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Bill· SS. 4819 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities. For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity, and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to noncitizens; maternal, infant, and child health; mental and behavioral health; and specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDs, kidney disease, and diabetes. Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities; (2) establishes an Office of Health Disparities within HHS, as well as civil rights compliance offices within HHS agencies; and (3) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health. The Government Accountability Office must report on health workforce diversity and other specified issues related to health care and health disparities.
Bill· SS. 4815 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the executive branch a National Disaster Safety Board to study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage nationwide and make policy recommendations, and authorizes appropriations for the board through FY2024. Specifically, the board shall review and establish the facts, circumstances, and cause or probable cause of the loss of life, human injury, and economic injury due to a natural hazard or public health incident with 10 or more fatalities. The board shall initiate a review of an incident by monitoring the situation and assessing available facts to determine the appropriate review response without interfering in any ongoing lifesaving and life sustaining efforts underway by other entities; disseminate best practices for the development of internal review organizations; and establish an office to review and make recommendations to mitigate and prevent the loss of life, or human or economic injury, for vulnerable populations. The Government Accountability Office shall audit the board at least once every two years.
Bill· HRH.R. 8633 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Humane Research and Testing Act of 2020 This bill establishes the National Center for Alternatives to Animal Research and Testing within the National Institutes of Health to promote alternatives to animal research and testing and to reduce the number of animals used in such research and testing. It also requires federal departments or agencies and federally funded research entities that use animals for research and testing to develop plans to reduce the use of animals in their activities and annually report the number of animals that they use to the center. The center must make this information publicly available.
Bill· HRH.R. 8644 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Secure America's Medicine Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and annually update, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and others, a list of critical medications that the federal government should ensure are available in the event of a public health emergency. HHS must develop an initial list and report to Congress on its rationale for including or excluding certain medications. For annual updates, HHS must solicit public input on the contents of the list by consulting with relevant stakeholders and through the Federal Register. In addition, HHS must evaluate the factors that impact the supply of each medication on the list and identify any that may not be available in sufficient quantities in the event of a public health emergency. For any medications with insufficient availability, HHS must take certain actions to include them in the Strategic National Stockpile, and the bill makes changes to the administration of the stockpile to allow HHS to enter into additional types of contracts to acquire these medicines. The bill also requires the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (which coordinates federal preparedness efforts with respect to medical countermeasures) and the Government Accountability Office to address these contracts in their activities and reports related to the stockpile. HHS must also report to Congress on barriers to, and make recommendations to promote, domestic production of critical medications.
Bill· HRH.R. 8642 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2020 This bill provides for Medicare payment of certain at-home diagnostic tests and telehealth assessments that are provided in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), requires practitioners to report specified demographic data with respect to such tests and services, and prohibits payment for in-person tests that were already ordered via telehealth.
Bill· HRH.R. 8640 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Scientific Agencies Following Evidence and Guaranteeing that Unscientific Agendas are Refused and Denounced Act of 2020 or the SAFEGUARD Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Public Health Oversight Panel and sets out its duties and membership. Generally, the panel must, in consultation with relevant advisory bodies, advise Public Health Service agencies on the scientific basis for their actions. In addition, during public health emergencies, the agencies must provide the panel with the opportunity to review the scientific basis of their regulatory activities. The agencies may not issue a regulation, order, or other guidance if the panel determines that the scientific basis of the action is incorrect or that the evidence to support the scientific basis is insufficient.
Bill· HRH.R. 8639 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Mental Health Justice Act of 2020 This bill creates a grant program for states and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization. Grantees must use funds for purposes including de-escalation and anti-racism training. The Department of Health and Human Services and the DOJ must evaluate this program.
Bill· SS. 4800 (116th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
The Heroes Act This bill provides additional appropriations, modifies existing programs and requirements, and establishes new programs to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
Bill· SS. 4807 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act of 2020 This bill establishes new tax credits and revises existing credits and deductions to protect the hospitality and restaurant industries. Specifically, the bill allows a convention and trade show restart tax credit for (1) the costs of participation in a convention, seminar, or similar meeting, a business meeting, or a trade show that takes place after 2020; and (2) the costs of reopening an entertainment facility closed due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. It also allows a business-related tax credit for the costs of reopening restaurants or food service businesses forced to close down or reduce operations due to COVID-19. The bill modifies, and increases the rate of, the tax credit for the retention of employees for an employer whose business has been affected by a disaster or public health emergency. It also repeals the increased limitations on the tax deduction for meals and entertainment expenses enacted in 2017. Finally, the bill allows individual taxpayers a new tax credit for travel expenses relating to entertainment activities occurring in the United States between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
Bill· SS. 4811 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
Federal Correctional Facilities COVID-19 Response Act This bill requires federal correctional facilities to provide COVID-19 tests at no cost to inmates and employees and otherwise addresses the management of COVID-19 in these facilities. Correctional facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and private facilities that house inmates under contract with federal entities must provide initial tests within 15 days of the enactment of this bill and also establish a weekly testing program that will remain in effect through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inmates may opt out of this testing. In addition, facilities must provide appropriate follow-up services for those who test positive for, or display symptoms of, COVID-19, including necessary medical care for inmates and access to paid leave for employees. Furthermore, each facility must report specified COVID-19 data to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the public health authority of the state in which the facility is located. Specifically, facilities must report COVID-19 outbreaks to the CDC, and the CDC must deploy staff to facilities with outbreaks to prevent further spread of the disease. The bill also applies certain federal privacy standards for health records to, and restricts the use of, any data collected as a result of the testing and reporting activities. Additionally, the BOP, in consultation with the CDC and other experts, must update certain guidelines on managing COVID-19, and DOJ must also report to Congress on COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, and control activities at federal correctional facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 8622 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Analyzing Disaster Vulnerabilities and Applicable National Capabilities for Emergencies Act or the ADVANCE Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct national hazard preparation and response exercises and to report to Congress on such exercises and to report annually on the impact of natural disasters or public health emergencies on critical infrastructure. Specifically, DHS, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), must at specified intervals conduct an exercise to test the modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities and their utility for emergency response of the United States with respect to significant natural disasters or public health emergencies impacting critical infrastructure. Each exercise shall be coordinated through the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center and the DOE National Laboratories and Technology Centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 8604 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Protecting Essential Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish within two months a publicly accessible clearinghouse of information about personal protective equipment used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or other pathogens that trigger public health emergency declarations. The clearinghouse must identify sources of available equipment, verify product prices, and provide other information to facilitate the procurement of these products. Participation in this clearinghouse by suppliers of personal protective equipment must be voluntary.
Bill· HRH.R. 8624 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Protecting Access to Innovation During COVID-19 Act This bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the duration of pass-through status (i.e., additional payment) for certain drugs and devices under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. Specifically, the CMS may extend the pass-through status of drugs and devices that received such status during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) if their cost cannot be accurately calculated due to the effects of COVID-19. The bill's provisions apply to drugs and devices that had pass-through status during any portion of the public health emergency period, including those for which such status has already expired.
Bill· HRH.R. 8615 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act of 2020 or the ARC Act of 2020 This bill provides for coverage of peripheral artery disease screening tests without cost-sharing under Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance for certain at-risk individuals, and requires the development of certain educational programs and quality measures to reduce amputations relating to such disease.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1192 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and efforts to increase awareness of lung cancer and lung cancer screening.
Bill· HRH.R. 8623 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Securing Affordable Vaccines Equally for Seniors Act or the SAVE for Seniors Act This bill specifies that vaccines for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) that are authorized for emergency use must be covered under Medicare without cost-sharing. The bill applies retroactively.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1190 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
This resolution expresses gratitude to perinatal nurses and encourages participation in National Perinatal Nurses Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 8588 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to (1) study the current and historical production of drugs and key ingredients in the United States and in foreign countries, and (2) formulate recommendations for promoting increased production of drugs and key ingredients in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 8586 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act This bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover residential addiction treatment facility services for adults between the ages of 22 and 64 if such services are offered as part of a full continuum of evidence-based treatment services. Residential addiction treatment facility services are medically necessary inpatient services provided in an accredited, size-limited facility for the purpose of treating a substance-use disorder within a specified time period. In addition, the bill establishes a grant program for states to expand infrastructure and treatment capabilities of existing youth addiction treatment facilities that (1) provide addiction treatment services to youths under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and (2) are located in communities with high numbers of medically underserved populations of at-risk youths. At least 15% of grant funds awarded to a state must be used for making payments to rural facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 8581 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act or the Triple A Study Act This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study issues related to health insurance and other coverage for assistive technologies, such as prosthetic devices and custom orthoses, for those who experience amputations or live with a limb difference. In conducting this study, the GAO must include comparisons of claims and other data from Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and commercial health insurers.
Bill· HRH.R. 8569 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the executive branch a National Disaster Safety Board to study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage nationwide and make policy recommendations, and authorizes appropriations for the board through FY2024. Specifically, the board shall review and establish the facts, circumstances, and cause or probable cause of the loss of life, human injury, and economic injury due to a natural hazard or public health incident with 10 or more fatalities. The board shall initiate a review of an incident by monitoring the situation and assessing available facts to determine the appropriate review response without interfering in any ongoing lifesaving and life sustaining efforts underway by other entities; disseminate best practices for the development of internal review organizations; and establish an office to review and make recommendations to mitigate and prevent the loss of life, or human or economic injury, for vulnerable populations. The Government Accountability Office shall audit the board at least once every two years.
Bill· HRH.R. 8553 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Managing American Knowledge and Equipment to Prevent Pandemic Emergencies Act or the MAKE PPE Act This bill addresses federal planning and coordination related to production and distribution of personal protective equipment and other critical nonpharmaceutical supplies during public health emergencies. It also supports efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and production of the materials and incorporates inventory management of the materials in existing grants for community and hospital preparedness. The bill specifically directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop the capacity to coordinate these activities. In addition, FEMA, the Executive Office of the President, and the Department of Health and Human Services must jointly develop, in consultation with relevant federal partners, a protocol for federal procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies during emergencies. They must report to Congress on this protocol. FEMA must also establish the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response to coordinate, and develop a strategy related to, the procurement and distribution of critical materials. Among other tasks, the office must set up a data repository to track the demand for these materials. With respect to expanding domestic production, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs must, subject to some exceptions and waivers, purchase critical nonpharmaceutical materials that are produced domestically. Additionally, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology must award grants for U.S. manufacturers to expand domestic production capacity of critical materials and for entities to develop educational materials to aid the public in making temporary masks and other equipment.
Bill· HRH.R. 8561 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Restoring Fairness to Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 2020 This bill eliminates, beginning in 2021, the increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) that currently applies to coverage of the Medicaid expansion population (i.e., adults under the age of 65 who are newly eligible through Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).
Bill· HRH.R. 8573 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Helping Families Access Pediatric Care Act of 2020 This bill prohibits deductibles for outpatient pediatric services under private health insurance, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and TRICARE.
Bill· HRH.R. 8555 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Vaccine Fairness Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide weekly reports to Congress concerning the distribution of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccines to the public. Specifically, HHS must submit the first report within seven days of the date on which the federal government begins distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, the Secretary of HHS must be available to brief Congress on the date on which each report is submitted.
Bill· HRH.R. 8574 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Protecting Residents with Oversight, Transparency, and Enforcement for Compassionate Treatment in Long Term Care Facilities Act or the PROTECT Long Term Care Facilities Act This bill establishes a series of requirements for Medicare skilled nursing facilities and Medicaid nursing facilities during declared emergencies relating to infectious disease outbreaks, including specific survey and reporting requirements, and provides funds for state survey agencies to conduct related investigations.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1186 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
This resolution commends biomedical researchers and other research entities for their work to improve the health of communities and encourages a continued commitment to biomedical research.
Bill· HRH.R. 8565 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Children's Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires federal agencies to analyze the impact of any proposed and final rule that may negatively affect the health outcomes of a substantial number of children, including the impact of the rule on access to health insurance, health care, and behavioral health care services.
Bill· HRH.R. 8558 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Act of 2020 This bill provides for Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance coverage of certain tattooing services in connection with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, and aligns the scope of Medicare and Medicaid coverage of such breast reconstruction with that of private health insurance.
Bill· HRH.R. 8568 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020
Promoting Restoration of Emergency Preparedness and Advancing Response to Epidemics in Long-Term Care Act or the PREPARE LTC Act This bill provides statutory authority for certain infection control and emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare skilled nursing facilities and Medicaid nursing facilities, and expands certain requirements to apply to other infectious disease outbreaks beyond COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1181 (116th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
This resolution recognizes the work of former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter on behalf of those affected by mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1182 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
This resolution recognizes National Midwifery Week and the contributions of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives in providing sexual and reproductive health care services.
Bill· HRH.R. 8544 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
Services and Trauma-informed Research of Outcomes in Neighborhoods Grants for Support for Children Act of 2020 or the STRONG Support for Children Act of 2020 This bill establishes two grant programs for governmental health departments to prevent and mitigate childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. For the first program, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to health departments to use data analysis methods to identify interventions to prevent and mitigate childhood trauma. Grant activities include, among others, using data analysis to identify geographic areas with a high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and to implement strategies to improve outcomes for infants, children, and adolescents. For the second program, HHS must award grants to local or tribal governments to establish or expand early childhood trauma-informed care coordination services, including by instituting risk and needs assessments to respond to adverse childhood experiences. For both grants, the bill prohibits the use of funds for certain purposes, such as using the data analysis methods to inform individual case decisions, including child removals, or increasing the presence of law enforcement. In addition, HHS must evaluate and report on these programs and make findings and recommendations publicly available on its website.
Bill· HRH.R. 8546 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
Fair Drug Prices for Kids Act This bill allows states to apply the requirements of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program to covered outpatient drugs under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Bill· HRH.R. 8529 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
Protecting Access to Affordable Medicines Act of 2020 This bill prohibits additional rebates for certain drugs under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Specifically, the bill prohibits additional rebates with respect to noninnovator multiple-source drugs (i.e., generics) for which the average manufacturer price is less than $1.
Bill· HRH.R. 8542 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
Defeat Pandemic Propaganda Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from obligating or expending federal funds before November 3, 2020, on public service announcements intended to positively influence public perception or misrepresent facts regarding the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic or encourage activities that carry an undue risk of contracting the disease.
Bill· SS. 4796 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2020
Fair Care Act of 2020 This bill addresses the health care system, including Medicare, Medicaid, the private health insurance market, and the prescription drug approval process. The bill also revises tax provisions related to certain health care costs and establishes requirements for lawsuits involving health care provided, at least in part, through a federal program or with federal funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 8526 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Health Smart Air Travel Act or the HSAT Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to improve the application of public health risk mitigation measures related to the public health risks presented by COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019) in airports and on passenger aircraft. DOT may provide grants under the program to states, commercial airlines, airports, public health institutions, and other entities to to carry out development, testing, or evaluation of such public health risk mitigation measures. DOT, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must each designate federal facilities for receiving, processing, and analyzing data collected and experience gained by recipients of grants under the program. DOT, DHS, and HHS must use the data collected and experience gained to (1) jointly identify technical, regulatory, or policy challenges to the integration of public health risk mitigation measures related to the public health risks created by COVID-19 in airports and on passenger aircraft; and (2) inform ongoing initiatives by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop operational standards and procedures to mitigate such public health risks.
Bill· HRH.R. 8525 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Expanded Genetic Screening Act of 2020 This bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover noninvasive prenatal genetic screening for pregnant women. (Noninvasive prenatal genetic screening uses naturally occurring fetal DNA from the mother's blood to screen for genetic abnormalities.)
Bill· HRH.R. 8528 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Ensuring Telehealth Expansion Act of 2020 This bill extends through December 31, 2025, several telehealth flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), such as expanded Medicare coverage of such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 8527 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Fair Care Act of 2020 This bill addresses the health care system, including Medicare, Medicaid, the private health insurance market, and the prescription drug approval process. The bill also revises tax provisions related to certain health care costs and establishes requirements for lawsuits involving health care provided, at least in part, through a federal program or with federal funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 8506 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2020 or the TEAM Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address health care, research, and resources for veterans who were exposed to burn pits or toxic substances during their military service, including by expanding eligibility for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for such veterans.
Bill· HRH.R. 8511 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
Care Corps Demonstration Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to certain public entities and private nonprofits to implement care corps programs through which volunteers provide long-term services and supports to older adults and people with disabilities. Volunteers who participate in these programs receive benefits, such as living and travel allowances and post-service educational awards.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1176 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ostomy Awareness Day. (Ostomy is type of surgery that creates an opening in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when an individual has lost normal functions of the digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or other medical conditions.)
Bill· HRH.R. 8505 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020
This bill excludes certain adjustments to payments for physician services under Medicare from budget neutrality requirements in FY2021. The bill also rescinds $10 billion of unobligated funds from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 8471 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Set Sail Safely Act This bill establishes a Maritime Task Force to address the health and safety of passengers, crew, and associated workers, logistical issues relating to the continuation of maritime travel, and the resumption of cruise operations in United States waters during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The task force must consist of members from several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Transportation. It must work together with input from private sector stakeholders to develop a plan about policies and procedures that need to be adopted for the safe resumption of the cruise line industry during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Bill· HRH.R. 8470 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Federal Correctional Facilities COVID-19 Response Act This bill requires federal correctional facilities to provide COVID-19 tests at no cost to inmates and employees and otherwise addresses the management of COVID-19 in these facilities. Correctional facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and private facilities that house inmates under contract with federal entities must provide initial tests within 15 days of the enactment of this bill and also establish a weekly testing program that will remain in effect through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inmates may opt out of this testing. In addition, facilities must provide appropriate follow-up services for those who test positive for, or display symptoms of, COVID-19, including necessary medical care for inmates and access to paid leave for employees. Furthermore, each facility must report specified COVID-19 data to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the public health authority of the state in which the facility is located. Specifically, facilities must report COVID-19 outbreaks to the CDC, and the CDC must deploy staff to facilities with outbreaks to prevent further spread of the disease. The bill also applies certain federal privacy standards for health records to, and restricts the use of, any data collected as a result of the testing and reporting activities. Additionally, the BOP, in consultation with the CDC and other experts, must update certain guidelines on managing COVID-19, and DOJ must also report to Congress on COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, and control activities at federal correctional facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 8476 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Telehealth Improvement for Kids' Essential Services Act or the TIKES Act This bill requires several agencies to promote and evaluate the use of telehealth under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill requires (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance to states on ways to increase access to telehealth; (2) the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to study the impact of telehealth on health care access, utilization, costs, and outcomes; and (3) the Government Accountability Office to evaluate federal interagency collaboration with respect to the provision of telehealth services to individuals under the age of 18.
Bill· HRH.R. 8479 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a pilot program with private entities to test the effectiveness of acquiring, maintaining, managing, and distributing a stockpile of generic drugs at risk of shortage. Specifically, HHS must enter into contracts of up to three years for entities to create a six-month stockpile of up to 50 types of such drugs. The bill establishes various program requirements, including annual evaluations by the Government Accountability Office.
Bill· HRH.R. 8496 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Strictly Pay for Efficient and Expedited Delivery of Your COVID-19 Tests Act or the SPEEDY COVID-19 Tests Act This bill establishes and otherwise modifies requirements relating to Medicare payments for specified laboratory diagnostic tests during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). In particular, the bill requires laboratories, as a condition of Medicare participation, to furnish COVID-19 test results to health care providers within 28 days of when the test was ordered. The bill also adjusts payments based on how quickly laboratories return test results. For example, the bill increases payments for laboratories that return test results within 24 hours, but prohibits payment for results that take 72 hours or longer.