Healthcare

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2010

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Cavernous Angioma Clinical Care, Advocacy, Research, and Education Center of Excellence at the University of New Mexico to: (1) provide basic, translational, and clinical research with respect to new diagnostic, prevention, and novel treatment methodology for individuals with cavernous angioma; and (2) serve as a model for, and provide support to, medical schools and research institutions. Requires the Director of the Center to: (1) ensure that the Center provides community-, family-, and patient-centered culturally sensitive care; (2) encourage and coordinate opportunities for individuals to participate in clinical research studies that will advance medical research and care; and (3) develop the Center as a model and training facility for other facilities throughout the United States that are engaged in research regarding, and care for individuals with, cavernous angioma.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2010

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2011 - Makes appropriations for FY2011 to the Department of Labor (DOL). Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2011 - Makes appropriations for FY2011 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2011 - Makes appropriations for FY2011 to the Department Education. Makes appropriations for FY2011 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Council on Disability; (9) the National Health Care Workforce Commission; (10) the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); (11) the National Mediation Board; (12) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) the Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (14) the Social Security Administration (SSA) for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2010; (2) efforts to educate people in the United States about infant mortality and the contributing factors to infant mortality; and (3) efforts to reduce infant deaths, low-birth weight, pre-term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes. Recognizes the critical importance of including efforts to reduce infant mortality and the contributing factors as part of prevention and wellness strategies.

Enhancing Quality through Survey System Improvements Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Enhancing Quality through Survey System Improvements Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the review by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of state procedures for scheduling and conducing standard skilled nursing facility (SNF) surveys. Authorizes the Secretary to review the SNF survey procedures of contractors other than a state. Makes each top tier SNF and nursing facility subject to a complete on-site standard survey at specified three-year intervals. Requires each state to implement programs to measure and reduce inconsistency in the application of survey results (including the results of both health surveys and life safety surveys) among surveyors. Lists the circumstances for special compliance surveys. Requires any funds collected by a state as an administrative civil monetary penalty to be used for the development of acuity adjusters that will provide more accurate information to the public, SNFs, nursing facilities, and their residents about the quality of care provided by each such facility.

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Balazs "Ernie" Bodai in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Nation, including a tireless commitment to breast cancer research.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Dr. Balazs "Ernie" Bodai in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the nation, including a tireless commitment to breast cancer research.

Ensuring Equality for Early EHR Adoption Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Ensuring Equality for Early EHR Adoption Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to treat as certified electronic health record (EHR) technology, for incentive payment years 2011 and 2012, an EHR that is not certified and that: (1) enables the demonstration of meaningful EHR use for an EHR reporting period for the payment year involved; and (2) enables a Medicaid provider to demonstrate meaningful EHR use.

Gulf Coast Health Monitoring and Research Program Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Gulf Coast Health Monitoring and Research Program Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a short-term and long-term comprehensive health screening, monitoring, and research program of: (1) oil spill workers and vulnerable residents; and (2) food safety affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Directs the Secretary to appoint the Gulf Coast Health Research Advisory Committee in order to: (1) offer high-quality scientific research advice to the program established under this Act, including proactive advice regarding each federal agency's long-term monitoring and research objectives relating to workers and vulnerable residents at risk from the Deepwater Horizon disaster and other oil spills; and (2) provide a forum for ensuring that health concerns of workers and the public are considered in determining the priorities for scientific research. Requires the Secretary to ensure that members of the Advisory Committee do not have any conflicts of interest. Requires the Advisory Committee to: (1) provide advice on the development and implementation of the health research program; (2) respond to requests for advice from the appropriate federal official on matters within the Advisory Committee's expertise; and (3) as appropriate, review reports or other documents submitted to the appropriate federal officials pursuant to this Act to obtain information on protecting the health and safety of cleanup workers and vulnerable communities. Authorizes the Secretary to compel BP PLC to provide health-related data and information collected by or on behalf of BP PLC, except to the extent such data or information is protected from disclosure under federal law.

Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report to Congress on the epidemiology of, impact of, and appropriate funding required to address neglected diseases of poverty, including neglected parasitic diseases such as Chagas disease, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, the soil-transmitted helminths, and other related diseases. Requires the report to provide the information necessary to guide future health policy to: (1) accurately evaluate the current state of knowledge concerning such diseases and define gaps in such knowledge; and (2) address the threat of such diseases.

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review utilization of diabetes screening benefits and make recommendations on outreach programs with respect to such benefits, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the purpose of reducing the number of undiagnosed seniors with diabetes or prediabetes, to: (1) review uptake and utilization of diabetes screening benefits to identify and address any existing problems with regard to uptake and utilization and related data collection mechanisms; and (2) establish an outreach program to identify existing efforts by agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services and by the private and nonprofit sectors to increase awareness among seniors and providers of diabetes screening benefits.

Thou Shalt Not Kill Thy Customers Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Thou Shalt Not Kill Thy Customers Act - Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on any responsible officer or employee of an insurance entity that engages in a denial of coverage under a health plan in violation of provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Makes such offense punishable as involuntary manslaughter if it results in death. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish a website and a toll-free telephone number to receive reports of instances of denial of health care treatment or coverage by insurance entities for investigation of such reports; and (2) report instances for which sufficient evidence exists of a violation of this Act to the Attorney General for further investigation and prosecution. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state should thoroughly investigate violations of this Act.

Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, to prescribe a special rule for applying Medicare electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote inpatient locations. Prohibits administrative or judicial review of: (1) the methodology and standards for determining a remote inpatient location, a qualified remote inpatient location, a component facility, a qualified component facility, a main provider, and a qualified main provider, and which such locations, facilities, and providers are qualified; and (2) the methodology and standards for the election in connection with such special rule. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to set forth a special rule for applying Medicaid EHR incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote locations.

Chiropractic Membership in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Chiropractic Membership in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make chiropractic personnel eligible for appointment in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Surgeon General to ensure that Doctors of Chiropractic are trained, equipped, and otherwise prepared to fulfill public health and emergency response service responsibilities in the Commissioned Corps. Requires the President to appoint no fewer than six Doctors of Chiropractic into the commissioned Regular Corps and the Ready Reserve Corps. Directs the Surgeon General to submit a quarterly report to the relevant congressional committees on measures taken by the President, Surgeon General, and the Secretary to carry out this Act.

Supporting the critical role of the physician assistant profession and supporting the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week; and (2) the critical role of the physician assistant profession.

Expressing support for designation of September 2010 as National Craniofacial Acceptance Month.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Expresses support for designation of National Craniofacial Acceptance Month.

Recognizing the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program's contribution to the national fight against health disparities through education, community involvement, research, and culturally relevant strategies that seek to improve health outcomes in Black communities across the country.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Commends the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program for its contribution to community health and the national fight against racial health disparities. Expresses: (1) the need to support organizations, programs, and initiatives that use culturally relevant education and scientifically based research and that partner with local networks and resources to empower individuals to become informed health advocates in their communities; and (2) a commitment to support community-oriented approaches to health reform in health legislation and initiatives arising at the state and federal levels.

Patients' Freedom to Choose Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Patients' Freedom to Choose Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only; and (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.

Food Safety Enforcement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Food Safety Enforcement Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for knowingly violating such Act with respect to food that is misbranded or adulterated.

Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services. Requires the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to study and report to Congress on: (1) barriers to the detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for dual eligible individuals; (2) barriers to the furnishing of comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services to such individuals; and (3) ways to eliminate such barriers.

Sergeant Coleman Bean National Guard and Reserves Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Sergeant Coleman Bean National Guard and Reserves Mental Health Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to call or order to active duty a member of the National Guard or reserves previously deployed in connection with a contingency operation, in order to perform a post-deployment mental health assessment of such member. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that each of the following individuals receive, at least once every 90 days, a telephone call from properly-trained DOD personnel to determine their emotional, psychological, medical, and career needs and concerns: (1) members of the Individual Ready Reserve who deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq on or after September 11, 2001, in support of a contingency operation; or (2) an individual mobilization augmentee or member of the inactive National Guard who has so deployed. Excludes from such requirement members not subjected or exposed to operational risk factors during such deployment. Requires the person making the call to refer a member identified as being at-risk of self-caused harm to the nearest military medical treatment facility or accredited TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) provider for immediate evaluation and necessary treatment. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to call such a member to active duty, with their consent, for such evaluation and treatment. Requires annual reports from the Secretary to Congress on the number of members so referred, as well as their health and career status.

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services; (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals; (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations; (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems; (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system; (6) addressing the social determinants of health; and (7) addressing situational contributing factors. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding; (2) to provide any support to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year; (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion; or (4) to initiate or participate in a class action lawsuit. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project.

Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 - States that it is U.S. policy to support a transition to democratic and economic recovery in Zimbabwe that reflects the political conditions and opportunities created by the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to strengthen the rule of law and human rights in Zimbabwe. Authorizes the President, through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to Zimbabwe for: (1) sustainable development; (2) health care; (3) education; (4) agriculture; and (5) clean water. Direct the President to develop an emergency vocational youth work program for the construction and repair of public works of benefit to the entire population of Zimbabwe. Authorizes the President to provide economic assistance to Zimbabwe to support democracy and civil authority, human rights, economic self-sufficiency, education and health care, reconciliation, and GPA implementation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide technical assistance to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance and line ministries. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) forgive the debt of Zimbabwe held by any U.S. government agency; and (2) direct the U.S. Executive Director at each international financial institution of which the United States is a member to vote in favor of programs for Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain sanctions on financial institutions should be lifted to allow financial institutions to assist communal farmers, civil servants, pensioners, and the people of Zimbabwe, and that technical assistance should be provided to such institutions if: (1) the Finance Ministry of Zimbabwe does not politicize lending or extending credit; (2) no individual who is subject to U.S. or European Union (EU) sanctions serves as a board member, advisor, or employee of any financial institution in Zimbabwe; and (3) no funds are made available to Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank. Lifts targeted sanctions against a person upon a presidential certification to Congress that such person: (1) has taken significant steps to help strengthen democracy, respect human rights, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe; and (2) has played a constructive role in GPA implementation.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to display in each facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs a Women Veterans Bill of Rights and to display in each prosthetics and orthotics clinic of the Department an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the Women Veterans Bill of Rights is displayed prominently in each VA facility and distributed widely to such veterans. Enumerates health care rights to be included in the Bill of Rights, including the right to: (1) coordinated, comprehensive, primary women's health care at every VA medical facility; (2) treatment by clinicians with specific training and experience in women's health issues; and (3) gender equity in access to and the provision of clinical health care services.

Safe Prescription Drug Disposal and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Safe Prescription Drug Disposal and Education Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to permit, for purposes of carrying out the grant program established by this Act for drug disposal units: (1) an ultimate user (or an authorized agent of the ultimate user) who has lawfully obtained a controlled substance to deliver such substance, without being registered, to another person for disposal; and (2) such person to receive such substance for disposal, without being registered. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to an eligible entity (i.e., a state, local government, local educational agency, Indian tribe, a federal, state, or local governmental agency, corporation, community coalition, or any combination of such entities) to: (1) establish and operate prescription drug disposal units for disposal of unneeded or expired prescription drugs; and (2) design and implement educational programs on the abuse of prescription drugs and on household items that may be used to cause perception, emotion, or behavior similar to that caused by the use of psychotropic drugs. Directs the Director of National Drug Control Policy to carry out a public education and outreach campaign to increase awareness of how ultimate users may lawfully and safely dispose of prescription drugs, including controlled substances, through drug take-back programs.

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services; (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals; (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations; (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems; (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system; (6) addressing the social determinants of health; and (7) addressing situational factors that contribute to poor health, such as poor housing. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding; (2) to provide any state or local public benefit to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year; or (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project.

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal certain limitations on tax health care benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only; and (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.

Restoring Assistance for Families' and Seniors' Health Expenses Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Restoring Assistance for Families' and Seniors' Health Expenses Act of 2010 - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that: (1) increase from 7.5% to 10% the adjusted gross income threshold for claiming the tax deduction for medical expenses; (2) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications solely to prescription drugs or insulin; (3) increase to 20% the penalty for distributions from a health savings or Archer medical savings account not used for qualified medical expenses; and (4) limit to $2,500 the annual salary reduction contribution to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan. Amends PPACA to treat a high deductible health plan as a qualified health plan under such Act.

HOPE for Alzheimer's: Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

HOPE for Alzheimer's: Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services. Requires the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to study and report to Congress on: (1) barriers to the detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for dual eligible individuals; (2) barriers to the furnishing of comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services to such individuals; and (3) ways to eliminate such barriers.

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to post-hospital extended care services, to provide that: (1) an individual who is in a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours shall be deemed to have been an inpatient during such period of observation status (for purposes of counting toward the three-day inpatient hospital requirement for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility [SNF] services); and (2) the individual's leaving the hospital after such period of status shall be treated as a discharge from the hospital.

Expressing support for designation of the third week of October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Expresses support for the designation, and the goals and ideals, of Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Raising the awareness of the need to secure prescription medications and expressing support for designation of September 10 as National Lock Your Meds Day.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Expresses support for the designation of National Lock Your Meds Day. Encourages the National Sheriffs' Association and the National Family Partnership to promote such Day, in collaboration with law enforcement and other supporting local agencies, to educate communities about the dangers of unsecured prescription medications and to reduce illegal access to such medications.

A resolution designating September 2010 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Designates September 2010 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase research funding commensurate with the burden of the disease; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating it.

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Legal Liabilities and Claims Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Legal Liabilities and Claims Act of 2010 - Prohibits settlement, legal release, or other agreement from extinguishing or limiting liability in a civil action for significant harm arising from a discharge into waters off the shore of the United States of a substance that contaminates a marine or coastal environment or endangers public health, if such settlement, legal release, or agreement is entered into under coercion or duress or is entered into in exchange for any benefit other than a settlement of claims pending. Amends the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 to exclude from class actions under such Act any action brought by a state or one of its subdivisions on behalf of its citizens. Amends the federal judicial code to exclude an action brought by a state or one of its subdivisions on behalf of its citizens from the meaning of a class action or mass action.

Direct Care Workforce Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Direct Care Workforce Empowerment Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements any employee employed on a casual basis in domestic service employment to provide companionship services for individuals who because of disability (or because of age or infirmity, as under current law) are unable to care for themselves. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) a direct care workforce monitoring program; and (2) a National Advisory Council on the Direct Care Workforce. Directs the Secretary to award three-year grants to states and other eligible entities to improve the recruitment, retention, and education of the direct care workforce.

Long-Term Care Insurance Reform Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

LTC Insurance Reform Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to conduct reviews every five years of the national and state-specific markets for long-term care (LTC) insurance policies. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to review and describe in a White Paper: (1) disclosure requirements for LTC insurance policies under the Model Act and regulation as well as under state laws; (2) differences in LTC services with respect to service providers and the settings in which services are provided among states, among other things; and (3) key issues to consider in the development of a proposed form for marketing LTC insurance policies. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to establish a Working Group to develop a model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations requiring any issuer of a qualified LTC insurance contract meeting certain criteria, including Medicaid partnership policies, to use the proposed model disclosure form for marketing such contracts. Requires each state to require any issuer of an LTC insurance policy to use the proposed model disclosure form when marketing it in the state. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to authorize establishment of an Internet directory of information regarding LTC insurance ("Long-Term Care Insurance Compare") that shall include comparison tools to assist consumers in evaluating LTC insurance policies with different benefits and features and that allow consumers to compare the price, long-term premium stability, and carrier financial strength of such policies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply Medicaid partnership required model provisions to all tax-qualified LTC insurance contracts. Outlines a process for secretarial review of 2000 and 2006 model provisions as well as subsequent model provisions with respect to their application to tax-qualified LTC policies and Medicaid partnership policies. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of HHS to issue biennial reports to states and Congress on Medicaid LTC insurance partnerships and their impact. Outlines additional consumer protections for Medicaid partnerships. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on whether all LTC insurance policies sold after a certain date should provide annual compound inflation protection.

Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board charged with developing and submitting to the President, for Congress to consider, detailed proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending.

To amend the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the number of primary care physicians and medical residents serving health professional shortage areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to obligate, for scholarships for individuals who are accepted or enrolled in a course of study or program that leads to a degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine, the greater of : (1) 10% of amounts appropriated for the National Health Service Corps; or (2) the amount necessary to fund such scholarships activities. Amends title XVIIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require nonrural hospitals operating training programs in rural areas to include rural and emergency medicine rotations and obstetrical and pediatric training in such programs for purposes of payments for direct graduate medical education costs.

America Rx Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

America Rx Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the America Rx program to provide qualified residents with access to discounted prices for outpatient prescription drugs through rebate agreements that the Secretary negotiates with prescription drug manufacturers. Makes eligible only those residents that are not covered under any public or private program that provides substantial benefits towards the purchase of outpatient prescription drugs. Requires rebates to be payable to the Secretary at least quarterly and to be paid, directly or through states, to participating pharmacies that provide discounts to qualified residents. Denies manufacturers who do not participate in the rebate program a tax deduction for advertising and marketing expenses of drugs.

To deauthorize appropriation of funds to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and any amendments made by either such Act.

Directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of each portion of any document, record, or communication in her possession consisting of or relating to documents prepared by or for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of each portion of any document, record, or communication in the Secretary's possession consisting of, referring to, or relating to any of the following: (1) documents prepared by or for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of the Actuary regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010; (2) communications between any officer or employee of such Office and any person not an officer or employee of such Office regarding data sources, assumptions, or methodologies use for purposes of any such document; (3) communications to or from any officer or employee of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) relating to any such document; and (4) communications to or from any HHS officer or employee relating to the April 22, 2010, report of the Chief Actuary Richard S. Foster entitled "Estimated Financial Effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as Amended," the report's impact on passage of either of these Acts, or the timing of the release of such report.

Expressing the sense of the Congress concerning contraceptives for women.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Expresses support for: (1) a national campaign to help all women, regardless of income, avoid unintended pregnancy and abortion through access to contraception; and (2) programs and policies that make it easier for women to obtain contraceptives and use them consistently and correctly.

Health Emergencies Lack Provider Specialists Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Health Emergencies Lack Provider Specialists Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make eligible for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment and scholarship programs specialists needed to serve medically underserved areas or populations that have needs for particular specialists related to a public health emergency declaration based upon environmental health hazard-related health concerns.

Cancer Centers Assistance for Renovations and Expansion Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Cancer Centers Assistance for Renovations and Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program that provides loans to qualifying cancer centers for payment of the capital costs of projects for the improvement of research, prevention, or patient care infrastructure. Sets the maximum amount of such loans at: (1) $50 million for any cancer center or comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute; and (2) $100 million for any entity that is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a cancer hospital meeting certain requirements for a subsection (d) hospital. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to require congressional approval of the designation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan under the CLASS program (a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports). Sets forth procedures for such congressional approval by joint resolution. Prohibits an employer from enrolling an employee in the CLASS program without providing specified notice to the employee, which includes: (1) the significant risk of failure of such a program; (2) information on deficits that the program is expected to run; (3) a statement that there is no separate pool of money set aside to pay the CLASS program benefits; and (4) an explanation of the immediate termination of the program if it is reported to be actuarially unsound. Prohibits premiums from being collected before the Secretary has promulgated the required regulations in final form. Terminates such program if the report by the Board of Trustees of the CLASS Independence Fund indicates that the Fund is projected to be actuarially unsound over the 75-year period beginning with the fiscal year in which such report is submitted. Establishes a refund process.

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER GENETIC TESTING AND THE CONSEQUENCES TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 July 2010

Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase criminal penalties for both felony and misdemeanor fraud under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid). Adds a new offense of distribution of one or more Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary identification numbers or billing privileges with the intent to defraud. Applies civil monetary penalties to: (1) conspiracy to make false statements or commit other specified offenses with respect to Medicare or Medicaid claims; and (2) knowing creation or use of false records or statements with respect to the transmission of money or property to a federal health care program. Extends the statute of limitations from six to 10 years after presentation of a claim. Amends SSA title XI, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with respect to the access to claims and payment data granted to the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Inspector General to implement mechanisms for the sharing of information about suspected fraud relating to the federal health care programs under Medicare, Medicaid, and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) with other appropriate law enforcement officials. Directs the HHS Secretary to implement a five-year Beneficiary Verification Pilot Program to verify, with respect to Medicare claims, that the beneficiary for which the claim was made was actually furnished the claimed item or service. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on Medicare administrative contractors, including Recovery Audit Contractors.

A resolution designating the week of September 13-19, 2010, as "Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week", and supporting the goals and ideals of Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week to raise awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease and the impact the disease has on patients now and for future generations until it can be cured.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Designates the week of September 13-September 19, 2010, as Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week. Recognizes the need for additional research into a treatment and a cure for such disease.

Fairness in Medigap Options Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Fairness in Medigap Options Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make eligible for guaranteed issue of Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies: (1) all Medicare beneficiaries; (2) Medicare Advantage plan enrollees who disenroll from the plan and elect to receive benefits through the original Medicare fee-for-service program; and (3) Medicaid (SSA title XIX) plan enrollees who have lost eligibility for such medical assistance. Allows individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) to receive Medicare benefits through enrollment in a Medicare+Choice plan. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to specify an annual period during which individuals enrolled in a Medigap policy with a particular benefit package may change to another such policy if the other policy: (1) is offered by a different issuer and is available for issuance to new enrollees; and (2) has the same benefit package or a benefit package with lesser benefits.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to revise the amount of minimum allotments under the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Program.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and reauthorize appropriations for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, which provide specified services to individuals who: (1) are suffering from serious mental illness, or are suffering from serious mental illness and from substance abuse; and (2) are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Revises the minimum state allotment for such program to be the greater of the amount received by the state in FY2009 or $750,000. (Current law sets forth a minimum allotment of $300,000 per state.) Provides that if funds appropriated are insufficient for all states to receive the minimum allotment, then states shall receive no less than the amount they received in FY2009 with additional money spent to give states the minimum of $750,000.

Universal Service Reform Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Universal Service Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 regarding the review of universal service requirements to require: (1) the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to complete recommendations for changes within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete consideration of such recommendations within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Revises universal service principles. Sets forth methodology provisions for assessing contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Directs the FCC to develop: (1) a new cost model for the provision of high-cost support to eligible communications service providers for universal service in rural, insular, and high cost areas; and (2) a mechanism for reducing or eliminating the high-cost support provided to an incumbent local exchange carrier in the competitive portions of such carrier's service areas. Prohibits the FCC from reducing high-cost support to tribal lands absent a finding that such reductions are in the public interest. Revises the eligibility criteria communications service providers must meet in order to receive universal service support. Authorizes the FCC to waive minimum data rate requirements under specified circumstances. States that a recipient of universal service support in any service area prior to the date of enactment of this Act that relinquishes its eligible telecommunications carrier or eligible communications service provider designation shall continue to offer and receive support for providing life-line and link-up service throughout its service area unless another provider is so designated. Directs the FCC to establish the amount of high-cost support to be distributed to all mobile wireless communications service providers designated as eligible communications service providers through a competitive bidding process. Eliminates specified limitations on universal service support and the individual caps imposed upon carriers. Prohibits the FCC from limiting the distribution and use of high-cost support to a single connection or primary line. Authorizes a state to adopt regulations not inconsistent with FCC rules to preserve and advance universal service. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt a minimum data rate requirement for high-speed broadband service; (2) establish outcome-oriented performance goals for each universal service support program; (3) establish audit methodology for recipients of universal service support; and (4) submit specified reports to Congress. Grants the FCC authority to reform intercarrier compensation systems for both interstate and intrastate traffic. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service providers that transport or terminate the traffic. Prohibits access charge recovery when an entity that has a business, financial, or contractual relationship with a local exchange carrier relating to switched access revenues from such services offers a free or below cost service. Directs the FCC to require a communications service provider to provide covered services for the provision of health care services to any rural public or not-for-profit health care provider at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in the state's urban areas.