Healthcare

BREATH Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

Beneficiary Respiratory Equipment Access and Transparency to Home Ventilator Care Act of 2016 or the BREATH Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish policies and standards for determining the appropriate use of certain ventilators under the Medicare program. Subject to budget neutrality requirements, the bill: (1) increases the Medicare payment rate for such ventilators for 2017; and (2) for subsequent years, establishes a new base payment rate based on the percentage change, between 2015 and 2017, in the total number of beneficiaries receiving such ventilators under Medicare.

ACA Premium Payment Verification Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

ACA Premium Payment Verification Act This bill conditions any advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act upon certification that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has in place an adequate process to independently verify that an individual is enrolled under a qualified health plan (QHP) and has paid the plan premium. Such a process must satisfy specified requirements with respect to automation, effectiveness, and cooperation between CMS and the Department of the Treasury. Furthermore, such a process shall not be considered adequate to the extent that it includes any procedures that rely on assurances or attestations of the issuer of the QHP involved.

Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish and maintain a registry of: (1) women who are diagnosed during pregnancy as having been infected with Zika virus, and (2) the children of such women. The registry may include information on symptoms experienced by the women and children, testing of the women and children, and development of the children. Information in the registry may be made available only for research.

Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act This bill waives certain health insurance benefit requirements in states with a county where only one health insurer offers individual coverage. In these states, health plans are not required to provide essential health benefits to be offered in the individual or small group market or through the health insurance exchange. (Plans offered in the individual market or through an exchange fulfill the requirement for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage.)

Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act This bill waives certain health insurance benefit requirements in states with a county where only one health insurer offers individual coverage. In these states, health plans are not required to provide essential health benefits to be offered in the individual or small group market or through the health insurance exchange. (Plans offered in the individual market or through an exchange fulfill the requirement for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage.)

Lead by Example Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2016

Lead by Example Act of 2016 This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2019, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By September 15, 2017, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2016

CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from penalties for failing to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage individuals whose coverage under a plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer receiving funds through the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program was terminated.

Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2016

Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Prescription Drug Plan sponsors from retroactively reducing payment on clean claims submitted by pharmacies. (A "clean claim" is a Medicare claim that is free of defects such as incomplete documentation.)

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Extends through FY2017: authority for collection of copayments for hospital care and nursing home care, authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers, authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, and authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. Extends through December 31, 2017, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS Extends through FY2017: specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure; and authority relating to vendee loans. Extends through December 31, 2017, authority: for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, and to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESS VETERANS Extends through FY2017 authority: for homeless veterans reintegration programs; for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans; to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; and to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness. Extends through December 31, 2017, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS Extends through FY2017 authority for: monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events; operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines; appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces; specially adapted housing assistive technology grants; temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating; and an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office. Extends through December 31, 2017: authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care; the requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error; authority for Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides; and authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians. The authorization of appropriations for homeless veterans' comprehensive services is increased. For one year the VA may not: (1) authorize certified registered nurse anesthetists to practice without the supervision of a physician, or (2) otherwise expand the scope of full practice authority for such anesthetists.

Small Business Relief from Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Small Business Relief from Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act with respect to Small Business Administration disaster assistance to expand the definition of "disaster" to include the onset of transmissible diseases for which the federal government issues a public health advisory or declaration.

Mobile Medical Immigrant Health Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Mobile Medical Immigrant Health Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide support to partnerships between hospitals and other local health care facilities to improve access to mobile medical health care services for individuals present in the United States who are not citizens or nationals. (Mobile medical health care services are provided in a moveable vehicle or a non-permanent clinic.) In providing such support, HHS must give priority to areas with a high ratio of such individuals to citizens and nationals.

Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers.

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 12, 2016, through September 18, 2016, as "Balance Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Expresses support for the designation of Balance Awareness Week and recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about vestibular (inner ear balance) disorders.

Supporting State, local, and community initiatives to encourage parents, teachers, camp counselors, and child-care professionals to take measures to prevent sunburns in the minors they care for, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that State, local, and community entities should continue to support efforts to curb the incidences of skin cancer beginning with childhood skin protection.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Expresses support for efforts to: (1) exempt sunscreen from over-the-counter medication bans in schools, and (2) encourage health care professionals to educate parents and children about sun-safe behaviors. Encourages schools to allow students to possess sunscreen without restriction and without physician authorization.

EXAMINING LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 September 2016

Small Business Relief from Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Small Business Relief from Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act with respect to Small Business Administration disaster assistance to expand the definition of "disaster" to include the onset of transmissible diseases for which the federal government issues a public health advisory or declaration.

VERIFI Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Verifying Electronically the Receipt of In-Home Care For Individuals Act or the VERIFI Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the use of electronic visit verification systems for certain services under the Medicare program. An "electronic visit verification system" is a system under which care-related visits are electronically verified with regard to: (1) the type and date of service, (2) the individual receiving the service, (3) the individual providing the service, (4) the location of service delivery, and (5) the time the service begins and ends. A home health agency must have such a system in place for home health services as a condition of participation in the Medicare program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall establish standards for the systems and must consult with agencies to ensure that such standards: (1) are minimally burdensome, (2) account for existing best practices and electronic visit verifications systems already in use, and (3) require that the systems are conducted in accordance with specified legal requirements related to privacy and security.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Response Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Response Act of 2016 This bill establishes and provides funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Response Fund. The CDC may use this fund when emergency operations are activated in response to a public health emergency or potential public health emergency. Funds may be used to detect, prepare for, or respond to public health threats domestically and abroad. The CDC may not use amounts over a specified threshold in a fiscal year until 30 days after it notifies Congress and the President of its plan to use those amounts. A joint resolution of Congress may prohibit the CDC from using those amounts.

Federal Aviation Administration Veteran Transition Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Federal Aviation Administration Veteran Transition Improvement Act of 2016 This bill applies federal civil service requirements to leave used by disabled armed forces veterans in the personnel management system of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To verify that leave credited to such an employee is used for treating a service-connected disability, the employee shall certify to FAA Human Resource Management that the employee used that leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for that disability by a health care provider.

Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Prescription Drug Plan sponsors from retroactively reducing payment on clean claims submitted by pharmacies. (A "clean claim" is a Medicare claim that is free of defects such as incomplete documentation.)

Consumer Healthcare Insurance Transparency Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

The Consumer Healthcare Insurance Transparency Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to publish information on changes in group health plan and health insurance premiums for the next year for small employers and individuals. The information must be published by November 1 of each year.

Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for Zika response and preparedness.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus. The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement. The emergency funding is exempt from discretionary spending limits and is only available if the President subsequently designates the funds as an emergency requirement. The bill provides appropriations to HHS for: the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary. For the State Department, the bill provides appropriations for: the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, and Multilateral Assistance. The bill sets forth congressional notification and reporting requirements that apply to the funds. It also provides funds to the Government Accountability Office for the oversight of activities funded by this bill. The bill also rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to USAID to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Ebola virus.

YOUTH Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Youth Opioid Use Treatment Help Act of 2016 or the YOUTH Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and reauthorize through FY2022 grants for substance abuse treatment services for children and adolescents. The grant program is expanded to cover young adults. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) must award grants for demonstration programs to: (1) expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders among adolescents and young adults, or (2) create and distribute for pediatric health care providers resources on medication-assisted treatment training and implementation. AHRQ must report on the demonstration programs and the availability of medication-assisted treatment for adolescents and young adults. The report must include recommendations for ensuring such treatment is accessible. The Government Accountability Office must study how federal agencies are addressing substance use and substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults.

Restore Charitable Contributions of Premium Cigars to the Troops Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Restore Charitable Contributions of Premium Cigars to the Troops Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow charitable donations, including free samples, of traditional large and premium cigars to be given to members of the military or nonprofits supporting members of the military. Currently, free samples and charitable donations of tobacco products are banned.

Recognizing suicide as a public health problem and expressing support for designation of September as "National Suicide Prevention Month".

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Expresses support for the designation of National Suicide Prevention Month. Recognizes suicide as a preventable public health problem and supports declaring that suicide prevention should be a priority. Promotes awareness that suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the current coping abilities of an individual suffering from a mental health condition.

FROM TUMULT TO TRANSFORMATION: THE COMMISSION ON CARE AND THE FUTURE OF THE VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 September 2016

Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2016

Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act of 2016 or the Dialysis Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists, Treatment, and Services Demonstration Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program for the provision of integrated care to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the voluntary program, eligible participating providers may form organizations to offer ESRD integrated care models and serve as medical homes for program-eligible beneficiaries. Such a model: (1) shall cover medical and hospital services, other than hospice care, under Medicare; (2) must include benefits for transition into palliative care; and (3) may cover prescription drug benefits. An organization must offer at least one open network model but may also offer one or more preferred network models. An organization shall return savings achieved under the models to program-eligible beneficiaries. A beneficiary shall have the opportunity to: (1) opt out of the program, (2) make an assignment change into an open network model offered by a different organization, or (3) elect a preferred network model. The bill establishes requirements regarding: (1) benefits for program-eligible beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid benefits, (2) program quality and reporting, (2) ESRD integrated care strategy, (3) program operation and scope, (4) beneficiary notification, and (5) payment.

Carl's Law

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2016

Carl's Law This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the label of a drug containing an opioid to prominently state that the drug contains an opioid and addiction to the drug is possible. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.)

Small Business Bill of Rights

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2016

Small Business Bill of Rights This bill modifies tax provisions, regulatory requirements, and legal procedures that affect small businesses. Bringing Business Back Act of 2016 The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exclusion for certain income attributable to real property in areas that meet criteria regarding unemployment, poverty, or other signs of distress. The bill temporarily reduces the capital gains tax on certain small business stock, increases the deduction for start-up expenditures, and exempts small businesses from tax increases. Federal agencies must review existing and proposed regulations that affect small businesses using specified criteria. Certain new small business regulations must expire after seven years, unless they are renewed. Death Tax Repeal Act of 2016 The bill repeals the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes and makes permanent the maximum 35% gift tax rate and the lifetime gift tax exemption. It also extends or makes permanent several tax credits and deductions related to energy efficiency. With respect to the legal process, the bill establishes requirements and limitations for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. The bill amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit verifications under the E-Verify program to be provided by telephone. The bill amends the Small Business Act to modify policies regarding goals for participation of small businesses in procurement contracts and the bundling of contracts. It also establishes criminal penalties for making false statements regarding status as a small business concern or compliance with the Small Business Act to obtain, retain, or complete a federal contract.

West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2016

Veterans Care Agreement and West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into Veterans Care Agreements with certain eligible providers to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care to eligible veterans if: (1) furnishing such care and services at VA facilities or under otherwise authorized contracts or sharing agreements with non-VA facilities is impracticable or inadvisable because of the veteran's medical condition, the travel involved, or the nature of the care or services required; and (2) the VA determines that the hospital care or medical services to be furnished are not available from a non-VA health care provider under a contract or sharing agreement other than an agreement under this bill. The bill sets forth provider eligibility criteria and requires the VA to establish a process for provider certification. The VA may carry out leases at the VA West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California: for supportive housing for veterans and their families; for third party services to veterans and their families for health and wellness promotion, education, employment-related training, peer activities and physical recreation, legal and federal benefits assistance, family support services including child care, and transportation; and to The Regents of the University of California for additional services for veterans and their families. The VA shall establish a Community Veterans Engagement Board for the Campus to coordinate locally with the VA to identify community goals and advise the VA on improving services and outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families. The bill amends provisions regarding the VA's enhanced-use lease authority, including to prohibit the VA from waiving or postponing the obligation of a lessee to pay any consideration, including rent, under an enhanced-use lease.

TECHNOLOGY AND TREATMENT: TELEMEDICINE IN THE VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 August 2016

Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2016

Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016 This bill delays the date upon which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may make Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for hospitals publicly available. With respect to such ratings, HHS shall: (1) make publicly available detailed information on the methodology used, (2) have the validity and accuracy of such methodology independently confirmed, and (3) provide a public comment period of specified duration. HHS may not make the ratings publicly available until the later of July 31, 2017, or the date upon which the bill's requirements are satisfied. In the event that such ratings have already been published on a specified website, HHS shall remove them and not republish them until the bill's requirements have been satisfied.

Expressing support for designation of the week of October 30 through November 5, 2016, as "National Obesity Care Week".

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2016

Expresses support for the designation of National Obesity Care Week. Encourages open communication to break barriers of misunderstanding and stigma regarding obesity and to improve the lives of individuals affected by obesity and their families.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2016

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for: the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for: the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and the Office of the Secretary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides appropriations to the Department of Education for: Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; English Language Acquisition; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. Provides appropriations to Related Agencies, including: the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts. Health Care Conscience Rights Act Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to specify that health care sponsors, individuals, and insurers are not required to purchase or provide coverage for abortion or other items or services if they have moral or religious objections. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the federal government and any state or local government receiving federal financial assistance from discriminating against health care entities that refuse to participate in abortion-related activities.

School Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2016

School Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants and enter contracts to train elementary and secondary school nurses to serve as first responders and crisis managers in the event of a biological or chemical attack at a school or an outbreak of pandemic illness among individuals under their care. The training must prepare school nurses to: (1) protect and preserve life; (2) notify public health authorities to help contain or mitigate the effects of an attack or outbreak; and (3) take other appropriate and feasible actions, such as preserve evidence of an attack.

State Age Rating Flexibility Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2016

State Age Rating Flexibility Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the permissible variation based on age for health insurance premiums for coverage offered in the individual or small group market from a factor of three to a factor of five, or to a factor determined by the state. This applies to plan years starting on or after January 1, 2018.

Preserving and Reforming SSDI (PAR-SSDI) Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2016

Preserving and Reforming SSDI (PAR-SSDI) Act of 2016 This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to: direct the Social Security Administration (SSA), in determining whether an individual is under a disability, to make such a determination without regard to the individual's ability to communicate in English; prohibit the SSA, in determining whether an individual is under a disability for a month, from considering the individual's vocational background in computing the quarters of coverage requirement unless the individual had not less than 16 quarters of coverage during the 24-quarter period ending with the quarter in which such month occurs; and direct the SSA to prepare and implement a complete update of the vocational and educational factors considered in making disability determinations. The bill declares that for any week in whole or in part within a month that an individual is paid or determined to be eligible for unemployment compensation he or she shall be deemed to have engaged in substantial gainful activity and so be disqualified from receiving Social Security disability benefits after a certain period has elapsed. The bill also states that, for purposes of determining services rendered by an individual during a period of trial work which will not disqualify the individual for disability benefits, the individual shall be deemed to have rendered services in a month if he or she is entitled to unemployment compensation or trade adjustment assistance for that month. The bill revises prerequisites for the entitlement of certain individuals under age 65 to SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) part A hospital insurance benefits. The length of time such an individual must be entitled to disability insurance, child's insurance, or widow's insurance benefits, in order to qualify for entitlement to Medicare part A hospital benefits, shall increase from the current 24 months to 60 months. If the amount of an individual's unearned income for a month is equal to or greater than the monthly income limit for that month, the individual shall be deemed to have engaged in substantial gainful activity for the month for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments. The SSA must receive from an individual and/or the individual's representative, in its entirety and without redaction, all known relevant medical evidence related to a disability claim. Any medical evidence not submitted in its entirety or not furnished by a licensed practitioner shall be excluded in disability determinations. In determining whether a disability benefits applicant is disabled, the SSA shall not consider medical evidence resulting from a consultative exam with a health care provider unless the application is accompanied by a Medical Consultant Acknowledgment Form signed by the health care provider who conducted the exam. The bill changes the index used to calculate OASDI cost-of-living adjustments to the Chained Price Index for All Urban Consumers. In any case in which SSA initiates a review of disability benefits for an individual, the review shall include an independent estimate by a qualified Social Security income verification contractor of the individual's monthly income.

Accurate Labeling of Menstrual Products Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2016

Accurate Labeling of Menstrual Products Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require menstrual cups, menstrual pads, tampons, and therapeutic vaginal douche apparatuses to include a list of ingredients on the label.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act This bill establishes requirements for the Department of Justice (DOJ) with respect to investigating and prosecuting elder abuse crimes and enforcing elder abuse laws. Specifically, DOJ must: designate Elder Justice Coordinators in federal judicial districts and at DOJ, implement comprehensive training for Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, establish a working group to provide policy advice, and establish best practices for data collection. Additionally, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys must operate a resource group for prosecutors; the Federal Trade Commission must designate an Elder Justice Coordinator within its Bureau of Consumer Protection; and the Department of Health and Human Services must provide data on elder abuse cases referred to adult protective services. Robert Matava Elder Abuse Prosecution Act of 2016 This bill amends the federal criminal code to expand prohibited telemarketing fraud to include "telemarketing or email marketing" fraud. It expands the definition of telemarketing or email marketing to include measures to induce investment for financial profit, participation in a business opportunity, or commitment to a loan. A defendant convicted of telemarketing or email marketing fraud that targets or victimizes a person over age 55 is subject to an enhanced criminal penalty and mandatory forfeiture. The bill adds health care fraud to the list of fraud offenses subject to enhanced penalties. DOJ, in coordination with the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, must provide information, training, and technical assistance to help states and local governments investigate, prosecute, prevent, and mitigate the impact of elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It grants congressional consent to states to enter into cooperative agreements or compacts to promote and to enforce elder abuse laws. The State Justice Institute must submit legislative proposals to Congress to facilitate such agreements and compacts.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the United States from Mexico and China.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: the use of illicit fentanyl in the United States and the resulting overdose deaths are a public health crisis; the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the United States, especially by transnational criminal organizations, is a problem that requires close cooperation between the U.S. government and the governments of Mexico and China; and all three such countries should develop joint actions to stop such trafficking. Calls for the United States to: support the efforts of, and use its diplomatic and law enforcement resources in partnership with, the governments of Mexico and China to stop such trafficking; take further measures to reduce and prevent heroin and fentanyl consumption through the use of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services; and provide access to treatment and rehabilitation to help individuals with substance use disorders recover.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to prohibit inclusion of Social Security account numbers on Medicare cards, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

This bill amends title II (Old Age,Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that a Social Security account number (or a derivative) is not displayed, coded, or embedded on a Medicare card issued to an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of that Act, and that any other identifier displayed on the card is not identifiable as such an account number.

Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, upon determination of a public health emergency, to provide for the convening of a group of federal officials to prepare monthly reports concerning such matters as funding, collaboration, and best practices. The bill makes appropriations to the Public Health Emergency Fund upon determination of an emergency. Funding is subject to a calculation that compares amounts available in the fund to average public health emergency relief expenditures over preceding fiscal years. The bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt the fund from sequestration, a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on: the capacity of the public health system to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks, the coordination between federal, state, and local government entities when responding to infectious disease outbreaks, the most effective ways to provide or allocate resources for public health emergency response, and an audit of how funds for public health emergencies have been expended within the last two years. GAO must also issue a post-emergency report on response efforts by government entities.

Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2021 support for nursing workforce programs and grants. Eligibility for advanced nursing education grants is expanded to include education programs for clinical nurse leaders and all combined registered nurse and graduate degree programs. (Clinical nurse leaders are advanced generalist clinicians who apply research and coordinate care in order to improve outcomes for patients.) To be eligible for these grants, clinical nurse specialist programs must provide registered nurses with full-time clinical nurse specialist education that qualifies the nurses to provide a full range of care. Programs for loan repayment and scholarships for nurses, loans for nursing faculty, and geriatric care education are extended through FY2021. Grants for increasing nursing workforce diversity are also extended through FY2021. Nurse education, practice, and quality grants are extended through FY2021 and eligibility is expanded to include nurse-managed health clinics. Grants for nursing career ladder programs are expanded to: (1) promote career advancement for individuals to become registered nurses or advanced education nurses; and (2) support internships and residency programs to encourage mentoring and the development of specialties.

Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to ease restrictions on health insurance plans without pediatric dental benefits (an essential health benefit) to allow such insurance to be offered in any service area where a dental plan in the individual or small group market provides pediatric dental benefits, even if the dental plan is not offered on the health insurance exchange.

RACE for Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children Act or the RACE for Children Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand requirements for assessing the use of medications in pediatric populations. Applications and supplements to applications for certain drugs and biological products, including orphan drugs, that could be used to treat pediatric cancer must include an assessment of pediatric use. Upon request, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must meet with the sponsor of such a medication to discuss the plan for pediatric studies. The FDA may require the sponsor of an approved medication that could be used to treat pediatric cancer to complete a pediatric assessment if: (1) the medication is used for a substantial number of pediatric cancer patients, or (2) there is reason to believe the medication would have a meaningful therapeutic benefit over existing therapies for pediatric cancer patients. The bill limits waivers of pediatric assessment requirements for certain medications that could be used to treat a pediatric cancer for which there is a need for additional treatment options. The FDA must meet with medication sponsors to discuss a deferral or waiver of the pediatric assessment requirement.

BENES Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act of 2016 or the BENES Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to: establish requirements for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to notify individuals of their potential eligibility for Medicare; require the Internal Revenue Service to disclose to CMS specified taxpayer information for the purpose of establishing individuals' potential Medicare eligibility; restructure Medicare enrollment periods; and expand Medicare beneficiaries' rights to appeal certain enrollment errors.

Expanded Access to Treatment and Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Expanded Access to Treatment and Recovery Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into cooperative agreements with states to: (1) expand opioid use disorder treatment capacity, (2) make such services more affordable to those who cannot afford them, and (3) help individuals receive treatment and sustain recovery. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.) Funding is allocated to a state based on the severity of the opioid epidemic in the state and the strength of the state's response strategy. The bill provides funds for these cooperative agreements for FY2017 and FY2018.

Reaching Underserved Rural Areas to Lead on Telehealth Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Reaching Underserved Rural Areas to Lead on Telehealth Act This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to remove regulatory limitations on the reimbursement amounts that certain large non-rural hospitals may receive for universal service support from the Healthcare Connect Fund, which provides support for high-capacity broadband connectivity to eligible health care providers. The FCC must allow an eligible non-rural health care provider to receive universal service support if: (1) the majority of locations it serves are in rural areas, and (2) the provider serves as a consortium leader of a group of health care provider sites that request support through a single application.

Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish the Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project, through which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall make special payments to participating oncology practices that coordinate patient care and meet other specified requirements. During the first two years of the project, CMS shall pay a care coordination management fee to each such practice. After the third, fourth, and fifth years of the project, CMS shall pay a performance incentive payment to each participating practice that meets or exceeds performance standards developed by CMS. CMS shall assess the performance of each participating oncology practice annually. Performance standards shall address: (1) specified measures related to patient care, resource utilization, survivorship, and end-of-life care; and (2) the patient experience of care, as reflected in surveys submitted by each practice. CMS shall also assess the extent to which a practice has used breakthrough or other best-in-class therapies. To the extent practicable, CMS shall select practices of varying sizes and geographic areas for participation.

A resolution supporting the designation of July 15, 2016, as "Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Expresses support for the designation of July 15, 2016, as Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day. (Leiomyosarcoma is cancer that arises from smooth muscle tissue, most commonly originating in the uterus, stomach, intestine, or blood vessels.) Recognizes the challenges faced by leiomyosarcoma patients and commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers working to improve the quality of life of leiomyosarcoma patients and their families.