Healthcare

Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Excellence in Maternal Health Act of 2019 This bill expands initiatives to address maternal health in rural areas and promote innovation in the field. Specifically, the bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish rural obstetric networks for improving outcomes in birth and maternal morbidity through collaboration, training, and program evaluation. HRSA also must award demonstration program grants to (1) train physicians, medical residents, and other practitioners to provide maternal and obstetric services in rural communities; and (2) support academic programs that develop or provide training to improve maternal care in rural areas. Further, the bill adds maternal health services as part of the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. The bill also makes a series of changes to the research and reporting requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Government Accountability Office with respect to data on maternal health outcomes. Additionally, the bill establishes grants to (1) develop best practices to reduce preventable maternal mortality; (2) train health care professionals about reducing and preventing discrimination when providing maternal health services; (3) support the collaboration of professionals across health settings with respect to maternal health; (4) establish evidence-informed, integrated health care services for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. HRSA also must contract with an independent research organization to study and make recommendations to accredited school training programs about discrimination and implicit and explicit biases.

VA Suicide Prevention Services Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

VA Suicide Prevention Services Accountability Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a management review and submit reports on mental health and suicide prevention efforts carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the GAO to conduct a management review of the mental health and suicide prevention services provided by the VA. The bill also requires the GAO to report on the VA's efforts to (1) manage veterans at high risk for suicide, (2) integrate mental health care into VA primary care clinics, and (3) integrate community-based mental health care (care provided by a non-VA provider but paid for by the VA) into the Veterans Health Administration.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish free and comprehensive mental health care to former members of the Armed Services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish free comprehensive mental health care to any former member of the Armed Forces, including reservists. Additionally, the bill makes any former member of the Armed Forces, including reservists, eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand health care coverage provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the transition of members of the Armed Forces from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to recently discharged or released veterans during the one-year period following their discharge or release from active service or active reserve status. Such veterans shall be eligible for care even if they fail to enroll in the VA health care system. The Department of Labor must promote the expanded eligibility for such VA care to members of the Armed Forces transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life through the Transition Assistance Program. In addition, the VA must publish notification of the expanded eligibility for such care on a VA website.

Medical Innovation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Medical Innovation Act of 2019 This bill requires certain drug manufacturers to make payments to fund research supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A drug manufacturer with over $1 billion in net income in a fiscal year that has entered into a relevant settlement agreement regarding specified violations must pay 0.75%-1.5% of its net income to the Department of Health and Human Services for each of its covered blockbuster drugs. A covered blockbuster drug is a drug that has at least $1 billion in net sales in a year and was developed, in whole or in part, through federal investments in medical research. Payments are divided between the FDA and the NIH in proportion to the discretionary funding of those agencies, excluding FDA user fees. Payments are not disbursed if appropriations for the FDA or the NIH are lower than in the prior fiscal year. Priorities for payments must include advancing regulatory science for medical products and research related to diseases that disproportionately account for federal health care spending. A covered blockbuster drug for which a manufacturer has not made a required payment is considered misbranded and subject to prohibitions on introducing or receiving misbranded drugs in interstate commerce.

NO VAPE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Nicotine Or Vaping Access Protection and Enforcement Act of 2019 or the NO VAPE Act of 2019 This bill increases civil penalties for violating restrictions on the sale and distribution of tobacco products. The bill also requires retailers to check photographic identification to verify the age of all tobacco product purchasers, with no exceptions for older purchasers.

Natural Cosmetics Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Natural Cosmetics Act This bill prohibits the sale of a cosmetics product that uses the term natural on its packaging or labeling unless the product meets certain requirements. The bill also authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to request or order a recall of a cosmetics product that violates these labeling requirements.

Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act of 2019 This bill requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to provide grants for Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence to support research in diagnostic quality, safety, and value and establishes the federal Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care within the Department of Health and Human Services. Research centers must use funds to conduct diagnostic safety and quality research, including high-impact research on novel solutions to reduce patient harm, and to support initiatives to improve diagnosis in medicine. Other activities may include developing and training the diagnostic research workforce and developing and validating measures to assess diagnostic errors.

State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2019 This bill establishes the option for states, or groups of states, to apply to waive certain federal health insurance requirements and provide residents with health insurance benefits plans through a state-administered program. Such programs must cover 95% of the residents in the state within five years and plan benefits must be at least as comprehensive and affordable as the coverage under the equivalent federal program. State programs are supported with funds from the federal programs the state programs replace, which may include Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, certain federal tax credits, and premium-assistance funds, among others. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to appoint an Independent Assessment Panel for Comprehensive Care to review and recommend whether to approve state applications. Each approved state program must be independently reviewed every five years to evaluate changes in health benefits access, quality, and coverage, including whether the state has met the 95% coverage requirement. The federal government must pay all health insurance costs for American Indians and Alaska Natives who enroll in a plan through a state insurance program.

Expanding Access to Inpatient Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Expanding Access to Inpatient Mental Health Act This bill allows states to receive federal Medicaid payment for psychiatric and substance-use disorder services provided in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs) to patients who are enrolled with a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) or in a prepaid inpatient health plan (PIHP). Current law generally prohibits federal payment under Medicaid for services provided in IMDs for individuals under the age of 65. However, states may receive federal Medicaid payment for monthly capitation payments to MCOs and PIHPs for services provided in IMDs to enrollees aged 21 to 64. Such services must be provided for no longer than 15 days per month and in lieu of other services covered under the state Medicaid program.

Preventing Vape Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Preventing Vape Use Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to order a mandatory recall of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes and vape pens) that have not successfully undergone premarket review.

REVAMP Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Refer and Equip Veterans and Military Personnel Act or the REVAMP Act This bill revises the Transition Assistance Program, which prepares service members for civilian life. The bill extends to certain reservists specified program requirements that currently apply to service members separating from active duty. Specifically, the bill requires certain members of a reserve component who have previously served on active duty to be provided with both a physical examination and a mental health assessment prior to separation. Under current law, only a physical examination must be offered to such reservists, and the examination is optional. The bill also specifies the time period during which the pre-separation physical examination and mental health assessment must occur. Specifically, a service member must undergo a physical examination and mental health assessment during the 90-day period before the service member's separation from the Armed Forces. In addition, the bill requires pre-separation counseling to include a plan for a service member's achievement of health care objectives.

REACH MIL Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019

Recovery Engagement And Coordination for Health-Military Innovations for Life Act or the REACH MIL Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out a suicide prevention pilot program using predictive techniques currently utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). DOD shall share information with the VA to ensure that an active-duty service member who transitions from the military health care system may schedule follow-up mental health appointments with the VA.

Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019

Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2019 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for hearing-related issues in certain veterans for purposes of wartime disability compensation. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Per the bill, certain veterans with diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both shall be presumed to have incurred or aggravated such conditions during active military, naval, or air service. This bill applies to veterans who (1) served in combat, or (2) were assigned to a military occupational specialty that likely exposed them to a sufficiently high level of acoustic trauma. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust the schedule of rating disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid because of a service-connected disability.

End Price Gouging for Insulin Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019

End Price Gouging for Insulin Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to set a maximum price for insulin products for individuals and enrollees of federal health programs.

Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019

Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of 2019 This bill allows any Medicare beneficiary to enter into a contract with an eligible professional, regardless of whether the professional is a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner, for any item or service covered by Medicare. Such beneficiaries may submit a claim for Medicare payment in the amount that would otherwise apply, except that, where the professional is considered to be non-participating, payment shall be paid as if the professional were participating. An eligible professional is a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, registered dietitian or nutrition professional, physical or occupational therapist, qualified speech-language pathologist, or qualified audiologist. A Medicare beneficiary must agree in writing in such a contract to (1) pay the eligible professional for a Medicare-covered item or service; and (2) submit, in lieu of the eligible professional, a claim for Medicare payment. However, a beneficiary may negotiate, as a term of the contract, for the eligible professional to file such claims on the beneficiary's behalf. The bill preempts state laws from limiting the amount of charges for physician and practitioner services for which Medicare payment is made.

Hospice Care Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019

Hospice Care Improvement Act of 2019 This bill establishes survey requirements for, and enforcement mechanisms against, certified hospice programs under Medicare. Specifically, certified programs must undergo periodic surveys by a state, local, or approved accreditation agency, as specified; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must provide joint training for surveyors and programs, and must publish information relating to survey results on the Hospice Compare website. Surveyors must provide programs with educational materials to help them correct any found deficiencies. If the CMS finds that a program does not meet applicable standards, the CMS may impose intermediate sanctions, including suspended Medicare payments, temporary management, and additional training; such programs must also undergo more frequent surveys until they are found to be in compliance.

Whistleblower Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019

Whistleblower Protection Act of 2019 This bill retroactively prohibits a federal contractor from taking certain personnel actions with respect to specified employees. Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal contractor from taking a personnel action against an employee who has lawfully disclosed information the employee reasonably believes shows (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (2) gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Further, a federal contractor may not take a personnel action against an employee because of the employee's (1) lawful exercise of an appeal, complaint, or grievance right, or testifying or assisting in the exercise of such right; (2) cooperation with or disclosure of information to the agency's inspector general or special counsel; or (3) refusal to obey an order that would require the individual to violate a law, rule, or regulation. A federal agency is prohibited from pressuring a federal contractor from taking any personnel action against an employee based on such disclosures or actions by the employee.

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gilbert, Arizona, as the "Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 3285 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona, as the Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Gilbert, Arizona, as the "Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 3285 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona, as the Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.

Access to AEDs Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019

Access to AEDs Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award a grant to a health care organization to promote student access to defibrillation in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, such access shall be achieved in such schools by developing and providing comprehensive materials to establish defibrillation programs, providing support for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training programs, fostering new and existing community partnerships to promote the importance of defibrillation, establishing a clearinghouse database to gather information in a central location regarding sudden cardiac arrest in the pediatric population, and providing assistance to secondary school athletic departments for screening student athletes for risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Health Care Workforce Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019

Health Care Workforce Protection Act of 2019 This bill extends targeted liability protection to certain manufacturers, distributors, prescribers, and users of approved respiratory protective devices that are used under certain conditions during a declared public health emergency.

Fair Indexing for Health Care Affordability Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019

Fair Indexing for Health Care Affordability Act This bill revises the method for determining the annual per capita change in health insurance premiums for the purpose of determining the premium adjustment percentage that is used to establish the annual limits on cost sharing for health insurance plans.

Medicare Mental Health Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019

Medicare Mental Health Access Act This bill expands the definition of "physician," for purposes of the Medicare program, to include a clinical psychologist with respect to the furnishing of qualified psychologist services.

MATE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2019

Medication Access and Training Expansion Act of 2019 or the MATE Act of 2019 This bill requires prescribers of controlled substances, as a condition of obtaining or renewing their registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, to complete specified education or training on the prevention, treatment, and management of opioid-use and other substance-use disorders. This education and training shall also satisfy the training requirements currently needed to obtain waivers to prescribe certain medication-assisted treatments for opioid-use disorders in settings other than opioid treatment programs.

Protecting Access to Safe and Effective Medicines Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Protecting Access to Safe and Effective Medicines Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) practice of defining active ingredient more narrowly as active moiety in certain situations, such as when determining whether a new drug is entitled to a market exclusivity period or providing priority review of drugs for treating rare pediatric diseases. Generally, the FDA defines active moiety as the core molecule or ion in a drug responsible for the relevant physiological or pharmacological action. By contrast, the FDA defines an active ingredient as a component in a drug that is intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect. The FDA's existing practice of interpreting active ingredient as active moiety in certain situations, as statutorily authorized by this bill, tends to exclude some drugs from market exclusivity. The bill replaces references to active ingredient with active moiety in various statutes authorizing FDA activities.

Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act of 2019 This bill establishes several requirements for prescription drug plans under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill requires prescription drug plans to allow any pharmacy located in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area to be included as an in-network pharmacy if the plan already has other in-network pharmacies in the same area. The bill also establishes certain standards for prescription drug plans regarding pharmacy reimbursements and related disclosures. Among other things, the bill prohibits prescription drug plans from reimbursing a pharmacy in an amount that is less than the amount the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) reimburses an affiliated pharmacy (i.e., a pharmacy that has a shared ownership interest with the PBM) for the same services.

Safeguarding Medicare Access to Respiratory Therapy Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Safeguarding Medicare Access to Respiratory Therapy Act of 2019 This bill establishes certain requirements relating to Medicare coverage of ventilators. Specifically, the bill (1) excludes ventilators and other covered respiratory items, as specified, from Medicare's competitive acquisition program (in which rates are set through a competitive bidding program rather than by an established fee schedule); and (2) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a technical expert panel to review, and make recommendations regarding, national coverage determinations with respect to Medicare coverage of ventilators and other specified respiratory devices.

Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act of 2019 This bill establishes a series of requirements relating to coverage of ground ambulance services under Medicare. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must continue to designate an area as a rural or qualified rural area that is eligible for increased payment under Medicare, even if the area would otherwise no longer qualify for such designation, if the area has a specified population density. The CMS must also establish an administrative process to allow ambulance service providers to appeal a change in an area's designation. The bill also requires the CMS to (1) expand to all states a prior authorization model for repetitive scheduled nonemergent ambulance transport, in accordance with specified limitations, if such an expansion has not already occurred by a certain date; (2) increase payment rates for ground ambulance services; and (3) eliminate certain administrative requirements for such services.

BASIC Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Basic Assistance for Students In College Act or the BASIC Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award planning and implementation grants to institutions of higher education in order to identify and meet the basic needs of students, including food, housing, transportation, and health care. ED must also implement an agreement to (1) share data with other federal agencies in order to identify students who may be eligible for certain federal benefits; and (2) coordinate efforts to enroll those students in federal benefits programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

HELP for Small Businesses Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

Harmless Error Lesser Penalty for Small Businesses Act or the HELP for Small Businesses Act This bill prohibits an agency from imposing a civil fine on a small business for a first-time paperwork violation, with the exceptions that the agency may levy a fine for a violation that (1) interferes with the detection of criminal activity; (2) contravenes an internal revenue law; or (3) endangers public health, safety or interest.

A resolution designating October 2019 as "National Health Literacy Month".

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

This resolution designates October 2019 as National Health Literacy Month, encourages people to improve their health knowledge, and recommends that health care providers deliver health services clearly and comprehensively.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of October as "Brain Health Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Brain Health Awareness Month and encourages support for people living with diseases or injuries affecting the brain.

NATIVE VETERANS' ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 30 October 2019

Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act of 2019 This bill makes significant changes to the regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of nonprescription (i.e., over-the-counter or OTC) drugs. The bill establishes a new approval process for OTC medications. Specifically, it creates an FDA administrative order process for the evaluation of OTC products, replacing the present notice and comment rulemaking approach. Under the new process, the FDA may issue an administrative order determining that a specific OTC drug, class of drugs, or combination is generally regarded as safe and effective and not subject to the new drug application process. The FDA may also use the administrative order process to (1) determine that a drug, class of drugs, or combination poses an imminent hazard to the public health; or (2) require labeling changes to mitigate a significant or unreasonable risk of a serious adverse event associated with use of the drug. The bill provides for market exclusivity under certain circumstances. For drugs determined to be generally regarded as safe and effective pursuant to an administrative order requested by a sponsor (rather than initiated by the FDA), the requestor is granted 18 months of market exclusivity. This market exclusivity applies to an OTC drug with a new active ingredient or if the requestor conducted new human studies to get approval. The bill allows a sponsor of a nonprescription sunscreen active ingredient or a combination of such ingredients that was subject to a proposed sunscreen order to transition to the administrative order process. Market exclusivity provisions also apply to new sunscreen active ingredients. The FDA must establish a user fee program for OTC drugs.

Dignity for Aborted Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Dignity for Aborted Children Act This bill requires abortion providers to offer patients specified options concerning the human fetal tissue from an abortion. Specifically, patients must be given an informed consent form specifying the options to (1) take possession of the tissue for transfer to an entity that provides interment or cremations services, or (2) in cases where the tissue is expelled on the provider’s premises, release the tissue to the provider. If the tissue is released to the abortion provider, the provider must ensure the tissue is interred or cremated within seven days of the procedure in a manner consistent with state law regarding the disposal of human remains. Abortion providers must report annually about the aggregate number of abortions performed and other specified information. The bill provides civil or criminal penalties for violations of disposal, informed consent, and reporting requirements.

CONNECT for Health Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain restrictions, such as geographic restrictions, for services provided in high-need health professional shortage areas; excludes mental health and emergency medical services, as well as services provided at rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities, from such geographic restrictions; and allows the CMS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on information relating to the access of Medicare beneficiaries to telehealth services at home. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may also test alternative payment models relating to expanded telehealth services.

Community Multi-share Coverage Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Community Multi-share Coverage Program Act This bill establishes a pilot program to provide health coverage and employment supports for low-income individuals through partnerships between community organizations and hospitals.

Diabetes Prevention Semipostal Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Diabetes Prevention Semipostal Stamp, with all proceeds being transferred to the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require PDP sponsors of a prescription drug plan under part D of the Medicare program that use a formulary to include certain generic drugs and biosimilar biological products on such formulary, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

This bill establishes additional requirements for prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors that use formularies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill requires PDP formularies to include covered generic drugs and biosimilars for which the wholesale acquisition cost is less than that of the reference (i.e., brand-name) product. PDP sponsors must also establish specific cost-sharing tiers that apply lower cost-sharing requirements for such covered generic drugs and biosimilars as compared to those for brand-name products. The bill also prohibits PDP sponsors from instituting certain requirements relating to access to such covered generic drugs and biosimilars that are more restrictive than those for brand-name products (e.g., prior authorization requirements).

Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a process to provide a certain payment adjustment under the Medicare end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system. Specifically, the CMS must establish a process to provide for a temporary add-on payment adjustment for new medical devices used to diagnose, treat, or manage ESRD.

Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019 This bill allows the Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to accredited education programs to increase diversity in the physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology professions. Grants may be used to provide scholarships or to support recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented groups.

CONNECT for Health Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019

Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain restrictions, such as geographic restrictions, for services provided in high-need health professional shortage areas; excludes mental health and emergency medical services, as well as services provided at rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities, from such geographic restrictions; and allows the CMS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on information relating to the access of Medicare beneficiaries to telehealth services at home. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may also test alternative payment models relating to expanded telehealth services.

Insulin Price Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Insulin Price Reduction Act This bill prohibits health insurance plan issuers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from receiving rebates or discounts for insulin from manufacturers who certify that its current insulin list price has been reduced to an amount no greater than what the list price was for the same insulin on July 1, 2006. This restriction does not apply to discounts provided to insurance plan holders at retail sale or to flat-rate fees for service paid to PBMs. Further, insurance plans are prohibited from applying a deductible to insulin that has received such price certification. A manufacturer may certify insulin prices by submitting to the Department of Health and Human Services data about the list price of any insulin the manufacturer has produced since January 1, 2000, and by setting the current list price for an insulin product at the 2006 rate. To remain certified, a manufacturer may not increase the list price of insulin by more than the annual increase in the medical care consumer price index. A manufacturer may certify the price of an insulin product for which it did not have a list price in 2006 by reducing the list price of such insulin to the weighted average list price in 2006 of specified insulin categories. This bill also applies to Medicare prescription drug benefits. The bill sets the rebate for insulin under Medicaid based on the average manufacturer price of insulin during the last fiscal quarter of 2019, increasing by the medical care consumer price index thereafter.

Telehealth Across State Lines Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Telehealth Across State Lines Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with a range of stakeholders, to issue guidance for uniform best practices for the delivery of telehealth services. The bill also establishes a grant program to expand access to telehealth services in rural areas and revises the duties of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to incentivize the adoption of telehealth services.

Rural America Health Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Rural America Health Corps Act This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish a demonstration project under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to increase the number of health care providers in rural areas. Specifically, eligible participants who agree to serve for 5 years in such a rural area may receive up to $25,000 in loan repayments for each year of service.

Rural Health Innovation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Rural Health Innovation Act of 2019 This bill establishes two grant programs to increase access to emergency care in remote rural areas where the nearest emergency department is at least 30 minutes away or inaccessible by road. First, the bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide grants to establish or maintain federally-qualified health centers or rural health clinics located remote rural areas. Eligible health centers or clinics must (1) employ physicians and professional clinical and support staff; (2) have laboratories, x-ray machines, and cardiac monitors on site; and (3) provide walk-in urgent care, and staging for transport to an emergency department. Further, the bill requires HRSA to provide grants to rural health departments that are located in remote rural areas to support the provision of emergency services, triage and transport to emergency departments, primary care services, or other similar services. Eligible rural health departments must (1) have a nursing staff and medical equipment, (2) agree to provide such emergency or similar services, and (3) submit an estimated cost for the first year of staffing and equipment.

Public Safety Retirees Healthcare Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Public Safety Retirees Healthcare Protection Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $3,000 to $6,000 the amount excludible from the gross income of public safety officers for distributions from governmental retirement plans for health and long-term care insurance.

Mitigating Emergency Drug Shortages Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019

Mitigating Emergency Drug Shortages Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize the review of life-saving or life-sustaining drugs that are facing shortages. The bill also requires manufacturers to report certain information to the FDA when there is a permanent discontinuance or interruption in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients for such drugs.

Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019

Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2019 This bill establishes a competitive grant program for up to 40 hospitals with emergency departments and certain on-site professionals to help connect patients in emergency departments who are at risk of suicide with treatment and mental health services. Grants may be used to train emergency department providers and establish certain policies and procedures related to the identification, assessment, and treatment of, and care coordination for, individuals who are at risk of suicide. In awarding the grants, the Department of Health and Human Services may give preference to specified types of hospitals, such as critical access hospitals and hospitals in areas with suicide rates higher than the national average.