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Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

251 records in US in 1973

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 9158 (93rd)referred

Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1973

Provides supplemental appropriations, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, of $17,490,000 for detection, treatment and elimination of lead-based paint poisoning under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act and $5,010,000 for the demonstration and research program under such Act.

Bill· SS. 2115 (93rd)referred

A bill to facilitate the recruitment of health personnel for remote and isolated hospitals of the Public Health Service through the provision of adequate housing for personnel by establishing a rental guarantee program as an incentive for builders and other sponsors to construct needed housing for Public Health Service personnel.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

Establishes a rental guarantee housing program as an incentive for builders to construct housing for Public Health Service personnel of remote and isolated hospitals of the Public Health Service. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 210)

Bill· HRH.R. 9125 (93rd)referred

X-Ray System Radiation Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

X-Ray Systems Radiation Control Act - Provides that, whenever the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare prescribes a summary performance standard for a class of X-ray system under the Public Health Service Act, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such a class manufactured, assembled, or imported prior to the effective date of such primary standard. Directs that such regulations shall take effect not more than thirty months after the enactment of the primary standard and shall specify the same level of performance as the primary standard. Provides that, commencing not more than thirty months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems in use in the United States for the purpose of determining whether such systems comply with the standards prescribed by the Act. Requires that each X-Ray System be inspected not less than once every twelve months. Forbids any person to operate any X-ray system for more than 24 months after the person who controls such system has been notified that such system does not comply with the standards prescribed by the act. Forbids any person, thirty months after the enactment of this Act, to sell or otherwise transfer any X-ray system unless prior to such sale or transfer he notifies the Secretary and receives the Secretary's authorization to sell or transfer such system. Forbids the Secretary to authorize the sale or transfer unless he is satisfied that such system complies with the standards prescribed by the Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 9126 (93rd)referred

Radiation Health and Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and minimum criteria for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by the owner or operator of an educational institution, or an individual applying radiation to human beings for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Provides that the Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report evaluating the implementation of this Act by the Federal Government and including such recommendations for legislation as he considers appropriate.

Bill· HRH.R. 9124 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish in the Public Health Service an institute for research on dysautonomia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

Requires the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to establish the National Dysautonomia Institute for research on dysautonomia. Provides that the Surgeon General shall establish a national advisory council for the Institute to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him with respect to the activities of the Institute.

Bill· HRH.R. 9079 (93rd)referred

Respiratory Disease Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

Respiratory Disease Benefits Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide assistance, in cooperation with the States, to workers who are totally disabled due to a respiratory disease (other than pneumoconiosis contracted as a result of employment in one or more coal mines) arising out of their employment in a health-hazard industry (other than a coal mine) and to the surviving dependents of workers whose death was due to such disease or who were totally disabled by such disease at the time of their deaths. Sets forth definitions to be used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or Before December 31, 1976 - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall, in accordance with the provisions of this title and the regulations promulgated by him under this title, make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any worker due to a respiratory disease arising out of his employment in a health-hazard industry, and in respect of the death of any worker whose death was due to such disease or who at the time of his death was totally disabled by such disease. Provides for the dispersal of benefit payments by the Secretary. Provides for payment of such benefits to the worker in case of total disability and, in the case of death, to the widow, surviving child or children and the dependent parent or parents under a specified schedule. States that benefit payments under this Act to a worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by an amount equal to any payment received by such worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws of his State on account of the disability of such worker, and the amount by which such payment would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such worker under the Social Security Act. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1976 - Provides that on and after January 1, 1976, any claim for benefits for death or total disability due to a respiratory disease arising out of a worker's employment in a health-hazard industry shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that during any period when such workers or their surviving widows, children, parents, brothers, or sisters, as the case may be, are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law which provides adequate coverage for such disease, they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a list of adequate state workmen's compensation laws. States that the Secretary of Labor shall by regulation establish standards, which may include appropriate presumptions, for determing whether any particular respiratory disease arose out of employment by any particular employer. Permits the Secretary by regulation to establish standards for apportioning liability for benefits under this title among more than one employer, where such apportionment is appropriate. Provides the authorization for appropriations and directs annual reports to be made by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare as well as the Secretary of Labor to Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 9100 (93rd)referred

Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973

Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to administer the programs and authorities assigned to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated under this Act $80,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975 and 1976. States that any State plan under this Act must set forth, in accordance with the criteria and not less than the minimum standards to be set by the Secretary, standards for construction and licensing of public and private treatment facilities, as well as standards for other community services or resources available to assist individuals to meet problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Authorizes the Secretary, for each fiscal year, acting through the Institute, during the period beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, to make grants to States for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the next two fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Directs the Secretary, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to make grants to public and private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and institutions and to enter into contracts with public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and individuals: (1) to conduct demonstration, service, and evaluation projects; (2) to provide education and training; (3) to provide programs and services in cooperation with schools, courts, penal institutions, and other public agencies; and (4) to provide counseling and education activities on an individual or community basis; for the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and for the rehabilitation of alcohol abusers and alcoholics. Authorizes to be appropriated $90,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this section. Provides that alcohol abusers and alcoholics who are suffering from medical conditions shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment, solely because of their alcohol abuse or alcoholism, by any private or public general hospital which receives support in any form from any programs supported in whole or in part by funds appropriated to any Federal department or agency. Directs the Secretary to make regulations for the enforcement of the policy of this section.

Bill· HRH.R. 9048 (93rd)passed

Veterans Health Care Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1973

Veterans Health Care Expansion Act - Title I: Hospital, Domiciliary, and Medical Care Benefits - Extends the definition of "private facilities" for which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs contract in order to provide hospital care to include facilities for the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, pemanent in nature, resulting from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Includes in the term "hospital care" mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, and training of a veteran or dependent, or survivor if the veteran has no dependents, as may be necessary or appropriate to the effective treatment and rehabilitation of such individual. Adds home health services which the Administrator deems appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of a veteran, or dependent, or survivor, to the definition of the term "medical services." Extends to all veterans hospital or nursing home care if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of the necessary care. Allows the Administrator to furnish hospital or nursing home care to the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Permits the Administrator to furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis for persons already described in this Act and to any veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at eighty percent or more. Provides that any veteran entitled to a prosthetic appliance shall be furnished such fitting and training in its use as necessary. Authorizes the Administrator, under such regulations as he might prescribe, to reimburse veterans entitled to hospital care or medical services for the reasonable value of such care or services for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the Veterans' Administration. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 628) Authorizes the President to assist the Republic of the Philippines in providing medical care and treatment for Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts under certain conditions. (Amend 38 U.S.C. 631) Provides that the President may authorize the Administrator to enter into a contract with the Veterans Memorial Hospital, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines under which the United States: (1) will pay for hospital care in the Republic of the Philippines, or for medical services which shall be provided either in Veterans' Administration facilities, or by contract, or otherwise, by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under this title for commwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under this title, for service-connected disabilities; (2) will pay for hospital care at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to need such care for non-service-connected disabilities if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care; and (3) may provide for payments for nursing home care for any Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout and for payments for hospital care and for medical services consisting of medical supplies and equipment. Provides that the total of the payments authorized under this section for Philippine veterans shall not exceed $2,000,000 for any one fiscal year ending before 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year ending with 1978, $100,000 to be used for the education and training of health service personnel at the hospital, and for the upgrading of equipment and in rehabilitating the physical plant and facilities of the Veterans Memorial Hospital. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 632) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a comprehensive program providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, and treatment and to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia based upon such screening examinations and treatment. Requires the Administrator to include such information in his annual report to Congress. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 651-654) Title II: Amendments to Chapter 73 of Title 38, United States Code Relating to the Department of Medicine and Surgery - Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a major program of recruitment, training, and employment of veterans with various medical military occupation specialties in order to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of veterans and to assist in providing an adequate supply of health manpower to the nation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4101(b)) Establishes pay schedules for Assistant Chief Medical Directors, physicians and dentists, and nurses. Provides criteria on which nurses are to receive additional compensation for holiday and overtime work. Enumerates restrictions on physicians, dentists, and nurses, including requirements that no such person may: (1) assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Veterans' Administration facility, except in those cases where the individual, upon request and with the approval of the Chief Medical Director, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days, which may be extended by the Chief Medical Director for additional periods not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days each; (2) teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for his personal benefit, or both. Provides that temporary full-time appointments of personnel, other than physicians, dentists, and nurses, shall not exceed one year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4114(a)(3)(A)) Provides that the Administrator may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Veterans' Administration in the training of interns or residents to provide for the central administration of stipend payments, provision of fringe benefits, and maintenance of records for such interns and residents by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency for this purpose. Permits the Administrator to pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, all amounts to cover the costs for the period such intern or resident serves in a Veterans' Administration hospital. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 4114(b) (2)) Title III: Amendments to Chapter 81 of Title 38, United States Code, Acquisition and Operation of Hospital and Domicilliary Facilities; Procurement and Supply - Requires the Administrator to provide for sufficient operating beds in Veterans' Administration Hospitals to accomodate eligible applying veterans and to report annually to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than eight thousand beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(a)) Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Veterans' Administration Facilities to advise him on all matters of structural safety in the construction and remodeling of Veterans' Administration facilities. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(b)) Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments to Title 38 United States Code - Specifies certain miscellaneous amendments to title 38 of the United States Code. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the dates on which the provisions of this Act shall become effective.

Bill· SS. 2072 (93rd)referred

Protection of Human Subjects Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

Protection of Human Subjects Act - Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavorial Research. Sets forth the membership composition of such Commission and their rates of compensation. Directs the Commission to: (1) investigate the ethical, social and legal implications of advances in biomedical and behavorial research; (2) develop ethical principles underlying the conduct of such research involving human subjects and implement regulations assuring that such research is carried out in accordance with those principles; (3) develop procedures for the certification of Institutional Review Boards; (4) develop sanctions for failure of the review boards to respond to Commission rules; and (5) develop a means for compensating individuals and their families for injuries or death proximately caused by such individual's participation in a biomedical or behavorial research program. Sets forth the subjects the Commission shall consider in carrying out these duties. Provides that no institution may receive assistance from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct biomedical or behavorial research involving human subjects unless such institution has established an Institutional Review Board certified by the Commission. Requires that until certification of such Boards has been established, each institution shall protect the welfare of subjects involved in research and attain, by adequate methods, their informed consent. Defines the term "informed consent." Stipulates that no exculpatory language of the agreement shall waive the subject's legal rights or release the institution or its agents from liability for negligence. Prescribes the duties of the Institutional Review Boards. Provides for inspection of facilities involved in biomedical and behavorial research programs involving human subjects. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements to be met by every biomedical research program under the Commission's jurisdiction. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

Bill· SS. 2068 (93rd)referred

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the making of grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.

Bill· SS. 2071 (93rd)referred

National Research Service Award Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

National Research Service Award Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act, by consolidating existing research training and fellowship authorities into a single National Research Service Awards Authority, to increase the capability of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health to carry out their responsibility of maintaining a superior national program of research into physical and mental diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to provide, under the Public Health Service Act, National Research Service Awards in the following manner: (1) biomedical and behavioral research at the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health; (2) training at such institutes of individuals to undertake research in specified matters (3) biomedical research at non-Federal public and at nonprofit private institutions; and (4) training at such public and private institutions of individuals to undertake such research. Provides that applicants for National Research Service Awards must be sponsored by the institution at which training shall be carried out. Limits the period of any National Research Service Award to three years in the aggregate, unless the Secretary should waive such limit. Requires that each individual who receives a National Research Service Award shall (1) engage in health research or teaching, or (2) if authorized, serve as a member of the National Health Service Corps; serve in his specialty in private practice in an area designated by the Secretary as requiring that specialty; or serve in his specialty as a member of a nonprofit prepaid group practice authorized for reimbursement under title XVIII (Health Insurance for the Aged) of the Social Security Act, for a specified period. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section $207,947,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct studies to: (1) establish the Nation's overall need for biomedical research personnel; (2) assess current training programs available for the training of biomedical research personnel; and (3) identify the kinds of research positions available to and held by individuals completing such programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 8985 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish a Federal program to encourage the voluntary donation of pure and safe blood, and to establish a national registry of blood donors.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8986 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish a Federal program to encourage the voluntary donation of pure and safe blood, and to establish a national registry of blood donors.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8984 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish a Federal program to encourage the voluntary donation of pure and safe blood, and to establish a national registry of blood donors.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973

Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8920 (93rd)passed

A bill to amend the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to private nonprofit organizations and any public agency of a unit of local government in any State to develop programs to detect and treat incidents of lead-based paint poisoning under the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. Increases from seventy-five percent to ninety percent the limit on the Federal share of the cost of developing such programs. Stipulates that any organizations receiving funds under the Act shall make available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States any books and records necessary to assist them in auditing funds received under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct appropriate research on multiple layers of dried paint film, containing the various lead compounds commonly used, in order to ascertain the safe level of lead in residential paint products. States that, not later than December 31, 1974, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a full report of his findings and recommendations as developed pursuant to such programs. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish procedures to eliminate the hazards of lead based paint poisoning in any housing which is covered by an application for mortgage insurance or housing assistance payments under a program administered by him. Lowers the percentage of lead contained in a paint to five-tenths of 1 percent lead by weight in order to be designated a lead-based paint under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 yearly for fiscal years 1974-75 for grants used for the detection and treatment of lead-based paint poisoning; $30,000,000 yearly for fiscal years 1974-75 for grants used for the elimination of lead-based paint poisoning, and $2,500,000 yearly for fiscal years 1974-75 for Federal demonstration and research programs on the elimination of lead-based paint poisoning. Establishes a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on policy relating to the administration of this Act. States that the Act shall supersede all State and local laws relating to lead content in paints. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4801-43)

Bill· HRH.R. 8933 (93rd)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973

Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 8839 (93rd)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973

Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 8780 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title 18 of the United States Code to make it a Federal crime to carry out any research activity on a live human fetus or to intentionally take any action to kill or hasten the death of a live human fetus in any federally supported facility or activity.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973

Makes it a Federal crime to carry out any research activity on a human fetus or to intentionally take any action to kill or hasten the death of a human fetus in any Federally supported facility or activity. Provides criminal penalties for violation of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 246)

Bill· HRH.R. 8749 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the standards which apply in determining the basis on which Federal matching will be accorded toward State expenditures for skilled and intermediate care facility services provided under State plans approved under such title.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1973

Revises the standards applicable in determining the basis on which Federal matching will be accorded toward State expenditures for skilled and intermediate care facility services provided under State plans approved under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs).

Bill· SS. 1998 (93rd)referred

Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1973

Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 per year for specified fiscal years for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants. States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Communtiy Mental Health Centers Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8585 (93rd)referred

National Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1973

National Healthcare Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes $100 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Grants loans to student nurses covering the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies and other related costs, or $3,500. Authorizes $75 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Provides that scholarship grants may, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, be awarded, according to the needs of the individual, up to the full cost of his tuition, fees, books, equipment and living expenses. Authorizes for this purpose $50 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977. Allows loans for students in the allied health professions covering the full cost of tuition fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, $60 million for fiscal year 1976, and $75 million for fiscal year 1977 for this purpose. Includes junior colleges, colleges and universities which offer training in health care center administration or curriculums providing the allied health-professionals needed to operate comprehensive ambulatory health care centers within the training grant provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a new program of special project grants to help education institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for this purpose. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1973 there is authorized an additional $200 million in grant authority to be used for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities. Provides this sum through a new allotment category which is separate from existing allotment categories for construction and modernization of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that a portion of the funds available for grants hereunder be used to assist nearly-constructed facilities to pay initial start-up and operation expenses during the first three years of operation of such centers. Directs that funds available for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers will be allotted to the several States on the same basis as allotments now made for construction of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that transfers from allotments for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities to allotments for the construction of other types of facilities are not authorized. Permits carryovers of unused allotments from one fiscal year to the other. Requires that priorities for awarding grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers be given to proposed facilities in densely populated areas now lacking such facilities. Provides that, in its evaluation of the health needs of its citizens, the State health planning agency would be required to determine as part of its planning process the number of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed in the State and a plan for distribution of such centers. Requires the adoption of a program providing for construction of those comprehensive ambulatory health care centers identified as needed in its State plan, or for modernizing such existing facilities. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of health facilities from which recovery of Federal funds may be made by the Federal Government from facilities which no longer qualify. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of facilities which qualify for Public Health Service Act loans, guarantees and interest subsidies for construction or modernization of health facilities. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Provides that the President shall make a health report to the Congress no later than July 1 of each year on the status of the nation's health needs and health care system with a program for meeting those needs. Creates a three-man Council of Health Policy Advisers in the Executive Office of the President, its members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Council to hire officers, employees and such experts and consultants as may be needed. Requires the Council to make an annual health report to the President not later than April 1 of each year to be transmitted to the Congress as a supplement to the next Health Report of the President to the Congress. Provides that in its first report to the President the Council shall specifically review and advise the President on health programs. Requires the Council to develop and recommend goals for a national health policy to promote efficiency, eliminate waste and duplication in the utilization of health facilities and resources, and to recommend specific programs to streamline and consolidate health manpower programs. Directs the Council to consult with the National Advisory Health Council, and other advisory councils or committees as well as such representatives of the private sector as it deems advisable and to utilize the services, facilities and information of other public and private organizations to the fullest extent to avoid unnecessary overlapping or duplication of effort. Provides that the Chairman shall be compensated at the rate of Level II and the other members at the rate of Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates. Authorizes such sums as are needed to enable the Council to function, not to exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. Requires every agency of the Federal Government to include, to the fullest extent possible, in each report on proposals for legislation or other major Federal action significantly affecting health or the health care system, the impact of the proposal on the nation's health care system, adverse effects, alternatives, the relative priority established by the Council of Health Policy Advisers, and any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources involved. Provides that in order to qualify for the comprehensive health planning grants that a State plan for comprehensive State health planning must, in addition to existing requirements, provide for the project certification procedures established by this Act. Increases the funds authorized for project grants for areawide health planning to $100 million for fiscal year 1975. Directs that to be eligible for the grants the agency must be prepared to function as the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" for the area or region. Requires the agency to be prepared to play a strengthened role in coordinating areawide health affairs, including the determination of health needs, capital expenditures programs, cooperative use of facilities, optimum use of available manpower and improved management techniques. Requires the agency to provide for consultation with the areawide health planning council and other groups, for the representation of health care facilities and physicians for enlisting public support, and for educating the public concerning the proper use of facilities and services available. Provides that, in the case of applications for Federal grants, loans, or other financial aid involving more than $100,000 which require certification by the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency, the application may be approved by the Secretary only after he is satisfied that the review provisions of this title have been met. Requires that the agency have reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the application and has certified to its essential need and high priority. Provides that if the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" is a metropolitan or other local planning agency, that agency, after reviewing the application, must have communicated its comments to both the applicant and the State agency. Directs the State planning agency to make its own determination that the application fits in with the State's overall needs and priorities as expressed in the State plan. Requires that if two or more States are involved, each State agency must make a separate certification as to the need and priority of the project in its State. Provides that in the case of a project affecting an entire State, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the agency designated in the State plan. Provides that in the case of a project affecting a region, metropolitan area, or other local area, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the areawide comprehensive health planning agency or such other public or nonprofit private agency determined in accordance with regulations to be performing the required health planning functions. Title V provisions to make comprehensive health care insurance available to all requires that benefits paying for not less than the health care required under the minimum standards must be included in private or State established health care plans as a condition of eligibility for the Federal tax or other public financial assistance accorded under this bill. Permits additional benefits and allows a qualified private health care plan to provide for a covered individual's payment of medical expenses exceeding established deductible and co-payment standards. Permits qualifying health care plans to include various other optional provisions. Assures that the minimum standards of health care required to be provided to needy and uninsurable individuals will be no less than those required for others. Assigns one of three "priority designations" to each of the benefits covered and requires benefits in the several priority categories to be phased-in in accordance with a schedule prescribed in the law. Authorizes the President, under restricted conditions stated in the law, to defer the scheduled time for phase-in benefits under this title. Specifies the initial minimum standard healthcare benefits for individuals covered under qualified private plans and those for individuals covered under qualified public plans. Revises the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Federal income tax deduction otherwise allowable to an employer for any amount paid or incurred by the employer for medical care of any employee or his dependents. Restricts this deduction to 50 percent of the described expense for the medical care of the employee if the amount is incurred in 1975, 75 percent if the amount is incurred in 1976, and 100 percent thereafter. Provides that if the employer establishes and maintains a qualified employee healthcare plan the restriction will not apply, and 100 percent of the described expense is deductible. Applies such provision to taxable years after December 31, 1974, except that, in the case of any employer plan providing medical care for employees which was established pursuant to a collectively-bargained agreement, the restrictions on the deduction will not apply until the expiration of the agreement, or December 31, 1977, whichever occurs first. Requires that each qualified employee healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act and be in writing, adopted by the employer, and communicated to his employees. Requires that a coordination of benefits provision be included in a qualified plan to avoid costly duplication of coverage and the plan must permit eligible employees to seek coverage instead from any approved health maintenance organization in cases where specified conditions are satisfied. Allows 100 percent of medical care insurance premiums as an income tax deduction, if such expenses are paid by an individual who is covered by a qualified individual healthcare plan, a qualified employee healthcare plan, or a qualified state healthcare plan. Requires that each qualified individual healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act. Requires that a qualified individual insurance contract contain provisions which obligate the insurer to renew the policy, and allows covered dependents to continue their coverage under the policy after the death of the insured as if he were still alive. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of publicly subsidized health care insurance plans on a State by State basis. Provides that each State will have a health insurance pool, which all private entities in that State (both profit and non-profit) which currently indemnify the cost of health care would be required to underwrite. Directs that one or more private insurance carriers will be designated by the State to administer the State plan on a retention accounting basis. Provides that these State plans will guarantee that minimum standard healthcare benefits are made available to individuals and families who previously were unable to purchase health care insurance, either because of their low income or their extremely poor health. Provides that, in order to encourage a State to establish a plan, Federal appropriations otherwise payable to the State pursuant to titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act are conditioned on the State having in operation a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that individuals or families who are eligible to receive public cash assistance under a program financed in whole or in part by Federal funds will be enrolled in the State plan automatically, and without cost. Permits those individuals who are financially capable of procuring health insurance, but who are uninsurable because of poor health, to enroll in the State plan at their own expense; however, these individuals may not be charged more than the established rate for other individuals enrolled in that State plan. Provides that enrollment of other individuals and families who had low incomes the previous year (less than $4,000 for single individuals, less than $6,000 for a family of two, and less than $8,000 for a family of three or more) is voluntary. Allows such individuals and families to elect to be enrolled once each year and requires them to make contributions toward the cost of insuring their own health care, depending on the size of their family and the amount of their income. Provides that the premiums to be charged for each policy year under a State plan will be actuarially determined in each State, and for each family size risk category. Directs that if the established premiums are found to be unjustified within a particular State, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may direct a reduction in the Federal appropriation for that State's premium cost. States that each State has the primary obligation to provide the uncontributed premium cost for its plan; but if the State implements and utilizes controls which are designed to promote the delivery of lower-cost, higher-quality institutional health care services, if it exempts qualified state healthcare plan transactions from State taxation, and if it eliminates discriminatory State tax treatment of health care insurers, then the State will receive Federal appropriations reimbursing it for a percentage of its total uncontributed premium cost. Provides that the base figure may be between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the State's per capita income, but further adjustments to this percentage may be made if institutional rates charged in any particular State for health care services are unjustifiably high in comparison with other States. Gives States the authority to review in advance the rates to be charged by health care institutions for their services, and to refuse to approve these rates for payment under the State plan. Provides that a professional service, otherwise covered by these State plans, shall be reimbursed only if it falls within professionally established utilization guidelines or is found to be necessary health care by a qualified peer review committee. Asserts that no charge for a necessary service shall be reimbursed to the extent that it exceeds the prevailing charge in a locality for similar services. Provides that if the premiums collected and other monies received under the State plan are not sufficient to pay the claims incurred and the other costs of operating the State plan, the private underwriters of the plan shall bear the losses to the extent of 3 percent of the premiums collected for that year. Directs the State to bear the excess losses equal to the base Federal percentage for that State's premium costs. Provides that enrollment is not available to those individuals or families covered under a qualified employee healthcare plan. Provides that applicants for enrollment in the State plan must provide and certify all information required to make an eligibility determination. States that any Federal or State agency may be required to furnish information deemed by the administering carrier to be necessary to verify eligibility. Revises title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Excludes payment for items and services now covered under title V of the Social Security Act if they also would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Provides that title V will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified state healthcare plans. Revises title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove existing limitations on Medicare Part B enrollment which prevent otherwise eligible State plan enrollees from qualifying for qualified State healthcare plan to pay the premium for supplementary medical insurance benefits under Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for individuals and families who are eligible to enroll in the Part B program and who are also eligible to receive public cash assistance under a federally financed program. Revises title XVIII to allow a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to which all of these indigent State plan enrollees will be enrolled under the program established by Part B of title XVIII. Revises title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Provides that on July 1, 1975, or upon a State's establishment of a qualified State healthcare plan, whichever occurs first, payment for items and services now covered under title XIX would be excluded if they would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Directs that title XIX will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified State healthcare plans. Establishes standards for the quality and cost to enrollees for health care service provided by physicians or other medical practitioners and for health care services rendered to State plan enrollees in health care institutions. Provides that these standards shall apply to determine "reasonable cost" under the existing federally subsidized health care programs established by title V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires that the premiums and other monies received pursuant to the operation of a qualified State healthcare plan will, to the extent feasible, be invested by the administering carrier in interest-bearing obligations and other income-yielding securities. Exempts this interest or other income from Federal income taxation. Requires insurance carriers to pool their efforts and resources to insure that all individuals and families will receive higher-quality, lower-cost health care benefits. Provides that these carriers will not be subject to Federal or State antitrust legislation solely as a result of their efforts to comply with the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1960 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require any nursing home, which provides services under any State program approved under such title, to submit to the State agency administering such program an annual report on the costs incurred in the operation of such nursing home.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973

Requires any nursing home, which provides services under any State program approved under title XIX of the Social Security Act, to submit to the State agency administering such program an annual report on the costs incurred in the operation of such nursing home.

Bill· SS. 1959 (93rd)referred

National Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973

National Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy Act - Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke to develop a plan, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for a neurological disease program to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Institute with respect to such diseases. Provides that such plan shall be submitted to the Congress with recommendations for necessary appropriations. Requires the Director to prepare and submit an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress on the activities, progress and accomplishments under the plan. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out such plan. Provides for the development of new centers for clinical research and treatment respecting neurological diseases and disorders. Authorizes the Director to enter into cooperative agreements with public or nonprofit agencies or institutions to pay all or part of the costs of developing and operating such centers. Provides that the aggregate of payments made to any center may not exceed $5,000,000 in any year. Authorizes to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for the development of such centers. Provides for the development of cooperative programs between the Institute and other Federal health agencies and with State, local, and regional public and nonprivate health agencies. Authorizes the Director to make grants to public and nonprivate entities for research and training in neurological diseases not exceeding $100,000 per year. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out such programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 8539 (93rd)referred

A bill to provide for the continued operation of various Public Health Service hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973

Provides for the continued operation of various Public Health Service hospitals in Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, San Francisco, Staten Island, Galveston, Norfolk, and Boston. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to take no action inconsistent with the policy set forth in this Act. Restricts the President and the Secretary from impounding funds appropriated for such hospitals.

Bill· HRH.R. 8422 (93rd)referred

Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973

Mental Health Act - Provides that every individual who is a resident of the United States, or who is a non-resident citizen of the United States, shall be eligible to receive the benefits provided by this title. Lists the mental health services covered by this Act and provides that benefits under this Act shall consist of entitlement to have payment made on his behalf, without limit as to duration except as otherwise specifically indicated. Sets forth qualifications of psychiatric hospitals for participation in the program under this title, including that provide active diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services with respect to mental illness, and that it is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to periodically determine the amount which should be paid under this title to each provider of care and services with respect to the care and services furnished by it. Provides that no payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, under any State plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, or under any other Federal law or program, with respect to any care or services for which payment is made under this title. Provides that the program under this title shall be administered by the Secretary with the advice and assistance of a Committee on Mental Health which shall be appointed by the Secretary. Provides that the Committee shall be specifically responsible under the direction of the Secretary for the approval of all providers of care and services for participation in the program under this Act and for the establishment of the guidelines and qualifications to be applied to any of such providers not affiliated with any specific psychiatric hospitals. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the program under this Act, including his recommendations for any improvements or modifications.

Bill· HRH.R. 8386 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish a Federal program to encourage the voluntary donation of pure and safe blood, and to establish a national registry of blood donors.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973

Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8353 (93rd)referred

Rehabilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973

Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration, to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be headed by a Commissioner. Creates within such Administration a Center for Technology Assessment and Application, which is responsible for developing and supporting medical technology to solve rehabilitation problems. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Provides that States may submit consolidated rehabilitation plans under this Act and under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following; (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services; (3) vocational and training services; (4) physical and mental recreation services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and technological aids. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of projects for conducting research which bears directly on the methods of providing vocational rehabilitation services to the handicapped. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay part of the cost of projects for training personnel in providing vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost for construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing and planning assistance. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure mortgages for rehabilitation facilities. Specifies conditions to be met prior to the issuance of any such mortgage. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants for mortgages for rehabilitation facilities. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for the purpose of establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Sets forth specific grant and contract requirements applying to all projects approved and assisted under this title. Title III: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title IV: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals. Sets forth the functions and duties of such Commission. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Provides that no person shall be excluded from participation in any program of this Act on the grounds of sex.

Bill· HRH.R. 8391 (93rd)referred

A bill to provide financial assistance for research activities for the study of sudden infant death syndrome, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to or enter into contracts with public or private nonprofit institutions to pay the Federal share of the cost of research, designed to identify the causes and to develop preventive measures to eliminate sudden infant death syndrome. Sets forth the activities for which a payment may be made under this Act. Provides that payment in any fiscal year to any single institution under this Act may not exceed $50,000. States that the Federal share of the cost of any activities for which application is made under this Act shall be 50 percent. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 8388 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title 10 of the United States Code to permit the temporary loan, lease, or assignment of helicopters which are excess to operational and training needs of the military departments to State and local governments for use in carrying out public health and safety functions.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973

Permits the temporary loan, lease, or assignment of helicopters which are excess to operational and training needs of the military departments to State and local governments for use in carrying out public health and safety functions. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 2545)

Bill· HRH.R. 8368 (93rd)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973

Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 8303 (93rd)referred

Rehabilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973

Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration, to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be headed by a Commissioner. Creates within such Administration a Center for Technology Assessment and Application, which is responsible for developing and supporting medical technology to solve rehabilitation problems. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Provides that States may submit consolidated rehabilitation plans under this Act and under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $690,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services; (3) vocational and training services; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and technological aids. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of projects for conducting research which bears directly on the methods of providing vocational rehabilitation services to the handicapped. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay part of the cost of projects for training personnel in providing vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost for construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing and planning assistance. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure mortgages for rehabilitation facilities. Specifies conditions to be met prior to the issuance of any such mortgage. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants for mortgages for rehabilitation facilities. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other serivces as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for the purpose of establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Sets forth specific grant and contract requirements applying to all projects approved and assisted under this title. Title III: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title IV: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 8260 (93rd)referred

Health Care Insurance Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973

Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.

Bill· HRH.R. 8248 (93rd)referred

Health Programs Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973

Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.

Bill· HRH.R. 8232 (93rd)referred

A bill to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to continue to operate and maintain the hospitals and other health care delivery facilities of the Public Health Service to assume that persons entitled to care and treatment at such facilities will continue to receive care and treatment there.

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973

Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to continue to operate and maintain the hospitals and other health care delivery facilities of the Public Health Service to assure that persons entitled to care and treatment at such facilities will continue to receive care and treatment there.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 418 (93rd)passed

Resolutions providing for the consideration of H.R. 7806. A bill to extend through fiscal year 1974 certain expiring appropriations authorizations in the Public Health Service Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act, and the Developmental Disabilities Service and Facilities Construction Act.

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973

Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H. R. 7806) to extend through fiscal year 1974 certain expiring appropriations authorizations in the Public Health Service Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act, and the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act, and for other purposes. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule by titles instead of by sections. Requires that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit. Stipulates that, after the passage of H. R. 7806, the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce shall be discharged from the further consideration of the bill S. 1136, and it shall then be in order in the House to move to strike out all after the enacting clause of the said Senate bill and insert in lieu thereof the provisions contained in H. R. 7806 as passed by the House.

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