treatment of Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Requires the Associate Director to: (1) coordinate inpatient care by medical region and ensure referrals and followup care; and (2) conduct education and training programs for Department employees. Directs the Chief Medical Director to establish a task force on the care and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder to advise the Director on policy regarding treatment modes and standards. Requires the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees within nine months on the posttraumatic stress disorder program. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees by the end of FY 1985 on programs, current and prospective, to provide care and support to terminally and chronically ill veterans and their families.
Bill· SS. 2504 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Institute For Health Care Technology Assessment Act - Authorizes the establishment of a private nonprofit Institute for Health Care Technology Assessment to promote the development of appropriate health care technologies and the elimination of inappropriate or obsolete technologies. Authorizes such Institute to: (1) serve as an information clearinghouse; (2) collect and analyze data; (3) assess health care technology needs; and (4) provide education and training. States that the Institute's Board of Directors shall have representatives from the medical and nursing professions, the health insurance field health industry and pharmaceutical manufacturers, business and labor, and the American Association of Retired People. Makes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment ex officio members. Directs the Secretary to make available to the Institute a seven-year line of credit. Requires the Institute to submit an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress.
Bill· SS. 2502 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Medicare Preferred Provider Arrangement Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into a contract with any insurer or other third party payor under which payments shall be made to such insurer or payor on behalf of individuals enrolled under part B who participate in a preferred provider arrangement, established by such insurer or payor, which meets the requirements of this Act. Provides that the amount of the payment to the insurer or other third party payor per capita for each individual enrolled under part B who participates in the preferred provider arrangement (participating part B beneficiaries) shall be the same payment amount as determined for payment to a health maintenance organization for individuals who are enrolled under part B but are entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII, and are enrolled with health maintenance organizations or competitive medical plans having risk-sharing contracts. Requires payment to be made in the same manner as under such risk-sharing contracts. Provides that payments under this Act shall be instead of any payments which would otherwise be payable under part B for services furnished through the preferred provider arrangement to its participating part B beneficiaries, and no other payments shall be made under part B to or on behalf of participating part B beneficiaries for services which are available to them from or through the arrangement. Requires a preferred provider arrangement, in order to meet the requirements of this Act, to meet the following requirements: (1) the arrangement must provide at a minimum for physicians' services and for laboratory, x-ray, emergency, and preventive services to be available 24 hours a day and seven days a week; (2) provisions must be made for payment to physicians other than participating physicians if the services furnished were necessary and it was not reasonable under the circumstances to obtain the services through a participating physician; (3) the portion of the premium rate charged by the arrangement, and the actuarial value of its deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments charged, for services covered under this part provided to its participating part B beneficiares may not exceed the actuarial value of the coinsurance and deductibles which would be applicable on the average to its participating part B beneficiaries if they were not participating in any preferred provider arrangement; (4) subject to open enrollment requirements, the arrangement must be open to any individual enrolled in part B, other than an individual with end stage renal disease; (5) the arrangement must provide for an open enrollment period of at least 30 days duration annually; (6) the insurer or other third party payor must provide assurances that adequate provision against the risk of insolvency has made; and (7) the insurer or other third party payor must provide meaningful procedures for hearings and resolving grievances between the insurer or payor, including any participating provider, and its participating part B beneficiaries. Provides that contracts under this Act shall be for a term of at least one year and may be automatically renewable in the absence of notice by either party of intention to terminate at the end of a term, except that the Secretary may terminate a contract at any time (after notice and opportunity for a hearing) if the insurer or other third party payor fails to meet the requirements of this Act or the contract.
Bill· SS. 2501 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Public Health Service Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit employers required under such Act to provide their employees with a health maintenance organization (HMO) option to provide either an HMO or a specified competitive medical plan (CMP) option. Provides such CMPs with the same waivers of State restrictions that apply to HMOs. Prohibits any State from preventing insurers or other third-party payors from entering into preferred provider contracts with health care providers. Stipulates that such agreements shall not allow discrimination for other than economic or quality of care considerations. Requires employers covered by such Act to provide employees with access at least once a year to a blood pressure test.
Bill· SS. 2503 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Health Care Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study of the effects of efforts to provide hospital price data to third party payors and consumers of health care services; (2) develop methodologies to provide such parties with ambulatory care price data and information about the quality of health care services. Requires a report to Congress within one year.
Bill· HRH.R. 5290 (98th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Compassionate Pain Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 60-month program under which parenteral diacetylmorphine shall be made available through qualified pharmacies for the relief of pain from cancer. Directs the Secretary to provide for the manufacture of such drug. Permits physicians registered under the Controlled Substances Act to prescribe such drug. States that for purposes of such program the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and titles II and III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 shall not apply with respect to: (1) the importing of opium; and (2) the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of parenteral diacetylmorphine. Requires: (1) the Secretary to make program reports to the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) the Comptroller General of the United States to make a four-year program report to such committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 5273 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make permanent provisions providing for a temporary waiver of the 24 hour nursing requirement for certain rural hospitals.
Bill· HRH.R. 5274 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend through the end of 1984 the waiver of the medicare 24-hour nursing requirement for specified participating rural hospitals.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 533 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
Designates the week of May 20 through May 26, 1984, as National Digestive Diseases Awareness Week.
Bill· SS. 2482 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Health Planning and Resource Allocation Act of 1984 - Amends title XV (National Health Planning and Development) of the Public Health Service Act to replace the existing local planning agencies with a single State health services and resource allocation agency, designated by the State Governor. Directs such agency to: (1) develop and administer the State health services and resource allocation plan; (2) develop and administer the State administrative program; (3) administer the certificate of need program; and (4) prepare the annual report. Requires a State agency to review a certificate of need application according to procedures and criteria developed by such agency in accordance with the Secretary of Health and Human Service's regulations. Requires the Governor of each State to appoint a health planning State Advisory Board. Requires two-thirds of each Board's membership to be major purchasers of health care services. Requires each State agency to report annually to the Governor, who shall transmit such report to the Secretary. Authorizes State grants (based on population) for health planning and resource allocation. Sets minimum grant amounts. Requires the Governor to submit a grant application. Permits the Governor to use such funds for entities within the State providing health planning services or support services for the State agency. States that the Federal share shall be 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1985. Authorizes five State research and demonstration grants to determine whether economic strategies will promote health services competition and assure their appropriate allocation and cost control. States that the Federal grant share shall be 75 percent. Authorizes State supplemental health planning and resource allocation grants to provide incentives for purchaser participation in health planning and resource allocation. States that the Federal grant share shall be 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, by grant or contract, to assist in the operation of three health planning centers, with priority given to centers in existence as of September 30, 1984. Sets forth assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1985. Establishes a 15 member National Health Planning and Resource Control Council to: (1) review the annual reports required by this Act; (2) advise the Secretary regarding health planning and congressional reporting requirements; and (3) cooperate with the Secretary in developing national health care delivery standards. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and promulgate national health care delivery standards by October 1, 1985; and (2) report to Congress by March 1 of each year regarding health planning, resource allocation, and cost containment.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 267 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Designates the week of September 23 through September 29, 1984, as National Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Week.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 266 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Designates the week beginning April 8, 1984, as National Hearing Impaired Awareness Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5255 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the method of determining the prospective payment rate for hospitals. Eliminates the distinction between urban and rural areas used in such method.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 529 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Designates the week of September 23 through September 29, 1984, as National Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Week.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 530 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Designates the week of January 20, 1985, as School Health Care Awareness Week.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 264 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984
Designates the month of March 1985 as National Hemophilia Awareness Month.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 263 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Requests the President to designate the week of April 8 through 14, 1984, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Week.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 525 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Designates the week beginning November 25, 1984, as National Home Care Week.
Bill· SS. 2452 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1984
Omnibus Health Services and Health Services Research Programs Act of 1984 - Title I: Categorical Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) health services research; and (2) health statistics. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (to be located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health) the Center for Medical Technology Assessment. Directs such Center to assess health care technologies, including whether specific medical technologies should be reimbursable under Federal health programs. Subjects grants or contracts in excess of $50,000 to scientific peer review. Establishes the National Council on Medical Technology Assessment to serve as an advisory body and to review grant and contract applications. Obligates funds appropriated under this Act for such Council for FY 1985 through 1987. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) childhood immunization; (2) tuberculosis prevention; (3) venereal disease prevention; (4) acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and information dissemination; (5) migrant health; and (6) community health centers. Directs the Secretary, through the Centers for Disease Control, to establish a six-month supply of childhood disease vaccines. Repeals part C (Primary Care Block Grants) of title X of such Act. Title II: Health Maintenance Organizations - Repeals requirements regarding: (1) health systems agency review; (2) periodic compliance demonstration; (3) funding source limitations; and (4) specified reports. Makes the existing quarterly State law digest update an annual update. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations. Title IV: Family Planning - Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) family planning services; (2) training; and (3) information services. Title V: Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant - Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Requires State mental health authorities to develop arrangements to protect the interests of employees adversely affected by mental health services delivery changes. Provides that for FY 1986 and 1987 mental health grants shall be distributed as basic grants and population-based incentive grants. Authorizes FY 1985 appropriations for incentive grant application assistance. Requires a State to develop and submit a comprehensive mental health services delivery plan in order to be eligible for such incentive grants. Sets forth minimum plan requirements. Requires each State to establish a mental health services Advisory Council.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 261 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1984
Directs the President to designate the last week in June 1984 as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5195 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that in establishing an appropriate allowance for depreciation and for interest on capital indebtedness with respect to a hospital's asset which has undergone a change of ownership: (1) the valuation of the asset as a result of the change shall not exceed the net book value of the asset; (2) to the extent that the sum of the capital indebtedness and equity exceeds the net book value of the asset, capital indebtedness and equity shall not be recognized; and (3) only the amount (if any) by which the net book value of the asset exceeds the equity established with respect to the asset shall be recognized as capital indebtedness. Defines "net book value" to mean, with respect to a hospital asset the ownership of which has changed, the valuation of the asset established for Medicare (less accumulated depreciation) on the date before the date of the ownership change.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 259 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Designating the week of November 12 through November 18, 1984, as National Reye's Syndrome Week.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 260 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Designates the week beginning on November 11, 1984, as National Blood Pressure Awareness Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5169 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Medicare Physician Fair Payment Act of 1984 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that payment for physicians' services will be made only to a physician entering into an annual agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the agreement to provide that a physician shall be paid only on the basis of an assignment for all services provided to individuals enrolled under part B. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish a list of all participating physicians; (2) develop a uniform claims form for use by all participating physicians; and (3) establish an advisory committee on physician reimbursement. Prohibits Medicare participation by a hospital unless every physician who is on the medical staff and who furnishes services to inpatients has entered into an assignment agreement with the Secretary.
Bill· HRH.R. 5141 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services not to establish a rate of payment for hospice care which is less than specified amounts for routine home care, continuous home care, inpatient respite care, and general inpatient care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually review and, if appropriate, adjust such rates; and (2) periodically report to Congress on such review and adjustments.
Bill· SS. 2424 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1984
Medicare Solvency and Health Care Financing Reform Act of 1984 - Adds a new title XXI to the Public Health Service Act entitled "Programs For Reforming the Health Care Financing System." Sets forth part A of such title entitled "State Health Care Programs." Provides that if a State transmits to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within one year of the enactment of this Act, a statement that the State intends to submit a health care plan (described below), for purposes of making payments to the State under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act the Federal medical assistance percentage shall be 102 percent of such percentage as otherwise determined under Medicaid for such State for up to one year. Directs the Secretary to exempt hospitals in a State from the prospective payment limits established under this Act for certain time periods occurring during the first year of the transition period (defined in part C of title XXI as the 24-month period beginning January 1985) if: (1) the State requests such treatment; (2) the State indicates an intention to have implemented a State plan under title XXI which will provide for a recoupment of any revenues received in excess of the amounts permitted under part A; and (3) the State has agreed, with respect to such hospitals, that if a State plan under this Act is not implemented by the end of the first year of the transition period, then the Secretary shall provide for such adjustment in the prospective payment limits under part I of part B as will provide for recoupment in the subsequent year of any revenues received in excess of amounts permitted. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary for the approval of a health care plan for the State for an initial period of up to three years, subject to disapproval. Authorizes extensions of such initial period for up to two additional years. Provides that, for any one year period, in the case of any State with an approved plan: (1) the transitional period provisions of subpart I of part B of title XXI shall not apply; (2) requirements for reimbursement (other than those relating to beneficiary cost sharing) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be waived; and (3) for purposes of making payments to a State under Medicaid the Federal medical assistance percentage shall, for the year the plan is in effect, be 103 percent (or 104 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under Medicaid and 102 percent (or 103 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) for any subsequent year (except for any extension period) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined. Defines "unrestricted Medicaid plan" as a State Medicaid plan which does not impose any limitation on the scope or duration of inpatient hospital services other than requiring that such services be medically necessary. Directs the Secretary to annually review each approved plan. Requires the continued approval, for a certain time, of a plan not in compliance, if the State certifies that it will comply within a stated time period. Permits a further extension of approval if there is a trend towards compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Federal program with respect to hospitals for a State which cannot comply. Requires a State plan, in order to be approved, to meet the general requirements set forth below and, if applicable, certain requirements relating to ratesetting plans. Permits a plan, in meeting the general requirements, to be designed in a manner that meets such requirements through a ratesetting system, a voluntary system, or through the use of competitive mechanisms. Requires a plan to be designed in a manner so as to provide, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that: (1) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning before 1987 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor; and (2) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all services furnished to hospitals inpatients for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning after 1986 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the sum of the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor, plus the base physician-related hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the plan is in effect and provided for a limitation under this clause (2), and the population-discharge factor. Authorizes a State, at its option, to apply the test specified in clause (2) instead of the test specified in clause (1) with respect to years prior to 1986. Permits a plan, instead of meeting the above requirements, to meet such other alternative test of constraint of health care costs as the Secretary determines will not result in a greater expenditure of funds under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and by private payers than would have been made if the plan met the above requirements. Requires a plan to be designed so as to provide that the amount of revenues for inpatient hospital services and physicians' services to hospital inpatients and individuals entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII of the Social Security Act may not exceed the amount which would otherwise be payable (including copayments and deductibles) for such services under title XVIII. Permits a plan (other than a plan providing for the establishment of rates of hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services) to provide that payment under title XVIII for inpatient hospital services and for other services furnished to hospital inpatients shall continue to be made in the amounts and in the manner otherwise provided under Medicare. Requires that the unreimbursed costs incurred by hospitals in providing services to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured patients (other than Medicare or Medicaid patients) be paid pursuant to a plan in an amount which must, in the aggregate, be the same proportion of total revenues as such unreimbursed costs are of total costs of patients who are neither Medicare nor Medicaid patients. Provides that such unreimbursed costs shall be paid through distribution of funds pooled at the statewide level, through a higher payment rate, or through another method approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan to have a mechanism for providing fair hearings for hospitals and any other entities aggrieved by determinations made under the plan. Requires a State to provide for the appointment of a panel, consisting of members with expertise in health care economics and service delivery, to advise in the development and implementation of its plan, periodically review and propose modifications to the plan, and establish the methodology for establishing the percentage limit used to compute hospital revenues. Requires such methodology to include the use of appropriate external price indicators, the use of data from major collective-bargaining agreements for nonsupervisory hospital employees, and other appropriate indicators of wage costs. Requires the methodology to be approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan, to the extent that it provides for meeting plan requirements through a system which provides for the establishment of rates for hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services by an entity other than the hospital, to meet the following additional requirements: (1) except as provided in clause (2), the plan must provide equitable treatment of all entities that pay for health services covered under the plan, of hospital employees, and of patients; (2) if the plan is established under State law, the plan must take into account the proportion of costs associated with, and services covered by, the different payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, and may not permit undue shifting of proportions of costs among the different payors; (3) the plan may not make available any discount in price to any purchaser unless the discount accurately reflects economic benefits to a hospital resulting from a service arrangement with a purchaser and the discount is made available to all other purchasers who can satisfy such service; and (4) the plan must provide a procedure whereby, upon the request of a hospital, an adjustment can be considered to the rate limitation applicable under the plan to that hospital to reflect a significant change in the inpatient hospital services, increased costs for the compensation of employees, funds necessary to provide for the efficient operation of a hospital which the State has determined should remain in operation, and higher expenses associated with a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital, or children's hospital. Directs the Secretary, in reviewing a plan which provides for control of hospital inpatient costs through a competitive mechanism, to take into account the degree to which the plan provides for the following or other measures to improve price competition among providers: (1) the plan provides for open enrollment periods; (2) the plan provides for the dissemination of information concerning different health benefits plans; (3) the plan encourages innovation and public incentives to new forms of health care delivery and financing; (4) there are negotiated prices and risk-sharing between insurers and health care providers; and (5) the laws of the State do not impose legal barriers to competition in negotiated and other arrangements among insurers and health care providers. Sets forth part B of title XXI entitled "Residual Federal Program" subpart I of part B entitled "Transition Period." Provides that, subject to the provisions of subpart I, for any accounting period of a hospital subject to subpart I the total revenues for inpatient hospital services may not exceed the total of such revenues that are permitted on the basis of prospective payment limits established under subpart I for the hospital's discharges as classified by diagnosis-related groups. Requires each hospital subject to a limitation on revenues under subpart I to provide for the publication of a price list which establishes the price per discharge which any payor may pay for inpatient hospital services. Requires a hospital to submit its price list to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to determine (for each accounting period) a prospective payment limit for inpatient hospital services for discharges classified by diagnosis-related groups. Sets forth the method for determining and adjusting the limit for each hospital for discharges. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a hospital, to increase the allowable revenues for an accounting period or provide for an increase in the base number of discharges otherwise permitted under subpart I to allow for higher revenues than would otherwise be permitted if: (1) a major renovation or replacement of physical plant or significant change in the capacity of the hospital has occurred; (2) the hospital is a sole community provider or provides a disproportionate percentage of its services to low-income or Medicare patients, the hospital would otherwise be insolvent, and the State has determined that the hospital should remain open; (3) a larger revenue increase is needed because the hospital is a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital or children's hospital; and (4) there has been a significant change in the characteristics of the hospital's mix of patients. Subjects a hospital which has total inpatient revenues for an accounting period in excess of its applicable limit to a civil penalty, unless the excess is deposited in an escrow account. Permits withdrawals from the account upon the Secretary's certification that the total inpatient revenues of a hospital for an accounting period fall below the applicable limit for that period. Imposes a civil penalty upon a physician or other person or entity (other than a hospital) who has charged any person or entity for inpatient hospital services which are required by law to be billed to a hospital. Sets forth provisions relating to notice, opportunity for a hearing, and appeal of such penalties. Prohibits a hospital from engaging in an admission practice that results in: (1) a refusal to admit a patient who is unable to pay for inpatient hospital services; (2) the refusal to admit a patient who would be expected to require unusually costly or prolonged treatment; or (3) the refusal to provide emergency services to any person in need of such services. Sets forth penalties, including exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid participation, for hospitals committing such admissions violations. Sets forth subpart II of Part B entitled "Post-Transition Period." Provides that in the case of a State not having a plan approved under part A and in effect for any period beginning after the transition period, the Secretary shall establish and implement a health care plan for such State for such period which meets the requirements of part A, with specified differences. Sets forth definitions under part C of title XXI. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Health Care Technologies and Procedures. Directs the Advisory Committee to examine the appropriateness of the various interventions and the conditions under which they are needed, the safety and efficacy of alternative therapeutic and preventive regimens, and the standards for availability and utilization of various technologies, and to publicly report on whether or not payments should be made for such services and, if so, under what conditions and frequency of service. Exempts individuals enrolled in health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans from the limits established under title XXI on revenues and discharge of a hospital if: (1) the organization elects such treatment; or (2) the organization annually pays for more than 20 percent of the number of bed-days of care with respect to that hospital. Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to employees' health benefits plans to provide that if an employer makes a contribution with respect to the costs of a health benefits plan of an employee and the employer offers the option of membership in a health maintenance organization or a competitive medical plan, which membership provides benefits at least actuarially equivalent to those provided under the other health benefits plan, the employer shall: (1) contribute at least as much towards the membership as the maximum amount of the employer's contribution to the other plan; (2) provide for a cash rebate if the contribution with respect to any other health benefits plan exceeds the cost of membership with the organization; and (3) provide information to employees that reasonably compares the benefits and costs of different plans. Exempts from the provisions of the previous sentence employees of an employer represented by a collective bargaining representative or other employee representative selected under any law. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, to provide that the annual per capita rate of payment for each class of members shall be 100 percent in the care of individuals enrolled with an eligible organization in an area where at least 30 percent of the individuals eligible to enroll with an organization are enrolled. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exempt a health maintenance organization which is a public entity from the requirement that at least 75 percent of its membership be Medicaid eligible or insured under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or under both parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary, under the prospective payment provisions of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, to provide that in the case of a State health care plan approved under Part A of title XXI of the Public Health Service Act payments with respect to services covered under title XXI: (1) may, at the State's option, be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare; or (2) shall be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare in the case of a plan which provides for the control of hospital costs through a title XXI ratesetting mechanism. Provides for increased Medicare payments to a hospital for its operating costs if the number of admissions for an accounting period exceeds the hospital's admissions during a specified base period. Directs the Secretary to determine a regionally adjusted capital-related prospective payment rate for each inpatient hospital discharge in accordance with a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, for each diagnosis-related group, to estimate the average per discharge amount of charges recognized under part B of title XVIII attributable to items and services furnished to inpatients within such group during 1983. Provides that, subject to the part B deductible and subject to other provisions of the Medicare prospective payment rate provisions, with respect to each individual entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B of title XVIII who is a hospital inpatient and whose discharge is classified within a diagnosis-related group, the Secretary shall provide for payment to the hospital of an amount equal to 80 percent of a specified rate in lieu of payments otherwise made under part B for inpatient services. Requires that: (1) payments for health care services furnished to inpatients be made to or through a hospital as a condition of the hospital's participation in the Medicare payment; and (2) the Secretary provide for notice to the public and to individuals enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act of such requirement. Permits the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to borrow at any time from other social security trust funds if it can repay the loan within ten years. Provides for the periodic transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of amounts which the Secretary determines to be equal to a specified fraction of the total revenues of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct and report to Congress on seven studies relating to: (1) health care costs, quality, delivery, and services; and (2) the effects of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5111 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit rural hospitals of up to 150 beds to furnish services which, if furnished by an extended care facility, would constitute extended care services. (Current law permits rural hospitals of up to 50 beds to furnish such services.)
Bill· HRH.R. 5098 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity which qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Requires submission to the Center before it is funded of any such proposal approved by a Federal agency. Prohibits funding of any proposal which the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in the conduct of comprehensive full-text literature searches. Requires an annual report to Congress and the President. Directs the National Library of Medicine to: (1) acquire, transcribe, and store all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies; (2) support by grants and contracts the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations; and (3) increase, by making grants and awards, the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies. Permits the Library to contract with the private-sector data recording industry to improve the development of such technologies and the dissemination of full-text biomedical information to medical libraries. Requires the Library to report annually to Congress and the President on its progress. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 512 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Designates October 1984 as National Down's Syndrome Month.
Bill· HRH.R. 5043 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Health in Advertising Act - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to prohibit cigarette and other tobacco product advertising on any medium of electronic communication subject to Federal Communications Commission jurisdiction.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 506 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Designates April 7, 1984, as World Health day.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 507 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of January 1985 as National Cerebral Palsy Month.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 254 (98th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1984
Designates the month of October 1984 as National Down's Syndrome Month.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 451 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1984
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to David Phillip Vetter, of Spring, Texas, to be presented to his family in his memory as the oldest survivor of congenital severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
Bill· HRH.R. 5006 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that a hospital shall be considered to be located in an urban area for purposes of the prospective payment system if the wage level within the county (or equivalent area) in which the hospital is located is not less than the average wage level for urban areas in the State.
Bill· HRH.R. 4969 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an additional transitional year in which to implement the hospital prospective payment system. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and make recommendations to Congress concerning refinements in the prospective payment system.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 267 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Requests a voluntary national one-year freeze on physicians' fees and a reduction in fees for the unemployed, elderly, and uninsured in an effort to help curb rising health care costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4961 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that a county with an average wage rate which is no less than the average wage rate for a standard metropolitan statistical area in the State shall be considered an urban area for purposes of the prospective payment system.
Bill· SS. 2352 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that a county with an average wage rate which is no less than the average wage rate for a standard metropolitan statistical area in a State shall be considered an urban area for purposes of the prospective payment system.
Bill· HRH.R. 4955 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1984
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring aircraft, rail carriers, and motor carriers in interstate commerce to designate seating for nonsmoking passengers.