Healthcare

Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 - Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to provide for a program of comparative effectiveness research for health care. Defines "comparative effectiveness research" as research evaluating and comparing the implications and outcomes of two or more health care strategies to address a particular medical condition. Establishes the Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute as a nonprofit, nongovernmental, corporation to conduct research on the effectiveness of health care treatments, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and procedures, and other therapies. Requires the Institute to: (1) identify national priorities for comparative clinical effectiveness research; (2) establish and update a research project agenda and provide for peer review of research; (3) collect data on health care treatments; (4) establish a standing methodology committee for developing the science of comparative effectiveness research; and (5) disseminate research findings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund. Provides revenues for the Trust Fund by transferring amounts from the General Fund and the Medicare Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds and by imposing a fee on certain accident or health insurance policies and self-insured health plans. Requires the Comptroller General to review financial audits of the Institute and assess the adequacy and use of funding. Terminates all funding for the Trust Fund after FY2018. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the process for making national coverage determinations under the Medicare program.

Medical Device Safety Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Medical Device Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that provisions preempting state and local requirements for medical devices intended for human use shall not be construed to modify or otherwise affect any action for damages or the liability of any person under state law. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 and applicable to any civil action pending or filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Access for All America Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Access for All America Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to public or nonprofit entities certified as federally qualified health centers to operate community health centers and provide basic health and support services to medically underserved populations. Provides for the conversion of existing family medical practices to federally qualified health centers. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants relating to accessibility of services to underserved populations, quality assurance, standard fee and discount schedules, nondenial of services, and cultural awareness. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2015 the authorization of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program.

Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008 - Establishes a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health disorders caused by military service. Requires the commission to: (1) oversee the monitoring and treatment of veterans and members with such disorders; and (2) conduct a study of the long-term adverse consequences of such disorders for such veterans and members. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out a program, to be known as the Heroes-to-Healers Program, to assist veterans and members separating from service to: (1) obtain certification as mental health care providers; and (2) find employment with federal, state, and local agencies and nongovernmental organizations that provide mental health care to members, veterans, and their families. Requires participants, following certification, to work for at least five years in such mental health care capacity, but authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirement when considered appropriate. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to pay a bonus of up to $10,000 to a Program participant who agrees to such service. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a program to award grants to encourage state and local mental health agencies and other entities to establish, expand, or enhance mental health provider recruitment and retention efforts. Requires participants who receive training through the program to serve at a high-need medical facility or agency for at least three years.

Drug and Device Accountability Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Drug and Device Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to deem a drug or device to be misbranded unless certain conditions related to registration of establishments, identification of prior transactions, labeling for country of manufacture, and provision of required information on importation are met. Includes in the definition of "drug" a precursor ingredient. Repeals the registration exemption for manufacturers of harmless inactive ingredients that become components of drugs. Expands the information required to be included for registration of establishments. Deems a drug to be adulterated if certain conditions related to verification of identity and purity, identification of establishments, consistency with current manufacturing technologies, and conformity with good distribution and import practices are not met. Sets forth provisions governing importation of a drug. Sets forth required actions, including cessation of distribution, if there is a reasonable probability that a drug intended for human use would cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. Establishes actions manufacturers must take regarding any defective drug. Sets forth additional required certifications for submissions related to drugs and devices regarding accuracy of information submitted and personal knowledge of such information. Establishes whistleblower protection for employees providing information regarding a drug, biological product, or device. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain a corps of inspectors dedicated to inspections of foreign establishments and foreign facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct investigations, subpoena witnesses, and compel attendance of witnesses as necessary to carry out authority under the FFDCA or provisions governing the regulation of biological products. Requires reports to the Secretary regarding certain civil actions involving a regulated product.

National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda for action that will reduce such barriers and improve pain care research, education, and clinical care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pain Consortium to: (1) establish a national agenda for research on the causes and effective treatments for pain; and (2) convene an annual conference of experts in pain research, treatment, and management to assess and make recommendations on NIH pain research activities and programs. Requires the Director of NIH to establish the National Pain Care Research Advisory Committee. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) collect protocols and evidence-based practices regarding pain care at all stages of life; and (2) disseminate such information to regulatory and enforcement agencies, health care programs, payor and providers, health professions schools, hospices, and the general public. Allows the Secretary to provide for the development and implementation of programs to educate and train health care professionals in pain care. Requires the Secretary to establish a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign.

Access for All America Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Access for All America Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to public or nonprofit entities certified as federally qualified health centers to operate community health centers and provide basic health and support services to medically underserved populations. Provides for the conversion of existing family medical practices to federally qualified health centers. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants relating to accessibility of services to underserved populations, quality assurance, standard fee and discount schedules, nondenial of services, and cultural awareness. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2015 the authorization of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program.

Consumer Health Education and Transparency Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Consumer Health Education and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Consumer Health Education and Information to provide consumers of health care services and health insurance with information concerning personal health and wellness and health insurance coverage. Requires the Secretary to: (1) require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop standards for use by health insurance issuers in compiling and providing to enrollees a summary of benefits explanation that accurately represents the benefits and coverage provided by the issuer under the applicable health insurance plan; and (2) promulgate regulations to apply such standards. Directs health insurance issuers and federal health care programs to provide such a summary of benefits explanation to individuals prior to the effective date of coverage. Provides that such standards preempt related state standards that provide less information to consumers. Subjects entities that willfully fail to provide such information to fines. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to establish and implement a consumer health education and outreach initiative. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of matters related to improved consumer education on end-of-life care decisions and spending; and (2) award grants to local education agencies to develop and implement a personal health and nutrition curriculum in elementary or secondary schools.

A resolution supporting legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care for women.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Declares that the Senate commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all people of the United States and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health providers that ensures continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the needs of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administrative efficiency and is easy to utilize.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that there should be an increased Federal commitment to public health and the prevention of diseases and injuries for all people in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Recognizes that it is imperative that the United States strengthen its public health system to provide people with the resources necessary to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control. Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States. Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles. Urges the expansion of clinical prevention activities, including screenings and immunizations. Pledges to help significantly improve people's health by supporting increased investment in federal public health programs.

National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act - Terminates all federal prohibitions on expenditures of funds to conduct natural gas, oil, oil shale, and energy production leasing and preleasing activities for federal lands. Revokes withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from leasing for natural gas and oil exploration, development, and production. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition on using funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any lease authorizing exploration for, or development of, natural gas or oil in any OCS area that is located: (1) within 25 miles of the coastline of a state; or (2) more than 25 miles and less than 50 miles from the coastline of a state that has enacted, within one year, a law disapproving of such a lease. Provides for the allocation of sums collected under qualified leases on submerged land made available for leasing under this Act. Establishes the Conservation Reserve, the Environment Restoration Reserve, the Renewable Energy Reserve, and the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Reserve. Establishes the state seaward boundaries under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the Clean Air Act to allow the use of woody biomass from federal forest lands for the production of renewable energy. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting federal procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel supplied must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning tax credit extensions and deductions for renewable energy, alternative fuel, and energy conservation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish a plan for exchanging light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for heavy grade petroleum. Establishes and provides for the allocation of the Energy Independence and Security Fund, including providing funding for: (1) researching and developing wind, solar, ocean and wave, and geothermal energy; (2) conducting energy efficiency projects; and (3) fostering the development of domestic energy production.

COMBAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Combat Operations and Medical Benefit Authorization for Our Troops Act of 2008 or COMBAT Act - Increases the maximum monthly rates of: (1) hazardous duty pay; (2) hostile fire or imminent danger pay; (3) special pay for service as a member of a Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team; (4) special pay for members extending duty at designated overseas locations; (5) combat-related injury rehabilitation pay; and (6) the family separation allowance. Increases the maximum annual rates of special pay for: (1) officers serving as psychologists and nonphysician health care providers; and (2) special warfare officers extending their active-duty period.

Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding: (1) the physician payment update; (2) geographic cost-of-practice indices (GPCI) floors; (3) annual physical examinations; (4) the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (5) the inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; and (6) proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national public information campaign on initial preventive physical examinations for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to rules governing enhanced marketplace pools for small business health plans. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXX (Health Care Insurance Marketplace Modernization) under which the Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing minimum standards for health insurance premium variations and model small group rating rules. Provides for affordable plans and the harmonization of health insurance standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the qualified health insurance costs of individuals. Amends veterans benefits law to allow an enrolled veteran to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. Authorizes VA pharmacies to dispense medications to veterans on private practitioner prescriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program of child care assistance for individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships of accredited nursing schools and hospitals or health facilities to establish projects to enable a hospital or health facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while having these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school. Directs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education that offer: (1) a Registered Nurse (RN) nursing program at the baccalaureate or associate degree level to enable the program to expand its faculty and facilities to accommodate additional RN nursing program students; or (2) a graduate-level nursing program to accommodate advanced practice degrees for RNs or to accommodate students enrolled in a graduate-level nursing program to provide teachers of nursing students. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs to increase the number of nurses within the armed forces. Prescribes requirements for determination of the effective date of active duty for members of a reserve component of the armed forces.

Medicaid Fraud Recovery Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Medicaid Fraud Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) use of local Medicaid fraud investigative units; and (2) enhanced Medicaid funding for anti-fraud activities by such local or state Medicaid fraud control units.

Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Equalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Equalization Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require application to specialty tier drugs (very high cost and unique items) of the process for exception from the tiered cost-sharing for drugs included within a formulary; and (2) limit to 25% the Medicare cost-sharing for such specialty tier drugs. (Under an exception, a nonpreferred drug could be covered under the terms applicable for preferred drugs if the prescribing physician determines that the preferred drug for treatment of the same condition either would not be as effective for the individual, or would have adverse effects for the individual, or both. )

Oncology Quality Care Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Oncology Quality Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish budget neutral demonstration projects to test and evaluate methods that: (1) improve the quality of care provided to eligible beneficiaries with certain cancer diagnoses; and (2) reduce expenditures that would otherwise be made under the Medicare program on behalf of such individuals for such diagnoses. Authorizes the participation of oncology care groups of physicians, or of physicians and oncology nurse practitioners, in such demonstration projects, subject to certain conditions.

Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop a proposed rule for a Medicare modernized clinical diagnostic laboratory fee schedule; (2) report to Congress on the fee schedule; and (3) promulgate final regulations to establish it.

Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to award grants or contracts for: (1) the development and production of educational materials concerning the evidence available on the relative safety, effectiveness, and cost of prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and nondrug interventions for treating selected conditions, to be distributed and presented to health care providers who prescribe such drugs and their patients; and (2) the development and implementation of a program to appropriately train and deploy health professionals to distribute such materials to, and otherwise educate, physicians and other drug prescribers concerning such drugs and interventions. Requires that grantees receive no support from any entity that manufactures products used to treat the medical conditions discussed.

America's Commitment to Veterans Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

America's Commitment to Veterans Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2009 for the Legal Services Corporation and for family planning programs under the Public Health Service Act to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans' medical services.

Recognizing and supporting the work of Community Health Workers.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Recognizes the unique work of community health workers in providing access to health services in underserved and health disparity communities and their role in supporting and strengthening communities of color, particularly in improving the health behaviors of minority women and children. Encourages those in our health care system to learn about and support the role of such workers to improve the health of all Americans.

Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Bolton Act of 1943, creating the Cadet Nurse Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Honors the 65th anniversary of the Bolton Act, which created the Cadet Nurse Corps, facilitating the training and careers of nurses.

Expressing the sense of Congress that any effort to reengineer the health care system in the United States should incorporate sustainable wellness programs that address the underlying causal factors associated with chronic disease.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Calls for Congress to ensure that any reengineering of the U.S. health care system: (1) incorporates sustainable wellness programs that address the underlying causal factors of chronic disease; (2) ensures public access to strategies for improving individual health through lifestyle change; (3) provides patient-centered care that addresses personal health needs and that encourages patients to improve wellness through lifestyle changes and scientifically-based therapies that facilitate the body's inherent ability to maintain and restore optimal health; and (4) utilizes defined standards to determine when wellness and health promotion activities will be useful based on the patient's diet, exercise habits, and individual and family health histories.

Recognizing the first full week of April as "National Workplace Wellness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Supports the goals and ideas of a National Workplace Wellness Week. Calls on private and public employers to voluntarily implement worksite health promotion programs to help maximize employees health, well-being, and lower health care costs.

Expressing the support of the Congress regarding the need to ensure health care for women and health care for all in national health care reform.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Declares that Congress commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health care providers to ensure continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the need of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administration efficiency and is easy to utilize.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to revise the timeframe for recognition of certain designations in certifying rural health clinics under the Medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend from three to four years the lookback timeframe for recognition of certain designations and certification with respect to rural health clinics under the Medicare program.

Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations for the Select Agent Program, which lists and controls biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. Requires appropriate training of individuals handling or using such agents and toxins. Includes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) among the federal agencies limited in the disclosure of information related to listed agents or toxins. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for improving the Select Agent Program. Sets forth additional factors that the Secretary must consider in determining whether to list an agent or toxin, including whether the agent or toxin is endemic to the United States. Requires the Secretary to issue guidance on inventorying and monitoring listed biological agents. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidance regarding the scope of the statutory definition of "variola virus." Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for how laboratories and laboratory personnel that do not regularly test for listed agents and toxins may be rapidly accessed and utilized during emergencies; and (2) evaluate national needs of, and oversight of, high containment biological laboratories. Provides for the development of minimum standards for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity training for relevant personnel of high containment biological laboratories. Requires the Secretary to establish a Biological Laboratory Incident Reporting System.

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to enter into an agreement with eligible individuals for the repayment of education loans in exchange for working as a full-time member of the faculty of an accredited school of nursing.

Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act - Provides that nothing shall prohibit the use of federal funds to establish or carry out a program of distributing sterile syringes to reduce the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis.

Improving Food-borne Illness Surveillance and Response Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Improving Food-borne Illness Surveillance and Response Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to strengthen and expand foodborne illness surveillance systems to: (1) inform and evaluate efforts to prevent foodborne illness; and (2) enhance the identification and investigation of, and response to, foodborne illness outbreaks. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems to improve the collection, analysis, reporting, and usefulness of data on foodborne illnesses. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to improve capacity for surveillance in states, including by: (1) supporting outbreak investigations with needed specialty expertise; (2) supporting model practices in states; and (3) developing training curricula on foodborne illness surveillance investigations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out activities to support core food safety functions of state and local public health laboratories; and (2) establish a working group to advise the Secretary regarding the improvement of foodborne illness surveillance and implementation of this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to: (1) leverage and enhance the food safety capacity and roles of state and local agencies; (2) survey state and local capacities and enhancement needs; (3) develop a plan addressing food safety functions at state and local levels; and (4) make grants to state and local agencies to enhance food safety capacity and programs.

Volunteer Healthcare Program Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Volunteer Healthcare Program Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award matching grants to states to establish demonstration programs to: (1) promote access to quality health and dental care for the medically underserved and uninsured through the commitment of volunteer health care providers; (2) encourage and enable health care providers to provide health services to eligible individuals; and (3) ensure that eligible individuals have the right to recover damages for medical malpractice by providing sovereign immunity protection for the provision of uncompensated services. Requires individuals to be fully informed of the limitation on liability provided for under such programs.

Genetically Engineered Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Genetically Engineered Safety Act - Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical and Industrial Crop Safety Act of 2007 [ sic ] - Prohibits: (1) a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop from being grown, raised, or otherwise cultivated until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act - Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop." Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include genetically engineered food in the definition of "food additive." Sets forth requirements governing petitions to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a regulation prescribing the conditions of safe use of a genetically engineered food additive, including information to be included in the petition and factors to be considered by the Secretary in making a decision. Authorizes civil actions against: (1) a person alleged to have violated FFDCA provisions regulating genetic food additives; and (2) the Secretary for failure to perform a mandatory act or duty related to genetic food additives. Requires the Secretary to collect a filing fee for petitions to: (1) defray costs related to such petitions under this Act; and (2) provide for research on the safety of genetic food additives. Authorizes an officer or employee conducting an inspection to order the detention of food if such person has reason to believe that such food violates the FFDCA. Requires all food retailers to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite recalls, embargoes, and seizures. Prohibits: (1) the growing, raising, or cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop."

Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi Awareness Month to raise awareness and promote research into this challenging disorder.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Expresses support for: (1) the designation of a National Prader-Willi Awareness Month; and (2) increased funding for research into the causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi syndrome.

Resolution expressing the sense of the House that there should be an increased public and private commitment prioritizing prevention and public health for all people in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Recognizes that it is imperative that this nation strengthen its public health system to provide all persons with the resources they need to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control. Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States. Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles. Urges the expansion of the prevention strategies of daily aspirin therapy, smoking cessation, colorectal cancer screening, annual flu immunizations, and breast cancer screening. Declares that the congressional budget process should reflect the savings associated with investments in the prevention of disease and injury. Encourages the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to consider the savings associated with a reduced chronic disease burden due to preventive services and programs when formulating its health care cost estimates. Pledges support for increasing the investment in federal public health programs to at least 1% of total federal spending within five years.

Medicare Imaging Disclosure Sunshine Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2008

Medicare Imaging Disclosure Sunshine Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to require physicians referring an individual for imaging and other specified radiology services to inform the individual at the time of referral that such services may be obtained from persons other than the referring physician, a member of the referring physician's group practice, or an individual directly supervised by the referring physician or another physician in the group practice. Requires the referring physician to provide the referred individual a written list of suppliers who furnish such services in the area in which the individual resides.

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the tax credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar energy and the residential energy efficient property tax credit through 2016. Extends the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property through 2017. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters, electric grid systems, and certain reuse and recycling property. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Extends through 2008: (1) the increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and related AMT provisions; (2) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (3) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (4) tax rules for treatment of stock and dividends of regulated investment companies and for qualified investment entities; (5) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (6) the tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends through 2008 various business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the tax credits for Indian employment and railroad track maintenance; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for improvements to retail space, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (4) the expensing allowance for environmental remediation costs; (5) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (6) the special rule for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (7) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (10) the special rule for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (11) the increased tax deduction for corporate contributions of computer equipment and technology for educational purposes; (12) the special rule for the reduction in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions of property; (13) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2008); (14) increases in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (15) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Extends through 2009: (1) the new markets tax credit; (2) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (3) the expensing allowance for advanced mine safety equipment; (4) the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operations overseas; (5) special rules for the tax treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations; and (6) expensing of costs of certain film and television productions. Extends through 2014: (1) the suspension of tariff duties on certain wool products; and (2) the Wool Research Trust Fund. Makes permanent the authorities for: (1) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosure of tax information relating to terrorist activities; and (2) IRS undercover operations. Lowers in 2008 the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Allows an excise tax exemption for certain wooden arrow shafts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health insurance plans to provide equal benefits for mental health or substance use disorders. Modifies criteria for penalties on tax return preparers who understate tax liabilities. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend such Act through FY2011. Transfers from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund. Provides special tax benefits for individuals and businesses in federally-declared disaster areas, including: (1) expensing of business-related disaster expenses; (2) extended net operating loss carryover periods; (3) waiver of certain requirements for mortgage revenue bond eligibility; (4) income averaging; (5) additional tax exemptions for providing housing for individuals displaced by disasters; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) extension of the replacement period for nonrecognition of gain for property; and (8) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions; and (9) increased mileage rates for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable purposes. Revises the program of tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Sets forth revenue provisions relating to: (1) the inclusion in gross income of deferred compensation paid by certain foreign entities; and (2) increases in estimated tax payments of certain large corporations. Requires brokers who are required to report gross proceeds from the sale of any publicly-traded security to report the holder's adjusted basis in such security and whether any gain or loss with respect to such security is long or short term. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.

Empowered at Home Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Empowered at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the income eligibility level for home and community-based (HCBS) services for elderly and disabled individuals. Gives states the option to provide HCBS services under a waiver to eligible individuals whose income does not exceed 300% of the supplemental security income (SSI) benefit rate. Gives states the option to provide HCBS waiver services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award assistance grants to states electing to provide HCBS waiver services under Medicaid through the state plan amendment option. Reauthorizes Medicaid transformation grants at increased funding and specifies additional permissible uses to facilitate the provision of HCBS and other long-term care (LTC) services. Directs the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible states to conduct an evidence- and community-based health promotion program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax deduction for premiums on qualified LTC insurance contracts; and (2) a tax credit for certain caregivers taking care of individuals with LTC needs. Revises requirements for the model regulation and model Act concerning LTC insurance consumer protections and the excise tax for failing to meet requirements for such protections. Amends SSA title XIX, with respect to treatment of the income and resources of HCBS waiver services recipients who would otherwise be institutionalized, to repeal the state option for (thus requiring) application to such individuals of spousal impoverishment protection requirements. Allows states to elect to exclude up to six months of the average cost of nursing facility services from an individual's assets or resources for purposes of eligibility for HCBS waiver services. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to revise certain data reporting forms and systems to ensure uniform and consistent state reporting under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the provision of home health services under different state Medicaid plans; and (2) the extent to which states offer consumer self-direction of such services, or allow for other consumer-oriented policies with respect to them.

Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida. (Current law requires the Secretary to provide such child such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for the spina bifida or any disability that is associated with such condition.)

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Provides for cost-sharing with workers' compensation and health insurance plans, but not with eligible individuals. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) review the program's health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services; (3) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (4) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (5) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (6) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish similar programs with respect to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Requires the administrator to conduct or support research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Requires the administrator to extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide, under certain circumstances, for an extension of time for filing claims under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.

Improving Dental Access in Underserved Communities Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Improving Dental Access in Underserved Communities Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reserve a portion of such funds for scholarships to individuals who are accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a course of study or program that leads to a degree in dentistry. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for grants and contracts to: (1) assist schools in supporting programs of excellence in health professionals education for underrepresented minority individuals; and (2) assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession.

Savings for the Uninsured on Rx Expenses (SURE) Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Savings for the Uninsured on Rx Expenses (SURE) Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a prescription drug discount card program modeled on the Medicare drug discount card program to provide access to prescription drug discounts for eligible individuals. Defines as "eligible" an individual who: (1) is a U.S. citizen, national, or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; (2) is not eligible for outpatient prescription drug coverage; and (3) is not eligible to enroll for prescription drug coverage under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Applies the Medicare drug discount card program requirements related to enrollment and card features, with certain exceptions. Requires a prescription drug card sponsor to disseminate information concerning the use of health savings accounts to cover the costs of prescriptions drugs for which discounts are provided. Directs the Secretary to require that sponsors demonstrate that they have a marketing plan to effectively reach out to eligible individuals. Disallows judicial review of a determination not to endorse a prescription drug discount card program or not to enter into a contract with a sponsor.

Reinstatement of Enrollment for Medicaid Eligibility of Disadvantaged Youth (REMEDY) Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Reinstatement of Enrollment for Medicaid Eligibility of Disadvantaged Youth (REMEDY) Act - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state plan to provide for the reinstatement to enrollment for medical assistance and child health assistance upon release from a public institution of an individual youth who was enrolled for such assistance immediately before becoming an inmate of such institution.

Strengthen American Manufacturers Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Strengthen American Manufacturers Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase to 20% the rate of the alternative simplified tax credit for research expenses; (3) make permanent the increased expensing allowance for depreciable business property; and (4) reduce to 30% the maximum income tax rate for corporations. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct studies of: (1) the impact of workplace employee health care facilities on employee health and and productivity; and (2) the best practices for encouraging college graduates from rural areas to return to those areas after graduation.

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that Social Security account numbers are not included on Medicare cards.

HEARING TO REVIEW THE STATE OF HEALTH CARE IN RURAL AREAS AND THE ROLE OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS IN ADDRESSING RURAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 July 2008

Medicare Physician Payment Equity Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Medicare Physician Payment Equity Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize equality of physician work in all geographic areas under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Makes the geographic index 1.0 in all fee schedule areas for physician services furnished on or after January 2010. Requires the Secretary, after calculating the practice expense geographic index, for purposes of payment for services furnished in 2009, to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any locality for which such practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Requires the practice expense geographic index, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, to reflect half the difference between the relative costs of employee wages and office rents in each of the different fee schedule areas and the national average of such wages and rents.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide coordinated leadership in Federal efforts to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity and to promote sound health and nutrition among Americans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a Task Force on Obesity to: (1) establish a government-wide strategy for preventing and reducing overweight and obesity that includes defining clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for all federal agencies; (2) coordinate effective interagency coordination and priorities for action among federal agencies, including short-term and long-term goals for childhood and adult obesity rates; and (3) implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of, such strategy.

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve mental and behavioral health services and outreach on college and university campuses. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate with a community mental health center or other community mental health resources; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. Allows the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental and behavioral health on college campuses. Requires the Secretary to establish the College Campus Task Force to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses.

Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time. Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting from the public health emergency; or (2) uninsured individuals residing in the affected area whose ability to access care or medicine is disrupted as a result of the emergency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a streamlined process for determining eligibility for emergency health care services; (2) report to Congress on the number and adequacy of volunteers enrolled in the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) who will be available to each state in the event of a public health emergency; and (3) conduct an outreach and public education campaign to inform health care providers and the general public about the availability of emergency health care coverage during the period of the emergency.

To appropriate funds for the provision of emergency financial assistance to producers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes for losses incurred as a result of the removal of fresh tomatoes and products containing fresh tomatoes from the market and other actions undertaken in response to a public health advisory regarding tomatoes issued by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture for payments to growers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes that experienced crop and/or market losses resulting from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Advisory issued on June 7, 2008. Limits payments to not more than 75% of the greater of: (1) the value of the unmarketed tomatoes; and (2) the actual loss incurred by the grower or handler.

Small Business CHOICE Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Small Business Cooperative for Healthcare Options to Improve Coverage for Employees (CHOICE) Act of 2008 or the Small Business CHOICE Act of 2008 - Provides for the establishment and governance of Fully Funded Small Business Health Insurance cooperatives, which are small businesses that form a captive insurance company chartered in a qualified state to provide excess claims coverage insurance that meets certain qualifications to its members. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an independent commission on Fully Funded Small Business Health Insurance Cooperatives to: (1) promote the development of such cooperatives; (2) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding minimum capital requirements; and (3) conduct oversight of such cooperatives. Exempts such cooperatives from certain state laws, rules, regulations, or orders, including any that would: (1) prohibit the establishment of a cooperative; (2) impose any material requirements, procedures, or standards on a cooperative that are not generally applicable to other entities engaged in a substantially similar business; or (3) discriminate against a cooperative or any of its members. Preempts any state law that conflicts with, hinders, poses an obstacle to, or frustrates the purpose of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing the provision of claims information, including protected health information, from health insurance issuers to cooperatives. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the small business CHOICE tax credit for small employers for costs related to providing qualified employer-subsidized health coverage for employees and their families. Disallows such a credit unless the employee offers a qualified small business wellness program to covered employees and family members.