Healthcare

A bill to establish a user fee for follow-up reinspections under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect a user fee from each manufacturer of a food, drug, device, biological product, or animal drug for which a followup reinspection is required to ensure correction of a violation of a Good Manufacturing Practices requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act found by the Secretary during the initial inspection of the manufacturer.

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct and sustained communication and contact with the beneficiary family members, involvement of family members in the critical care decisionmaking process, and responsiveness of critical care providers to family requests. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for augmenting the delivery of critical care services in the rural inpatient setting through the use of telecommunications systems that allow for consultation with critical care providers not located in the rural facility regarding the care of such patients. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to give preference in awarding telehealth grant funds to entities to develop plans for, or to establish, such critical care telehealth networks. Requires the Secretary to undertake an initiative to recruit providers of critical care services into the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

More Children, More Choices Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

More Children, More Choices Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a state SCHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children. Prohibits SCHIP payment for children with family income above 250% of the applicable poverty line. Sets forth special rules for SCHIP payment for children with family income above 200% of the applicable poverty line. Provides for standardization of income determinations. Applies citizenship documentation requirements to SCHIP beneficiaries, and increases the federal matching rate for citizenship documentation enforcement under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and SCHIP. Places limitations on SCHIP eligibility based on substantial net assets. Requires state SCHIP plans to describe how they will provide for targeted low-income children covered under a group health plan. Revises federal financial participation requirements for employer-sponsored insurance. Requires the offering of alternative coverage options under SCHIP. Changes the allotment distribution formula for allotments to the states and the District of Columbia, particularly for targeted low-income children and pregnant women. Prohibits redistribution of unused allotments. Reauthorizes the SCHIP program through FY2012 at increased levels. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to improve outreach to and enrollment of eligible children. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a limited tax credit for qualified health insurance for any dependent child; and (2) advance payment to insurance providers of health insurance credit for purchasers of such insurance. Directs the Secretary to establish a State Health Coverage Innovation Commission to make grants to states for innovative health reform projects. Directs the Secretary to implement administrative reforms with respect to the Medicare and Medicaid programs sufficient to result in projected reductions in the Medicare and Medicaid federal budget baselines for FY2008-FY2013 that exceed the projected revenue loss for the same period attributable to the tax credit provided for, and the increase in the federal budget baseline for SCHIP resulting from, this Act.

Family Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to award grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks and improve self-management for individuals and families. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) priority to entities that serve a medically underserved population; and (2) consideration to an adequate rural-urban distribution, so as to gain better information about asthma at the national level. Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a National Asthma Action Plan and to fund a report to Congress by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) collaborate with state and local health departments to conduct activities to inform and educate the public regarding asthma; (2) conduct asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma, the effectiveness of public heath asthma intervention, and the quality of asthma management; and (3) compile and annually publish asthma data. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish Dr. Irving J. Selikoff individual and institutional training grants for education and training of health care providers on the role of environmental factors in the development and prevention of asthma and recurrent asthma attacks.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month.

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month. Reaffirms our nation's commitment to providing access to health care, ensuring preventative care, seeking cures for debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy living habits for America's children. Salutes: (1) health care professionals who provide care and treatment for childhood illnesses; and (2) officials who protect children from environmental health and safety risks, and who educate parents, schools, and communities about health risks for children. Encourages states, territories, and possessions of the United States to educate children about healthy living habits when they are young.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON THE FEDERAL SUPERFUND PROGRAM'S ACTIVITIES TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States Senate · 17 October 2007

Community Health Center Employee Health Coverage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Community Health Center Employee Health Coverage Act of 2007 - Expands the definition of "employee" for purposes of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to include an individual who is an employee of a federally qualified heath center, or a grantee providing technical or other assistance to such a center, that has elected to offer FEHB coverage. Requires such an employee to pay both the employee and agency contributions and administrative expenses.

Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC. Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for the construction or modernization of facilities to provide mental health and behavioral health services to individuals. Defines an "eligible entity" as: (1) a state that is the recipient of a Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant under such Act; or (2) an Indian tribe or a tribal organization. Includes among grant application requirements assurances that facilities will be used for not less than 10 years for community-based mental health or substance abuse services for those who cannot pay for such services. Permits a grant recipient to request permission to transfer such 10-year obligation to another facility. Authorizes a state that receives a grant to award a subgrant to a qualified community program for activities such as: (1) the construction, expansion, and modernization of mental and behavioral health facilities; and (2) the construction and structural modification of facilities to permit the integrated delivery of behavioral health and primary care of specialty medical services to individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses and chronic medical or surgical diseases at a single service site. Requires a grant recipient to agree to make available nonfederal contributions matching federal funds provided.

Family Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to award grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks and improve self-management for individuals and families. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) priority to entities that serve a medically underserved population; and (2) consideration to an adequate rural-urban distribution, so as to gain better information about asthma at the national level. Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a National Asthma Action Plan and to fund a report to Congress by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) collaborate with state and local health departments to conduct activities to inform and educate the public regarding asthma; (2) conduct asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma, the effectiveness of public heath asthma intervention, and the quality of asthma management; and (3) compile and annually publish asthma data. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish Dr. Irving J. Selikoff individual and institutional training grants for education and training of health care providers on the role of environmental factors in the development and prevention of asthma and recurrent asthma attacks.

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and adjustments to it for case mix changes. Prohibits any adjustment in the PPS for payment in 2008. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for any adjustment in a subsequent year, to evaluate changes in case mix using standards developed consistent with specified processes, taking certain criteria into account. Directs the Secretary to convene a Technical Advisory Group to advise on the development of such standards. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to implement or otherwise carry out provisions in the final rule published on August 29, 2007, that propose to make a case mix adjustment to the standardized payment amounts under the PPS to account for changes in coding that were not related to an underlying change in patient health status. Directs the Secretary to republish any rates specified in such rule to take into account the application of such prohibition.

Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for: (1) services to children, adults, and older adults with mental illnesses who have co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic diseases through the co-location of primary and specialty medical care in community-based mental and behavioral health settings; (2) programs to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs in professional shortage areas; (3) expanding behavioral and mental health education and training programs; (4) tele-mental health in medically-underserved areas; and (5) developing and implementing a plan to ensure that the National Health Information Infrastructure meets the needs of mental health and substance abuse providers. Provides for reports to Congress on: (1) the paperwork burden on community mental health providers; and (2) the compensation structure for such providers.

Medicare Mental Health Prescription Drug Access Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Medicare Mental Health Prescription Drug Access Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover barbiturates and benzodiazepines as Medicare part D drugs, beginning in 2008.

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and adjustments to it for case mix changes. Prohibits any adjustment in the PPS for payment in 2008. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for any adjustment in a subsequent year, to evaluate changes in case mix using standards developed consistent with specified processes, taking certain criteria into account. Directs the Secretary to convene a Technical Advisory Group to advise on the development of such standards. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to implement or otherwise carry out provisions in the final rule published on August 29, 2007, that propose to make a case mix adjustment to the standardized payment amounts under the PPS to account for changes in coding that were not related to an underlying change in patient health status. Directs the Secretary to republish any rates specified in such rule to take into account the application of such prohibition.

Kids First Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Kids First Act - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise, reauthorize, and extend the SCHIP program through FY2012 at increased levels. Provides for determination of allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on expenditures and numbers of low-income children. Sets limitations on matching rates for populations other than targeted low-income children or pregnant women covered through a Section 1115 waiver. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving, extending, renewing, or amending a waiver, experimental, pilot, or demonstration project with respect to a state after the enactment of this Act that would allow funds made available under SCHIP to be used to provide child health assistance or other health benefits coverage for any other adult other than a pregnant woman whose family income does not exceed the income eligibility level specified for a targeted low-income child in that state under a waiver or approved project. Requires a state to determine family income eligibility for child health assistance or other health benefits coverage under the state child health plan solely on the basis of the family's gross income. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts designed to increase the enrollment and participation of eligible children under SCHIP and SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Allows a state to elect to offer a premium assistance subsidy for qualified employer sponsored coverage to all targeted low-income children eligible for child health assistance. Allows any state the option to include an unborn child as a child under SCHIP. Repeals current federal payment rates at different specified percentages for different specified aspects of Medicaid administrative costs to prescribe a flat 50% rate for all such costs. Requires a 25% reduction in payments for Medicaid administrative costs (to prevent duplication of such payments under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV).

Children Come First Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Children Come First Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to prohibit SCHIP payments for children in families with income between 200% and 300% of the poverty line (higher income families) unless: (1) health insurance coverage for the family is demonstrably unattainable or unaffordable; and (2) the state SCHIP plan permits the family to receive child health assistance through specified optional premium assistance rather than through Medicaid or otherwise.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to continue to rent certain items of complex durable medical equipment.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to continue to rent certain items of complex durable medical equipment.

Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

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

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility an initiative on pain care which shall include, for each individual receiving treatment at such facility: (1) an assessment for pain at the time of admission or initial treatment, and periodic assessments thereafter; and (2) appropriate pain care including, when necessary, access to specialty pain management services. Directs the Secretary to carry out within the Medical and Prosthetic Research Service of the Veterans Health Administration a program of research and training on acute and chronic pain. Requires the Secretary, under such program, to designate cooperative centers for research and education on pain, with at least one center as a lead center for research on pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage commonly associated with battlefield injuries characteristic of modern warfare.

Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007 - Entitles independent pharmacies negotiating contract terms with a health plan for the provision of health care items or services to the same treatment under the antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled. Treats such a pharmacy as an employee engaged in concerted activities in connection with such negotiations. Exempts actions taken in good faith reliance on this Act from being subject to criminal sanctions or civil penalties beyond actual damages incurred. Prohibits: (1) exempting from the antitrust laws any agreement or otherwise unlawful conspiracy that excludes, limits the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limits the scope of services to be provided by any independent pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies with respect to the performance of services that are within their scope of practice as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation; and (2) applying this Act to negotiations between independent pharmacies and health plans pertaining to federal health benefits.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to eligible entities to provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel. Adds as a condition for eligibility for grants for screening, counseling, or health care services to newborns and children having, or at risk for, heritable disorders that an entity assure that it has or is implementing guidelines and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. Requires the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to: (1) make recommendations that include the heritable disorders for which all newborns should be screened; and (2) develop a model decision-matrix for newborn screening program expansion. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to: (1) establish a central clearinghouse for information on newborn screening; and (2) award grants for newborn screening educational programs and for a system to assess and coordinate treatment relating to congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to provide for: (1) quality assurance for screening laboratories; (2) population-based pilot testing for evaluating new screening tools; and (3) a national contingency plan for newborn screening in the event of a public health emergency. Requires the Secretary, acting through an Interagency Group, to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available data on certain heritable disorders; (2) operate regional centers to conduct applied epidemiological research on interventions to prevent poor health outcomes from such disorders; and (3) research and promote the prevention of poor health outcomes. Requires the Secretary to establish the Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Research Program.

Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," and "mass layoff" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance, COBRA benefits, and certain other services. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who represent the area where such closing or mass layoff is to occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for, among other things, interest on back pay due the affected employee and an additional amount as liquidated damages for each day of the violation for up to 90 days (under current law, 60 days). Authorizes an affected employee to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging a violation of the notice requirements. Requires the Secretary to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints of violations committed by an employer. Authorizes the Secretary to bring an action in court to recover on behalf of an affected employee any backpay (including interest), benefits, and liquidated damages due to the employee. Requires an employer to post conspicuously upon its premises pertinent provisions of this Act and information on the filing of a complaint. Requires the Secretary to maintain a guide on the benefits and services available to affected employees. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend COBRA continuation coverage for certain qualified Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) eligible employees.

Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007 - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans without a service-connected disability enrolled as active participants of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility until such time as such veterans are transferred to a VA facility. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability for the value of emergency treatment for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the VA.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Trade Adjustment Assistance Improvement Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, its subdivision, or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) instances where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Provides for industry-wide certification of adversely affected workers for TAA. Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for the health insurance costs of certain TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers provisions with eligibility requirements for wage insurance benefits to older workers who have received an industry-wide certification to apply for TAA. Increases the maximum allowance to cover costs of an adversely affected worker for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Establishes an Office of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Ombudsman. Extends the TAA program for workers through FY2012. Revises the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade. Establishes a TAA for communities program to coordinate the federal response. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Extends the TAA program for farmers through FY2012.

African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Promoting Health Information Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Promoting Health Information Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Provides for the adoption by the federal government of standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Establishes the American Health Information Community to provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of any relevant federal agencies concerning the policy considerations related to health information technology. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the: (1) purchase of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implementation of regional or local health information plans; and (3) development of academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and use of health care quality measures to measure the quality and efficiency of health care that patients receive. Extends health information privacy requirements to an operator of a health information electronic database. Gives individuals the right to inspect and obtain a copy of their protected health information stored in electronic format. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the circumstances in which it is necessary and workable to require that individuals be notified if their individually identifiable health information is wrongly disclosed. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center.

It is the Sense of the Congress that the confidentiality mandates for minors should be removed from family planning services programs operating under Title X of the Public Health Services Act and Medicaid.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that the confidentiality mandates for minors should be removed from family planning services programs operating under Title X of the Public Health Services Act and Medicaid.

Long Term Care Quality Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007

Long Term Care Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for nursing staff (by staff level, breaking out (at a minimum) registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, and certified nurse assistants).

Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007 - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans without a service-connected disability enrolled as active participants of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility until such time as such veterans are transferred to a VA facility. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability for the value of emergency treatment for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the VA.

American Indian Veteran Health Care Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

American Indian Veteran Health Care Improvement Act - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to: (1) provide for veteran-related expenses incurred by eligible Indian veterans for medical services administered at an Indian Health Service facility pursuant to a local memorandum of understanding between the HHS Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA Secretary); and (2) establish guidelines regarding the method of payments to the VA Secretary for such expenses. Requires the HHS Secretary, in negotiating such a local memorandum of understanding with the VA Secretary, to consult with each Indian tribe that would be affected. Provides that expenses incurred by the HHS Secretary while providing for eligible Indian veterans' expenses shall not be considered Contract Health Service expenses.

Kids First Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Kids First Act - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise, reauthorize, and extend the SCHIP program through FY2012 at increased levels. Provides for determination of allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on expenditures and numbers of low-income children. Sets limitations on matching rates for populations other than targeted low-income children or pregnant women covered through a Section 1115 waiver. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving, extending, renewing, or amending a waiver, experimental, pilot, or demonstration project with respect to a state after the enactment of this Act that would allow funds made available under SCHIP to be used to provide child health assistance or other health benefits coverage for any other adult other than a pregnant woman whose family income does not exceed the income eligibility level specified for a targeted low-income child in that state under a waiver or approved project. Requires a state to determine family income eligibility for child health assistance or other health benefits coverage under the state child health plan solely on the basis of the family's gross income. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts designed to increase the enrollment and participation of eligible children under SCHIP and SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Allows a state to elect to offer a premium assistance subsidy for qualified employer sponsored coverage to all targeted low-income children eligible for child health assistance. Allows any state the option to include an unborn child as a child under SCHIP. Repeals current federal payment rates at different specified percentages for different specified aspects of Medicaid administrative costs to prescribe a flat 50% rate for all such costs. Requires a 25% reduction in payments for Medicaid administrative costs (to prevent duplication of such payments under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV).

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention and Services Program to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a research agenda for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD); (2) facilitate surveillance, public health research, and prevention of FASD; and (3) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to states and other entities to provide services for individuals with FASD, to educate court, law enforcement, and adoption officials on how to treat and support individuals with FASD, and to provide transitional services for individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide for continuation of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and (2) the Comptroller General to evaluate and make recommendations regarding appropriate federal FASD activities. Includes within the grant program for services to individuals with FASD: (1) respite care for caretakers of such individuals, (2) recruitment and training of mentors for such individuals; and (3) educational and supportive services to families of such individuals. Requires the Secretary of Education to direct the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to implement screening procedures and introduce curricula for educating children with FASD. Requires the Attorney General to direct the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to: (1) educate officials on how to treat individuals with FASD; (2) study the inadequacies of the current system for dealing with such individuals; and (3) develop transitional programs for such individuals who are released from incarceration.

Methamphetamine Prevention Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Methamphetamine Prevention Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to establish a Drug-Free Workplace Information Clearinghouse. Requires the Clearinghouse Director to: (1) serve as a resource for employers maintaining or attempting to establish a drug-free workplace policy; (2) provide assistance to employers and employees in resolving complaints, grievances, and requests for information regarding drug-free workplaces and in understanding rights and responsibilities under federal employment laws pertaining to drug-free workplace policies; and (3) conduct an educational campaign for employers on federal drug-free workplace standards or guidelines and on federal assistance available to employers to establish or maintain a drug-free workplace. Requires the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to: (1) make grants to medical associations, health care providers, and health care facilities to conduct training for health care providers on recognizing the signs of methamphetamine addiction and recognizing vulnerable populations for purposes of preventing and treating such addiction; (2) conduct an educational campaign on the public health effects of methamphetamine addiction; and (3) make grants to schools, community organizations, and local governmental entities to establish or maintain a methamphetamine awareness project consisting of after-school or extracurricular activities in which students learn about the dangers of methamphetamine through hands-on advertising or video production exercises.

Vision Preservation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Vision Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems. Directs the Secretary to expand and intensify: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations to enable the Secretary to introduce core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening and examination standards into state programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for vision rehabilitation professional development.

To prohibit implementation of a guidance letter proposing rules relating to the Federal-State financial partnerships under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007

Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing a guidance letter proposing rules relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the Secretary from applying any requirement under such letter, or any similar requirement, to any state health plan amendment or waiver expanding the income eligibility level for children under SCHIP.

Supporting the We Don't Serve Teens campaign.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007

Supports the goals and ideals of campaigns working to prevent underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, including the We Don't Serve Teens Campaign. Encourages people across the Nation to take advantage of the wealth of information that can be used to combat underage drinking. Commends the leadership and continuing efforts of all groups working to reduce underage drinking.

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Correctional Public Health (OCPH) within the Office of Public Health and Science. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of OCPH, to carry out public health activities for individuals who are: (1) employed in the field of corrections as employees in federal, state, or local penal or correctional institutions; (2) incarcerated in such institutions; (3) employed as parole or probation officers; or (4) under parole or probation supervision. Includes among such activities disease prevention, health promotion, service delivery, research, and health professions education activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to states to provide for correctional populations screenings, immunizations, and treatment for hepatitis A, B, and C and other infectious diseases. Requires a portion of each grant to be expended to carry out such activities at penal or correctional facilities that are not facilities in which individuals serve terms of imprisonment, including remand facilities.

Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception, including, at a minimum, a description of emergency contraception and an explanation of the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of such contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate to health care providers, including pharmacists, information on emergency contraception that includes, at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.

Medicare Preventive Services Coverage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Medicare Preventive Services Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend from six months to one year the eligibility period for the "Welcome to Medicare" physical examination; and (2) cover and waive cost-sharing for specified additional preventive screening services.

Federal Health Care Board Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Federal Health Care Board Act of 2007 - Establishes the Federal Health Care Board as an independent agency in the executive branch. Requires the Board to: (1) ensure that Americans have access to health insurance and are provided certain basic facts about health care services prior to receiving care; (2) ensure that providers are delivering safe, evidence-based, high quality care and are transparent about pricing through disclosure of actual costs; (3) demand transparency for disclosure of actual costs and pricing from providers and payers through an information clearinghouse; (4) establish a national standard for a basic health insurance plan (including a basic minimum policy and the regional cost for such policy), a national protocol and standard for secure, universal, and individual electronic medical records, a national standard for public health services (including safety net providers), loan forgiveness and scholarship programs for health care providers who serve in underserved areas, and model dispute resolution procedures for malpractice claims that states may adopt; and (5) monitor progress toward those objectives. Directs the Board's Board of Governors to establish 12 regions of the United States. Establishes in each region a Regional Board, based in a major city, to provide the Board of Governors with considerations that are relevant to their region's population.

Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Investment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the cost of operating nurse-managed health clinics that provide primary care for underserved or vulnerable populations and are associated with a school, college, or nursing department, federally qualified health center, or independent nonprofit health or social services agency. Requires a grant application to contain assurances that a clinic will: (1) provide all required comprehensive primary health services for a period of not to exceed two years (subject to a waiver); and (2) establish a community advisory committee to provide input into the clinic's decisionmaking process. Permits grant funds to be used for primary care and additional health services for the management of clinic programs, salaries, training, and the acquisition and leasing of buildings and equipment. Requires the amount of any grant to be determined by the Secretary considering the financial need of, and state, local, and other operational funding provided to, the clinic. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program through which the Secretary shall provide clinics technical and other assistance in meeting requirements of this Act; and (2) develop and implement a plan for evaluating clinics funded.

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

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Urges federal agencies to designate additional funds for research and education, awareness, and early detection efforts at the grassroots levels to end that crisis.

Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute to enter into cooperative agreements with, or make grants to, public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate centers to conduct research on biomarkers for use in risk stratification for, and the early detection and screening of, ovarian cancer. Designates each center as an Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Center of Excellence. Allows federal payments under such an agreement or grant to be used for research on: (1) the development and characterization of new biomarkers and the refinement of existing biomarkers; (2) the clinical and laboratory validation of such biomarkers; (3) the development and implementation of clinical and epidemiological research on the utilization of such biomarkers; and (4) the development and implementation of repositories for new tissue, urine, serum, and other biological specimens. Requires the Director to: (1) make available for research banked serum and tissue specimens from clinical research regarding ovarian cancer that was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) establish an Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Clinical Trial Committee to assist the Director to design and implement national clinical trials to determine the utility of such biomarkers; and (3) establish a national data center to conduct statistical analyses of trial data.

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, and appoint the Director of, the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health to develop plans for addressing antimicrobial resistance in the United States and internationally; (2) establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to assist the Director; and (3) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan. Renews the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force and sets forth its membership and duties. Requires sponsors of human and animal antimicrobial drug products to report to the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance the amount of such drug products sold or distributed in the United States in a calendar year. Requires the Director to make summaries of drug distribution data publicly available. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish at least 10 Antimicrobial Resistance Clinical Research and Public Health Network sites to describe outbreaks of antimicrobial resistant pathogens and monitor the patterns of such pathogens in individuals; and (2) award competitive grants to establish demonstration projects to assess the scope of the antimicrobial resistance problem and the use of antimicrobial drugs. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effectiveness of this Act.

Safety of Seniors Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support national education campaigns focusing on reducing falls among older adults, on preventing repeat falls, and on educating health professionals about falls risk, assessment, and prevention; and (2) award grants for local and state education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention and medication management interventions; (4) tailor strategies to reduce falls to specific populations of older adults; (5) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (6) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and (7) assess the risks of falls occurring in various settings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct research concerning barriers to the adoption of proven interventions, approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities, and strategies in home modifications; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide for a website to serve as an information clearinghouse; (4) oversee and support demonstration projects designed to reduce the risk of falls in frail older adults emphasizing projects that foster collaboration between health care providers and the aging services network or residential and institutional settings; and (5) report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing associated health care costs.

Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate the federal upper reimbursement limit as no less than 300% of the weighted average (based on utilization) of the most recent average manufacturer prices (AMPs) for pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent multiple source drug products available for purchase by retail community pharmacies on a nationwide basis. Directs the Secretary to implement a smoothing process for AMPs to ensure that federal upper reimbursement limits do not vary significantly from month to month as a result of rebates, discounts, and other pricing practices. Requires a state plan to subject to prior authorization all covered outpatient drug products that are innovator multiple source drugs, if such drug products are more expensive than other biologically and therapeutically equivalent drug products available for purchase in that state by retail community pharmacies. Revises requirements for monthly reports to the Secretary of price information by manufacturers subject to rebate agreements.

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

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

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

Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.

Preserving Access to Laboratory Services Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

Preserving Access to Laboratory Services Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the mandate for a Medicare Competitive Bidding Demonstration Project for Clinical Laboratory Services.

Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) programs (Medicare Savings Program) to increase the income eligibility levels for: (1) QMBs to 135% of the federal poverty level (FPL); and (2) SLMBs to 150% of the FPL. Eliminates the application of estate recovery for Medicare Savings Program beneficiaries. Modifies the asset tests for QMBs and SLMBs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for expedited enrollment under the Medicare Savings Program through Social Security offices. Provides for treatment of QMBs, SLMBs, and other dual eligibles as Medicare beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XIX with respect to Medicaid treatment of certain Medicare providers. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to examine and report on whether providers have attempted to make QMBs liable for deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments in violation of applicable law. Requires the Secretary to report an enforcement plan of action to Congress regarding any QMBs that have been held so liable in violation of law. Requires states to provide medical assistance to dual eligibles in MedicareAdvantage (MA) plans.