Healthcare

Community-Based Medical Education Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Community-Based Medical Education Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2019 at increased levels the program of payments to teaching health centers that operate graduate medical education (GME) programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of such program; and (2) establish a process by which qualified teaching health centers that have received payments under such Act prior to the date on which the primary care teaching centers program is established by this Act under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act may become eligible to participate in such primary care teaching program. Conditions the award of teaching health centers grants on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Reduces from $500,000 to $250,000 the maximum amount of such a grant. Authorizes appropriations for the grant program through FY2018. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary to establish a program of payments to primary care teaching centers for up to 50 new full-time equivalent resident training positions per center at up to 300 centers per year. Sets the minimum per resident payment for 2014 at $150,000, increased each subsequent year by the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers (United States city average). Directs the Secretary to establish and implement procedures under which, beginning in FY2018, the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges during a fiscal year is adjusted based on the reporting of measures and the hospital's performance on measures of population health priorities specified by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to specify measures of population health priorities, including measures relating to: (1) the extent of training provided in shortage specialities, a variety of settings and systems, the coordination of patient care across settings, interprofessional and multidisciplinary care teams, methods for identifying system errors and implementing system solutions, and the use of health information technology; and (2) the number of graduates practicing in shortage specialties five years after graduation, including in shortage specialties in health professional shortage areas Requires measures of patient care specified by the Secretary to be: (1) adopted or endorsed by an accrediting organization, and (2) consensus-based. Allows them to include any submitted by teaching hospitals and medical schools. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the GME payments hospitals and primary health training programs receive under Medicare. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reauthorize the National Health Care Workforce Commission through FY2019. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the formula for the indirect teaching adjustment factor to reduce Medicare IME payments on or after October 1, 2016.

Protecting Our Infants Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Protecting Our Infants Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study maternal opiate abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome, identify gaps in evidence-informed recommendations for health care professionals and facilities regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome, and identify priority areas for additional research. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist states in collecting data on neonatal abstinence syndrome, including incidence, causes, and demographics. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to evaluate the effectiveness of federal activities regarding substance abuse treatment for pregnant women and their children.

SAFE PLAY Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act or the SAFE PLAY Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop public education and awareness materials and resources concerning cardiac health, including: information to increase education and awareness of high risk cardiac conditions and genetic heart rhythm abnormalities that may cause sudden cardiac arrest in children, adolescents, and young adults; sudden cardiac arrest and cardiomyopathy risk assessment worksheets to increase awareness of warning signs of, and increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment of, life-threatening cardiac conditions; training materials for emergency interventions and use of life-saving emergency equipment; and recommendations for how schools, childcare centers, and local youth athletic organizations can develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans. Requires the Director to: (1) provide for dissemination of such information to school personnel, coaches, and families; and (2) develop data collection methods to determine the degree to which such persons have an understanding of cardiac issues. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to enable eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools served by such LEAs to purchase AEDs and implement nationally recognized CPR and AED training courses. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require a state, as a condition of receiving funds under such Act, to certify that it requires: (1) LEAs to implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management for public schools; (2) public schools to post information on the symptoms of, the risks posed by, and the actions a student should take in response to, a concussion; (3) public school personnel who suspect a student has sustained a concussion in a school-sponsored activity to notify the parents and prohibit the student from participating in such activity until they receive a written release from a health care professional; and (4) a public school's concussion management team to ensure that a student who has sustained a concussion is receiving appropriate academic supports. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop public education and awareness materials and resources to be disseminated to schools regarding risks from exposure to excessive heat and humidity and recommendations for how to avoid heat-related illness. Requires public schools to develop excessive heat action plans for school-sponsored athletic activities. Requires the Director to develop guidelines for the development of emergency action plans for youth athletics. Authorizes the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to develop information about the ingredients used in energy drinks and their potential side effects, and recommend guidelines for the safe use of such drinks by youth, for dissemination to public schools. Requires the Director to: (1) expand, intensify, and coordinate CDC activities regarding cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among youth athletes; and (2) report on fatalities and catastrophic injuries among youths participating an athletic activities.

A resolution designating September 2014 as "National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Designates September 2014 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Expresses support for: (1) research to find better treatments, more effective therapies, and a cure for paralysis; and (2) clinical trials for new therapies for people living with paralysis. Commends the dedication of organizations, researchers, doctors and people across the United States that are working to improve the quality of life of people living with paralysis and their families.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 7, 2014, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Designates the week of September 7, 2014, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Identifies direct support professionals as integral to long-term support and services for individuals with disabilities. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the successful implementation of the public policies affecting individuals with disabilities depends on the dedication of direct support professionals.

A concurrent resolution recognizing caregiving as a profession and the extraordinary contributions of paid and family caregivers.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Recognizes the valuable contributions of caregivers, and encourages individuals to provide care to family, friends, and neighbors. Encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue to educate the public on the impact of aging and the importance of knowing care options available to seniors.

SAFE PLAY Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act or the SAFE PLAY Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop public education and awareness materials and resources concerning cardiac health, including: information to increase education and awareness of high risk cardiac conditions and genetic heart rhythm abnormalities that may cause sudden cardiac arrest in children, adolescents, and young adults; sudden cardiac arrest and cardiomyopathy risk assessment worksheets to increase awareness of warning signs of, and increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment of, life-threatening cardiac conditions; training materials for emergency interventions and use of life-saving emergency equipment; and recommendations for how schools, childcare centers, and local youth athletic organizations can develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans. Requires the Director to: (1) provide for dissemination of such information to school personnel, coaches, and families; and (2) develop data collection methods to determine the degree to which such persons have an understanding of cardiac issues. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to enable eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools served by such LEAs to purchase AEDs and implement nationally recognized CPR and AED training courses. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require a state, as a condition of receiving funds under such Act, to certify that it requires: (1) LEAs to implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management for public schools; (2) public schools to post information on the symptoms of, the risks posed by, and the actions a student should take in response to, a concussion; (3) public school personnel who suspect a student has sustained a concussion in a school-sponsored activity to notify the parents and prohibit the student from participating in such activity until they receive a written release from a health care professional; and (4) a public school's concussion management team to ensure that a student who has sustained a concussion is receiving appropriate academic supports. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop public education and awareness materials and resources to be disseminated to schools regarding risks from exposure to excessive heat and humidity and recommendations for how to avoid heat-related illness. Requires public schools to develop excessive heat action plans for school-sponsored athletic activities. Requires the Director to develop guidelines for the development of emergency action plans for youth athletics. Authorizes the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to develop information about the ingredients used in energy drinks and their potential side effects, and recommend guidelines for the safe use of such drinks by youth, for dissemination to public schools. Requires the Director to: (1) expand, intensify, and coordinate CDC activities regarding cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among youth athletes; and (2) report on fatalities and catastrophic injuries among youths participating an athletic activities.

VA Credentialing and Privileging Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

VA Credentialing and Privileging Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), within 30 days after a military health care provider requests privileges to provide hospital care or medical services in a VA medical facility, to approve such provider's credentials and grant such privileges, unless the Secretary can show cause for denying such privileges. Defines "military health care provider" as a member of the Armed Forces who is: (1) a health care provider; (2) serving on active duty in, or in the process of being separated from, the Armed Forces; and (3) privileged to work in a military treatment facility.

Securing Health Care for Young Americans Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Securing Health Care for Young Americans Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain, upon repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the requirement that health insurers provide coverage to dependents over 18 years of age until the dependent turns 26, marries, or no longer resides at home.

Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to payment for telehealth services to include in the term "originating site" additional sites, including any federally qualified health center and any rural health clinic, at which the eligible telehealth individual is located at the time the service is furnished via a telecommunications system. Prohibits application of the originating site facility fee to the additional sites. Authorizes additional telehealth providers, including a certified diabetes educator or licensed respiratory therapist, audiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech language pathologist. Extends Medicare coverage to remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring on decreasing hospital readmissions for specified chronic conditions, and the savings to the Medicare program associated with use of such monitoring. Authorizes home telehealth sites as additional originating sites. Directs GAO to study the effectiveness of using described telehealth services between therapy providers and patients, any associated savings, and the potential for greater use of telehealth services for other forms of therapy Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and implement payment methods to apply in the case of anyone who would be an eligible telehealth individual except that the telehealth services are furnished at a site other than an originating site.

Put a Registered Nurse in the Nursing Home Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Put a Registered Nurse in the Nursing Home Act of 2014 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to coverage of nursing care services in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities, respectively, to revise the standards for 24-hour licensed nursing service care which a professional registered nurse is required to provide at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week. Requires such facilities, instead, to use the services of at least one registered professional nurse to provide assessment, surveillance, and direct care to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

CHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

CHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014 - Revises and extends through FY2019 at generally increased levels the program under title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA), and adjusts CHIP allotment requirements accordingly, including the rebasing and growth factor update rules for computing state allotments. Makes appropriations for certain allotments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make payments to shortfall states from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund in each of FY2016-FY2019. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to minimum essential coverage for a targeted pregnant low-income woman under CHIP, to exclude from such coverage, at a woman's option, pregnancy-related assistance. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to ensure continuity of care for children who: (1) are undergoing an active course of treatment; and (2) involuntarily change coverage under health insurance, the state plan under Medicaid (SSA title XIX), or the state child health plan under CHIP during such course of treatment for any reason. Amends SSA title XIX to allow a state Medicaid plan to provide that an adult determined eligible for Medicaid benefits shall remain eligible for those benefits until the end of a period (not to exceed 12 months) following the determination. Makes permanent the express lane option and the CHIP outreach and enrollment grant program. Gives states the option to extend express lane Medicaid eligibility to adults. Makes permanent the program of grants to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts designed to increase the enrollment and participation of eligible children under CHIP. Requires each contract with a managed care entity under Medicaid to require the provision of and payment for language services for enrolled individuals who are limited English proficient. Prescribes additional cost-sharing requirements under CHIP. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI to cover preventive services for children or pregnant women without cost-sharing. Amends SSA title XIX to cover newly approved vaccines within 30 days after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approves them. Treats CHIP-eligible children as federally vaccine-eligible children. Extends Medicaid coverage of primary care services through calendar 2019, and expands the types of physicians and health care practitioners eligible for reimbursement for providing such services. Amends SSA title XI to extend the pediatric quality measures program through calendar 2019. Revises the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP, or federal matching rate) for activities related to pediatric quality measures. Extends the technical assistance provided to states in adopting and utilizing certain core sets of child health measures to assistance in building their data collection infrastructures as well. Revises requirements for initial core measures. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the core set of child health quality measures. Modifies and extends through FY2019: (1) the demonstration projects for improving the quality of children's health care and the use of health information technology, and (2) funding for childhood obesity demonstration projects. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to extend funding through FY2019 for maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting programs. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to extend through calendar 2019 the Pediatric Accountable Care Organization Demonstration Project. Amends SSA title XIX to cover therapeutic foster care services.

Medicaid Parity Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Medicaid Parity Act of 2014 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend through 2019: (1) Medicaid payment parity with Medicare for primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program, and (2) the increased (to 100%) federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP, or federal matching rate) for additional payments for primary care services.

Fighting Medicare Fraud Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Fighting Medicare Fraud Act of 2014 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to exclude from federal health programs certain individuals, including officers or managing employees, with an ownership or control interest in entities sanctioned for a criminal conviction relating to fraud, obstruction of an investigation or audit, or a misdemeanor related to a controlled substance. Extends the permissive exclusion from federal health programs to persons, including officers or managing employees, with an ownership or control interest in entities affiliated with a sanctioned entity. Includes individuals with such connections at the time of the conduct that formed a basis for the conviction or exclusion of the sanctioned entity or the affiliated entity. Establishes criminal penalties for anyone who knowingly and with intent to defraud purchases, sells, or distributes, or arranges for the purchase, sale, or distribution of two or more beneficiary identification or provider numbers under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP]). Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) to require a contract with a Medicare Advantage (MA) organization offering an MA plan to require that the MA organization report to the Secretary any instances of probable fraud or abuse related to the payment or delivery of health benefits within 60 days after the organization identifies that instance.

Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2014 - Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to states to expand access to clinically appropriate services for opioid abuse or addiction. Requires states to use these grants to provide up to 60 consecutive days of services to individuals who otherwise would not have access to substance abuse services.

SAVE Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Serving America's Veterans Effectively Act of 2014 or the SAVE Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: require the inclusion of a patient's status as a veteran in the patient information that the Secretary requires for meaningful use of electronic health records under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, include an inquiry into whether a patient is a veteran and any relevant circumstances relating to a veteran's service in the Armed Forces as part of the initial preventive examination of Medicare beneficiaries, and take such additional actions as may be appropriate to promote awareness among nongovernmental physicians of the special circumstances and health care needs of veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to organizations to educate health care providers on appropriate health care for veterans.

Guaranteed Health Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Guaranteed Health Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain, upon repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the requirements that: (1) health insurance includes coverage for preexisting conditions; and (2) health insurers accept every employer and every individual in a group that applies for coverage in the group market and every individual that applies for coverage in the individual market.

Protecting Insurance Coverage for Sick Americans Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Protecting Insurance Coverage for Sick Americans Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain, upon repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, restrictions on health insurers rescinding or cancelling an enrollee's coverage.

LATTS Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Label and Transport Tissues Safely Act of 2014 or the LATTS Act of 2014 - Sets forth guidelines for handling human tissue specimens. Prohibits sale of human tissue for research or education unless the seller has a non-transplant tissue bank license and each package of tissue is labeled with specified information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a process for the approval, suspension, and revocation of non-transplant tissue bank licenses. Prohibits falsely labeling packages of human tissue. Allows HHS or any accrediting body authorized by HHS to enter and inspect any establishment engaged in the preparation of any human tissue specimen. Requires HHS to recall any human tissue specimen that is an imminent or substantial hazard to public health.

Mom and Pop SHOP Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Mom and Pop SHOP Act of 2014 or the Mom and Mom SHOP Act of 2014 or the Pop and Pop SHOP Act of 2014 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make an individual (and his or her spouse or domestic partner) who owns, or is a partner in, a business that has no employees eligible for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP Exchange).

Audiology Patient Choice Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Audiology Patient Choice Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the coverage of audiology services to treat as physicians qualified audiologists authorized by the state and acting within the scope of their license to furnish such services. Enables Medicare beneficiaries to choose a qualified audiologist without regard to any requirement to be under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner, or that services be provided under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner.

Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit for up to 10% of the first $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. Sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) compensates at least 90% of its employees at a level that is 150% of the federal poverty level for a family of three and provides 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (4) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, and (5) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States. Sets forth a rule for the deferral of the tax deduction for foreign-related interest expense.

Medical Leave for Veterans Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Medical Leave for Veterans Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue regulations to entitle any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period. Requires such employee to submit to the Secretary certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider. .

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the current outbreak of Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia is an international health crisis and is the largest and most widespread outbreak of the disease ever recorded.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the current outbreak of Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia is an international health crisis and is the largest and most widespread outbreak of the disease ever recorded. Calls on all nations to immediately provide additional resources to help affected nations address current and future public health crises. Requests development of a global health security plan to respond to disease outbreaks. Urges the prioritization of the elimination of Ebola as a public health threat.

Recognizing the importance of transformative breakthroughs in biomedicine, biotechnology, and life sciences in the diagnosis, management, curing, and treatment of illness and the existence of a ''Valley of Death'' in biotechnology and life sciences funding that stifles innovation and impedes translational medical research.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Recognizes the value of biomedicine, biotechnology, and life sciences; the challenges those industries face; and ways those challenges can be addressed.

Veterans TRICARE Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Veterans TRICARE Choice Act - Allows an individual who is eligible to participate in the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to: (1) elect to be ineligible to enroll in such program, (2) make tax deductible contributions to a health savings account during the period such individual elects to be ineligible for TRICARE coverage, and (3) enroll in the TRICARE program at a later date during a special enrollment period.

Stopping Illegal Obamacare Subsidies Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Stopping Illegal Obamacare Subsidies Act - Prohibits American Health Benefit Exchanges from providing for automatic enrollment in health plans until the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) verifies that each state exchange and the federal exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) have resolved the inconsistencies outlined in the June 14 IG report. Directs the Secretary of HHS to make public the steps that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the federal exchange will take to clear any inconsistencies that arose on or before the enactment of this Act and to ensure that the systems used by the CMS to determine or assess eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act can resolve such inconsistencies within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make public the methods that the CMS use to monitor, track, and measure the progress of the federal and state exchanges in resolving inconsistencies. Suspends for plan year 2015 the availability of premium assistance tax credits and the reduced cost-sharing program under PPACA; and allows them to resume only after the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration declares affirmatively that all inconsistencies related to invalid Social Security numbers have been resolved, and the IG determines that this is so. Directs the Secretary to request additional information from any applicant for a qualified health plan on a state or federal exchange whose information contains inconsistencies. Requires the applicant to: (1) be withdrawn from the premium assistance credit and reduced cost-sharing programs if the additional information is not provided within 90 days, and (2) re-enroll in a qualified health plan with appropriate and accurate information during the next open enrollment period.

Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women and Children Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that the primary care services furnished in 2015 and 2016 by a physician with a primary specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine, or pediatric medicine be paid at a rate that is not less than 100% of the payment rate that applies to such services and physician under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Extends this 100% of Medicare payment floor under certain conditions to the following providers, who are self-attested as Board-certified and at least 60% of whose services billed for under Medicaid must be for primary care services: (1) physicians with a primary specialty designation of obstetrics and gynecology; (2) advanced practice clinicians; (3) rural health clinics, federally-qualified health centers, or other specified health clinics; and (4) nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or certified nurse-midwives. Excludes from coverage of primary care services any such services provided in an emergency department of a hospital.

Medicare CGM Access Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Medicare CGM Access Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices furnished to a CGM qualified individual. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a fee schedule and ensure that CGM qualified individuals are furnished with appropriate device components.

Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 - Expands the TRICARE health care program managed by the Department of Defense (DOD) to entitle additional female beneficiaries and dependents to care related to the prevention of pregnancy. (Currently, such care is limited to certain female members of the uniformed service or a reserve component performing active duty or certain servicewomen performing inactive-duty training.) Prohibits cost-sharing from being imposed or collected for such pregnancy prevention care, including for any method of contraception provided through a facility of the uniformed services, the TRICARE retail pharmacy program, or the national mail-order pharmacy program. Provides for such pregnancy prevention care to include all methods of contraception approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling. Directs the DOD Secretary to: (1) ensure that every military treatment facility has a sufficient stock of a broad range of FDA-approved methods of contraception to dispense to any women members of the Armed Forces and female covered beneficiaries who receive care through such facility; (2) disseminate clinical practice guidelines and decision support tools to DOD-employed health care providers; (3) ensure that women members of the Armed Forces have access to contraception counseling during health care visits; and (4) establish an education program for all members of the Armed Forces, including both men and women members, consisting of a uniform standard curriculum on family planning. Requires questions regarding family planning services and counseling to be incorporated into DOD health surveys. Requires every military treatment facility, upon request, to provide emergency contraception, or information about FDA-approved methods of emergency contraception, to any woman who: (1) states to personnel that she is a victim of sexual assault or is accompanied by another individual who states that the woman is a victim of sexual assault, or (2) is reasonably believed to be a survivor of sexual assault.

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act to expand the collection and analysis of data in programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sets forth provisions to improve cultural competence in federal health care programs and services, including by establishing the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care. Requires the Secretary of HHS (Secretary) to engage in activities to improve health workforce diversity, including by: (1) establishing a working group and a technical clearinghouse; (2) awarding grants to academic institutions; (3) establishing a health and health care disparities education program; and (4) providing for scholarships, student loan repayment and loan forgiveness, and research fellowships. Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2014 - Provides for the establishment of health empowerment zones in communities that experience disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. Requires the Secretary to engage in activities to improve the quality of and access to health care, including by expanding access to health care and health care insurance for immigrants, designating centers of excellence at public hospitals and other health systems serving minority patients, increasing Medicaid payments to territories and to Native Hawaiian health centers, and providing for border health grants. Sets forth programs to reduce health disparities affecting minorities and rural residents. Establishes an Office of Minority Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sets forth provisions to improve health for women and children, including by expanding access to federal programs for immigrant women and children, creating public awareness campaigns, engaging in activities to eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, and establishing programs to reduce teenage pregnancies, including contraception education and information programs, programs to support healthy adolescent development, maintaining a database of systematic reviews of maternity care, designating maternity care health professional shortage areas, and establishing a research center on optimal maternity outcomes. Directs the Secretary to develop a multisite gestational diabetes research project within the diabetes program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requires pharmacies to provide in stock contraceptives to customers without delay. Expands Medicare coverage of marriage and family therapist services, mental health counselor services, and substance abuse counselor services. Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary to implement the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program to achieve a reduction of at least 25% in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2020. Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness Act of 2014 or the PROSTATE Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take action to address prostate cancer, including by establishing the Interagency Prostate Cancer Coordination and Education Task Force. Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary to implement programs to address hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of CDC to establish the National Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Disease Registry. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop guidelines to screen minority patient populations which have a higher than average risk for many chronic diseases and cancers. Expands Medicaid to cover a beneficiary's routine medical costs when they are in an approved clinical trial. Requires the Secretary to expand HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention activities, including: (1) identification of issues that impede disease status awareness and retention in appropriate care, (2) research into treatment adherence strategies, (3) grants to public health agencies and faith-based organizations, (4) the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, and (5) health workforce training for culturally competent care. Directs the Secretary to award grants for comprehensive sex education programs for adolescents. Eliminates a program that supports abstinence education. Permits community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Stop AIDS in Prison Act - Requires the Bureau of Prisons to develop a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates. Requires the Secretary to conduct research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations and the prevention of lung disease. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders Health Disparities Act - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand research addressing sleep health disparities. Requires the Director of CDC to expand activities regarding sleep disorders. Sets forth provisions regarding the use of health information technology to reduce health disparities, particularly in racial and ethnic minority communities. Prohibits discrimination in federal health care programs or research activities. Requires the Secretary to establish the Office of Health Disparities in the Office for Civil Rights and to establish civil rights compliance offices in each HHS agency that administers health programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a program at the National Center for Environmental Health on health impact assessment (the process of determining the potential effects of a policy, program, or project on health). Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the type and scope of health care services provided to racial and ethnic minorities affected by the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling unit on April 20, 2010.

National Care Corps Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

National Care Corps Act of 2014 - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Care Corps through which Corps Members provide certain services to individuals in need who are age 65 or older or have a disability and have difficulty with self-care.

Living Donor Protection Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Living Donor Protection Act of 2014 - Prohibits discrimination based on a person's status as a living organ donor in the offering, issuance, cancellation, coverage, price, or any other condition of a life insurance policy, disability insurance policy, or long-term care insurance policy. Revises the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to specifically include living organ donation as a serious health condition that entitles a covered employee to leave under that Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to update public service announcements, websites, and other media regarding live organ donation to educate the public on the benefits of live organ donation and access to insurance for living organ donors.

SWEET Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Act of 2014 or the SWEET Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the sale or transfer of any specified sugar-sweetened beverage product by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. Establishes the rate of such tax as 1cent per 4.2 grams of caloric sweetener contained in such product. Transfers revenues from such tax to the Prevention and Public Health Fund for the sole purpose of funding programs and research to reduce the human and economic costs of diabetes, obesity, dental caries, and other diet-related health conditions in priority populations.

Student Job Protection Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Student Job Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude students who are employed by an institution of higher education (IHE) and carrying what the school considers a full-time academic workload at the IHE from being counted as full-time employees in calculating the IHE's shared responsibility regarding health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Student Worker Exemption Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Student Worker Exemption Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude students who are employed by an institution of higher education (IHE) and carrying a full-time academic workload at the IHE from being counted as full-time employees in calculating the IHE's shared responsibility regarding health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Stop Disability Fraud Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Stop Disability Fraud Act of 2014 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to take any necessary actions to ensure that cooperative disability investigations units have been established that would cover the country and specified U.S. territories. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Commissioner, in determining whether an individual is or continues to be under a disability, from considering any evidence furnished by an unlicensed or sanctioned physician physician or health care practitioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to disqualify or suspend immediately from appearing as a claimant representative before the Social Security Administration any individual who has been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude in a federal or state court, or, in the case of an attorney, upon the individual's disbarment from any court or bar. Amends SSA titles II, VIII (Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans), and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to subject to criminal penalties for fraud any conspiracy to commit specified offenses, and increase criminal as well as civil monetary penalties for certain individuals in positions of trust who commit fraud. Amends SSA title II to direct the Commissioner to establish rules under which fines and other appropriate sanctions may be imposed on claimant representatives for failure to comply with the Commissioner's rules and regulations. Amends SSA title XI to: (1) establish a civil monetary penalty for any claimant representative who knowingly charges for services rendered in excess of the maximum fee prescribed by the Commissioner or allowed by a court; and (2) direct the Commissioner periodically to adjust civil monetary penalty maximum amounts for inflation. Requires federal courts (which currently are merely authorized) to order defendants convicted of Social Security fraud to provide restitution to victims in certain cases. Amends SSA title II to ban any payment of benefits to individuals on whom a civil monetary penalty is imposed for fraudulently concealing work activity. Directs the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration to conduct biennial reviews of the practices of a sample of the highest earning claimant representative to ensure compliance with Administration policies. Directs the Commissioner to conduct pre-effectuation and post-effectuation quality reviews of hearing dispositions with respect to decisions in connection with applications for OASDI or SSI benefits, in a sufficient number to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other guidance issued by the Commissioner. Requires the Commissioner to establish by regulation standard qualifications for state and federal decision makers and medical or vocational advisors involved in the disability determination process. Amends SSA title VII (Administration) to direct the Commissioner to designate data exchange standards, under SSA titles II, VIII, and XVI, to govern: (1) necessary categories of information that state agencies operating programs under approved state plans are required under applicable federal law to exchange electronically with another state agency, and (2) required federal reporting and data exchange. Directs the Commissioner to update medical-vocational guidelines used in disability determinations. Includes in the research and demonstration projects conducted under SSA title XI: (1) development of instruments to assess function that are rapid, reliable, and objective to inform the disability determination process; and (2) studies of the availability and effects of more fully considering assistive devices and workplace accommodations in the disability determination process. Amends SSA titles II and XVI to authorize the Commissioner to allow for the referral of individuals denied benefits based on an adverse determination of disability to an appropriate public or private entity for employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services. Directs the Commissioner to make on-line tools publicly available through the Administration website to allow all individuals eligible for disability and SSI benefits to assess the impact of earnings on their eligibility for, and amount of, benefits received through federal and state benefit programs. Amends SSA title II with respect to real property acquired using funds derived from the the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Prohibits the use of amounts from the Trust Funds for the operation and maintenance of real property in amounts exceeding certain administrative costs. Revises rules for the use of death information furnished to or maintained by the Administration. Declares that reconsiderations of disability cessation determinations may be made by the state agency or the Commissioner regardless of whether the finding was originally made by the one or the other.

Expressing support for the designation of September 2014 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2014 - Entitles any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period. Requires such employee to submit to the head of the employing agency certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider.

NOTICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act or the NOTICE Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a hospital with an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), whom the hospital classifies for more than 24 hours as an outpatient under observation status or any other similar status, an adequate oral and written notification within 36 hours of that classification which: explains the individual's status as an outpatient under observation (or any similar status) and not as an inpatient; explains the reason for that classification; explains the implications of that outpatient status on eligibility for Medicare coverage of items and services as well as cost-sharing requirements; includes the name and title of the hospital staff who gave an oral notification and its date and time; and is signed by individual, if the notification is written, to acknowledge its receipt.

Restore Opportunity, Strengthen, and Improve the Economy Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Restore Opportunity, Strengthen, and Improve the Economy Act - Prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract for the acquisition of supplies or services to a source that is not a Good Jobs Model Employer, unless there is no offer from such an employer. Defines a "Good Jobs Model Employer" as one that: respects employees' rights to bargain collectively with their employers without being forced to take strike action to win better wages and working conditions; offers to each employee living wages, decent benefits including health care, paid leave for sickness and caregiving, and fair work schedules that are predictable and stable; affirmatively demonstrates an exemplary standard of compliance with workplace protection laws, including laws governing labor relations, wages and hours, and health and safety, as well as other applicable labor laws; limits executive compensation to 50 times the median salary paid to the company's workers; employs a workforce not less than 35% of which reside within one or more Historically Underutilized Business Zones; and subcontracts only with other Good Jobs Model Employers. Prohibits an executive agency from providing other forms of assistance to entities that are not model employers when there is a similarly situated Good Jobs Model Employer that could receive the assistance, unless doing so would substantially undermine the value of the assistance to the public good. Requires executive agencies to incorporate into each new contract or assistance agreement a clause requiring the contractor or recipient to conduct itself as a Good Jobs Model Employer for the duration of the contract. Provides for the suspension of a contractor or assistance recipient that fails to do so and for debarment for multiple violations. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations implementing such Good Jobs Model Employer standards, and (2) specified officials to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to effect the policy and purposes of this Act.

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2014 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress an analysis of the same issues as, and updating the findings and conclusions of, the GAO report to the Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Government Reform of January 1999 entitled "Lead Poisoning: Federal Health Care Programs Are Not Effectively Reaching At-Risk Children" (GAO/HEHS-99-18).

PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM ILLEGAL BAIL- OUTS AND PLAN CANCELLATIONS UNDER THE PRESIDENT'S HEALTH CARE LAW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 July 2014

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for recommendations for the development and use of clinical data registries for the improvement of patient care.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consult with clinical experts and make recommendations for the use of clinical data registries to improve patient care. Directs the Secretary to include in the recommendations: (1) standards to allow exchange of information between electronic health records and registries, (2) how registries can be used to evaluate models and methods of care, (3) how registries can be used to monitor the safety and efficacy of products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), (4) how registry data can inform health care professionals on the prevention of disease and how educational resources derived from registry data can be disseminated, and (5) how registries can promote preventive health care.

RDOCS-VA Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Restoring the Doctors of Our Country through Scholarships Veterans Affairs Act of 2014 or the RDOCS-VA Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program, to carry out a scholarship program to provide for the increased availability of physicians who provide primary health care services at VA medical facilities, which shall be known as the Restoring the Doctors of Our Country through Scholarships-Veterans Affairs (RDOCS-VA) program. Directs the Secretary, under such program, to award not less than 400 scholarships covering all tuition and costs for an undergraduate medical education for a period of study not exceeding 48 consecutive months, and a cost-of-living stipend, to selected individuals who agree to: be admitted into and maintain enrollment in a participating undergraduate medical program in the scholar's state of residence, maintain a minimum level of academic standing, complete an accredited residency training program in a primary care specialty, become licensed to practice medicine in the scholar's state of residence, receive and maintain board certification in a primary care specialty, and complete a five-year post-graduate period of employment by the VA performing primary care services. Directs the Secretary to give preference to applicants who: (1) are enrolled in an accelerated track family-medicine program, or (2) elect to complete the five-year period of employment at a VA facility that the Secretary designates as having an urgent need for primary care physicians. Sets forth provisions regarding such scholar's liability for breach of agreement.

RDOCS Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Restoring the Doctors of Our Country through Scholarships Act of 2014 or RDOCS Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to make matching grants under which states provide RDOCS scholarships, paying all costs of a student's undergraduate medical education, to provide for the increased availability of primary health care services in health professional shortage areas. Requires the scholarship recipient to agree to residency training in a primary care specialty and a five-year post-graduate period of service in a health professional shortage area. Requires that preference be given in awarding scholarships to applicants enrolled in: (1) an accelerated track family-medicine program (an integrated course of study allowing completion of undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education in six years), or (2) a program that includes clinical training in rural or underserved urban communities.

Border Health Security Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Border Health Security Act of 2014 - Amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to revise the duties of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission to include: (1) cooperating with the Canada-United States Pan Border Public Health Preparedness Council, and (2) serving as an independent and objective body to both recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues. Authorizes members of the Commission and the Council to provide advice or recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Congress, or any Member of Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission or Council. Requires the Secretary to award grants: (1) to eligible entities to improve the health of individuals residing in the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada border areas, and (2) for Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance to eligible entities for infection disease surveillance activities in such areas. Requires the Commission and the Council to each: (1) prepare a binational strategic plan to guide the operations of the Commission and the Council, and (2) develop and approve an operational work plan and budget based on the strategic plan. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct an evaluation of Commission and Counsel activities. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada border areas; and (2) warns of health threats, extreme weather conditions, disasters of mass scale, bioterrorism, and other emerging threats along those border areas.

Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift for Life Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift for Life Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish a National Organ and Tissue Donor Registry Resource Center. Requires the Center to: (1) advance the development, expansion, and evaluation of state organ donor registries; (2) facilitate timely exchange of donor information between state registries; and (3) maintain a clearinghouse for information on registry best practices. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states in order to develop, expand, or maintain state organ donor registries and establish benchmarks for improvement in organ donation. Requires a state registry that receives a grant to be accessible to individual donors and the Center. Eliminates civil liability for a person taking an individual's organs as long as the person verified the individual's consent with a state organ donor registry. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the feasibility of establishing a database to track the health effects of living organ donation.

MEND Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act or the MEND Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for any reimbursements to providers under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for the costs of nursing and allied health education activities, to apply the regulation establishing the payment methodology for such reimbursements by treating a provider as meeting the requirements: for consideration as operating an approved nursing or allied health education program if the provider or a wholly owned subsidiary educational institution singly or collectively meets all such requirements; and for payment for certain nonprovider-operated programs at wholly owned subsidiary educational institutions if the provider meets all such requirements except that the transfer of a nursing or allied health education program to that wholly owned subsidiary educational institution to meet accreditation standards occurred after October 1, 2003. Defines "wholly owned subsidiary educational institution" as one that: (1) is organized as a legal entity distinct from the provider, (2) has the provider as its sole owner or sole member, and (3) is organized in the same state in which the provider is organized or registered to do business.

STARS Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2014 or the STARS Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt seasonal employees from the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide employees with minimum essential health care coverage. Defines "seasonal employee" as an employee who is employed in a position for which the customary annual employment is not more than six months and which requires performing labor or services that are ordinarily performed at certain seasons or periods of the year.