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Bill· HRH.R. 7070 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
Bill· HRH.R. 7066 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contract with health maintenance organizations to provide medical care for members of the armed forces and their dependents.
Bill· HRH.R. 7071 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
Bill· HRH.R. 7063 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6988 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to waive the freedom of choice of health service provider requirement of a State Medicaid plan when the Secretary determines that the State plan is cost effective and is of the same or better quality than a plan chosen by an eligible individual.
Bill· HRH.R. 6986 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Health Care Expenditures Regulation Review Act - Requires any officer or agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government to submit all proposed health care regulations to each House of Congress. Sets forth the procedure by which a proposed health care regulation shall become effective. Directs the head of any Federal department or agency to give 60 days notice to the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and Congress, prior to initial publication of any regulation which relates to: (1) costs or expenditures of, or reimbursements to, individuals or providers of health care; or (2) the fixing of any rate or charge.
Bill· HRH.R. 6965 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
Bill· HRH.R. 6949 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act by adding Title XVII - Fertility, Sterility, and the Reproductive Process. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit entities for research projects in fertility and sterility in humans and the human reproductive process and for training to enable persons to undertake such research.
Bill· HRH.R. 6944 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to exempt from regulatory provisions thereunder employee benefit plans maintained solely for the purpose of complying with health insurance laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 6894 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Health Service Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to create a United States Health Service Organization to provide without charge to all residents comprehensive health care services delivered by salaried health workers. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service Organization - Establishes the United States Health Service Organization as a nonprofit corporation of the District of Columbia. States that the employees of such Organization shall not be employees of the Federal Government. Requires the President to appoint by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, 21 individuals as an Interim Board of Directors of the Organization. States that the Interim National Board shall serve as incorporators of the Organization. Directs such Board to: (1) establish the boundaries of the health care delivery regions established by this Act; (2) select and assist regional health boards; (3) coordinate the initial election of community health boards; and (4) submit a report to Congress on its performance under this Act after the appointment of the National Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Interim National Board, within six months of the appointment of its members, to establish health care delivery regions throughout the United States. Requires that each such region be a contiguous geographic area appropriate for the effective governance, planning, and delivery of all health care and supplemental services under this Act for residents of a region having a population of not less than 500,000 and not more than 3,000,000 individuals. Allows for exceptions to such population restrictions when such exceptions would facilitate the delivery of health care or the effective governance of the program. Directs the Interim Board, in establishing health care delivery regions, to take into account the differences in health care needs between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Directs the Interim Board to appoint an interim regional board for each region. Makes it the duty of each such regional board: (1) to establish the boundaries of health care delivery districts and of health care delivery communities within its region; and (2) to conduct elections for voting members of community boards within its region. Stipulates that each region shall be divided into three or more health care delivery districts which shall be contiguous geographic areas with populations of not less than 100,000 and not more than 500,000 individuals. Divides each district into three or more health care delivery communities which shall be contiguous geographic areas with populations of not less than 25,000 and not more than 50,000 individuals. Authorizes variations in the number of districts in a region or communities within a district, and in the respective population requirements, in the interest of facilitating health care delivery and management in such areas. Sets forth the procedures and the requirements for the election of health care delivery community boards. Requires the establishment of health care delivery district boards by appointment by each community board of an eligible individual to serve as a member of its respective district board. Stipulates that after the initial meeting of each district board, each such board shall appoint an eligible individual to serve as a member of its respective regional board. Requires each regional board to appoint an eligible individual to serve as a member of the National Board and to notify the Interim National Board of each such appointment. Requires the Interim National Board to notify the Secretary of the Treasury and the Congress of the certification of each member of the National Board. Sets forth the procedures to be used in subsequent elections and appointments of members of health boards. Permits the National Board to review and modify the boundary of any region in which there has been a substantial shift of population. Outlines the organizational structure of the National Health Board. Directs each health board to record the minutes of each of its meetings and each of its committees and advisory groups, and to make such records available to the public for inspection and copying. Makes meetings of each health board, committee, and advisory groups open to the public. Requires the National Board to establish such advisory guidelines and standards as will facilitate the implementation of the objectives of this Act. Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services - Enumerates the basic health rights which the Organization shall ensure in the delivery of health care services to users including: (1) the right to receive health care and supplemental services without charge and without discrimination; (2) the right to choose the health workers from whom, and health facilities in which, health care services are received; (3) the right to have all health care information translated into the individuals primary language; (4) the right to an explanation of the benefits and risks involved in the delivery of such service; (5) the right to refuse the initial or continuing delivery of any health care service; (6) the right to have all documents treated confidentially; and (7) the right to legal assistance to enforce these rights. Declares that all individuals while within the United States or any of its territories are eligible to receive health care and supplemental services under this Act. Includes within the care and services to be provided: (1) the services of health workers in specified fields; (2) inpatient and outpatient services in health care facilities of the organization; and (3) drugs, appliances, and other medical supplies; and (4) emergency services furnished in facilities not operated by the Organization. Enumerates the supplemental services to be provided under this Act. States that such services shall consist of: (1) ambulance transportation; (2) child care; and (3) homemaking services. States that the Organization shall provide specified health care services through the community, district, and regional health boards and facilities. Requires each community board to establish community health care facilities to provide comprehensive primary and specialized health care services including: (1) general primary medical care and treatment; (2) preventive health services; (3) dental care; (4) obstetrical and gynecological services including family planning and contraceptive services, and abortion counseling and services; (5) vision and hearing testing and provision of eyeglasses and hearing aids; (6) 24-hour emergency medical services; (7) provision of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic devices, and medical appliances; (8) mental health services; (9) home health services; and (10) occupational safety and health services. Requires each district board to establish, within its district, a general hospital for the delivery of general health care services and those specialized services which may be provided most effectively at the district level. Requires each regional board to establish a regional medical facility for the delivery of highly specialized health care services to individuals residing in the region. Directs each area health board to provide through its health care facilities: (1) health education on personal health matter; (2) referral services to health care facilities located outside the board's area; and (3) environmental health inspection and monitoring services. Requires area health boards to utilize, to the maximum extent feasible, existing health facilities. Title III: Health Labor Force - Declares that not withstanding any law of a State or political subdivision, the Organization shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of its employees. Directs the National Board to establish guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category. Requires each district board to establish a district health team school to provide programs of initial and continuing basic and specialized education in health care delivery for health workers in all levels of the health care field. Prohibits any individual from enrolling in an area health board school or specialized program unless the individual agrees to perform health care services as an employee of the Organization for a specified period of time in the job category for which training is being provided. Applies specified Federal standards to labor-management relations within the Organization including provisions relating to: (1) employment and promotion in the Organization; (2) adverse actions against employees; (3) compensation for work-related injuries; and (4) collective-bargaining agreements. Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards - Requires each area health board to establish a program of health advocacy to ensure the full realization of patients' rights as enumerated in Title II of this Act. Directs the National Board to establish a health rights legal services program to ensure that users and health workers receive free, high quality legal services for legal problems related to health rights and health care services. Stipulates that each regional board, the appropriate National Board, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall provide that any user, health worker, or voluntary association having a demonstrated interest in health care may commence a grievance proceeding before the Secretary, or board with respect to an alleged violation of this Act by the appropriate board. Outlines the procedure to be used in the filing and hearing of such grievances. Enumerates the remedies to be provided if an entity determines that a board has failed to comply with this Act. Directs the National Board to oversee occupational safety and health programs at the regional level and to participate in the establishment and administration of occupational safety and health standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Makes conforming amendments within the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Directs each community board to provide for the organization and operation in its community of a community occupational safety and health action council (OSHAC). Directs each regional board to establish an occupational health and safety program for its region. Requires the employer in each workplace to establish and maintain a health facility in or near the workplace to provide occupational and emergency health care services to employees. Gives employees in each workplace the right to establish workplace occupational safety and health committees to monitor safety and health conditions in their workplace. Grants right of inspection to such committees. Authorizes employees to leave work sites at which a hazard has been found to exist. Directs the National Board to establish National Institutes of: (1) Epidemiology; (2) Evaluative Clinical Research; (3) Health Care Services; (4) Pharmacy and Medical Supply; and (5) Sociology of Health and Health Care. Requires each regional board to establish a program for the purchase and distribution of drugs and other medical supplies for use by health care facilities established within its region. Title V: Financing of the Organization - Imposes a tax on every individual, estate, trust, and corporation for funding of the Health Service Organization. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code taxing individuals and employers and allowing deductions to employers and individuals for services which will be provided by the Health Service Organization. Creates the Health Service Trust Fund which shall consist of gifts, bequests, and appropriations. Transfers to the Trust Fund all of the assets and liabilities of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund which now provide funding for the Medicare program. Creates the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund to manage and invest the Fund. Requires each health board to submit to the appropriate board a plan and budget for the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of each year. Directs the National Board to prepare and transmit to the appropriate boards a national health budget for the fiscal year. Limits the manner in which allocated funds shall be expended. Authorizes the borrowing of money and the issuing and selling by the National Board of such obligations as the Board determines in necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes the effective date of health services under this Act January 1 of the fourth calendar year in which this Act is enacted. Repeals all programs and provisions of the Public Health Service Act except for: (1) Title III Part F (Licensing - Biological Products and Clinical Laboratories and Control of Radiation) and Part G (Quarantine and Inspection); and (2) Title VII (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel). Repeals Titles V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid), of the Social Security Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Alcohol and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Acts. Repeals provisions relating to hospitals and other health facilities for Indians. Repeals the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 and the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prepare and to transmit to Congress legislation to repeal or amend such provisions of law as are inconsistent with the purposes of this Act. Transfers funds, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property and records or programs repealed by this Act to the Organization.
Bill· HRH.R. 6895 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6864 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6843 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. States that the benefits provided to an individual under this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for certification of a State long-term care agency by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act by individuals who elect to participate in the long-term care program. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a Board of Trustees of such Trust Fund, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. Requires the Board to meet at least once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual who (a) is eligible for benefits under this part, (b) resides in the area served by such center, and (c) is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth a formula by which payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers may be calculated. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method within 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 6789 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6756 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Tertiary Eye Center Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify tertiary eye care centers that need upgrading and to make grants to accomplish such purpose. Directs the Secretary to create a Tertiary Eye Commission to assess the present state of eye care facilities in the United States, to develop plans for improving and expanding such facilities, and to make grants to public and nonprofit private tertiary eye care centers to implement such upgrading. Requires the Commission, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Secretary and the President a final report, and to submit such interim reports as are necessary, with respect to its activities. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6708 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6710 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973 to prohibit any entity which receives financial aid from, or enters into any contract with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from questioning any applicant for admission as a student about the views of the applicant regarding abortion or sterilization. Prohibits such entity from discriminating against any applicant for study because of the refusal of the applicant to participate in the performance of an abortion or other medical services contrary to the religious beliefs or moral convictions of the applicant.
Bill· HRH.R. 6706 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Child Health Assessment Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for the administration of such Title to include early, periodic screening or physical and and mental defects in children under the age of six who are members of families eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Establishes a Child Health Assessment Program under Medicaid. Requires State Medicaid plans to include child health assessments and primary care to specified individuals under the age of 21. Requires the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid plan to: (1) provide to specified individuals periodic health assessments; (2) provide a minimum range of diagnostic and treatment services; (3) be readily accessible on an ongoing basis; and (4) make required reports to the State or to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Allows an individual who has received a health assessment to remain eligible for all care and services provided under the State plan for six months after such individual's family has become ineligible for Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Requires State medicaid plans to (1) encourage participation by physicians and health care centers in the child assessment program, and (2) assure the physicians and health care centers of the availability of appropriate support services. Fundings the program out of the sums appropriated for State Medicaid programs. Allows the Secretary to reduce, by 20 percent, a State's Medicaid funds if the State does not comply with standards promulgated for the Child Health Assessment Program. Allows the Secretary to make additional payments to States that have met the criteria for good performance of the States Child Health Assessment Program. Sets forth the criteria for determining good performance under such program. Repeals the previous provision of the Social Security Act relating to appropriations for Child Health Care Assessment programs.
Bill· SS. 1385 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services to the extent recognized under State law.
Bill· SS. 1391 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Hospital Cost Containment Act - Title I: Transitional Hospital Cost Constraint Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the program established by this title to constrain the rate of increases in total acute care hospital inpatient costs. States that the increase in total revenue which a hospital may receive in any accounting year in the form of: (1) reimbursement paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and by cost payers for inpatient services; and (2) charges imposed upon other persons for inpatient services, may not, on a per admission basis, exceed the average inpatient reimbursement due or inpatient charges imposed per inpatient admission in the base period by more than the percentage allowed under this Act. Sets forth formulas by which the limits of the increase in total revenue may be computed. Bases the "inpatient hospital revenue increase limit" on increases in the gross national product deflator. Defines terms used in this Act. Excepts from such limits hospitals which are experiencing substantially higher costs as a result of extraordinary changes in patient loads or major changes in facilities and services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit applicable during a twelve month period beginning on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a formula for adjusting such revenue increase limit based on the number of admissions during a 12-month accounting period. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exceptions to the revenue increase limit during periods in which the excepted hospitals meet specified criteria. Permits any hospital which is dissatisfied with the decision of the Secretary to grant or not to grant an exception if the amount in controversy is $25,000 or more, to obtain a hearing before the Provider Reimbursement Review Board established by the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint five additional members to such Board for the purpose of reviewing appeals under this title. Prohibits, under the Social Security Act, the payment of hospital costs in excess of the limits established pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the receipt by any hospital, or payment by any cost payer for inpatient hospital services on a cost basis in excess of applicable limits. Subjects hospitals or cost payers in violation of these prohibitions to: (1) a Federal excise tax established by this Act; (2) exclusion from participation in any of the programs established under the Medicaid, Medicare or Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the Social Security Act. Allows the Secretary to exclude from the cost containment provisions: (1) hospitals meeting specified criteria, provided the Governor of the State in which such hospital is located requests such exclusion; and (2) hospitals engaged in certain experiments or demonstrations authorized by the Social Security Act. Requires every hospital to submit semiannually to the appropriate health systems agency its average semiprivate room rate and the charges for the ten other representative services most important for purposes of comparing hospitals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1959 to impose an excise tax on payments received for inpatient hospital services in excess of the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit. Title II: Limitation on Hospital Capital Expenditures - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to promulgate: (1) an annual hospital capital expenditures limit; (2) a national ceiling for the supply of hospital beds; and (3) a national standard for the rate if occupancy of hospital beds. Sets forth the criteria to be considered by State health planning agencies when considering applications for certificates of needs submitted by health facilities. States that the aggregate of capital expenditures in a State under certificates of need may not exceed the hospital capital expenditures limit for the State for the year as established by the Secretary.
Bill· SS. 1392 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Child Health Assessment Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for the administration of such Title to include a provision for the early periodic screening of physical and mental defects in children under the age of six who are members of families eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Establishes a Child Health Assessment Program under Medicaid. Requires State Medicaid plans to include the provision of child health assessments and primary care to specified individuals under the age of 21. Directs that child health assessments be provided only by a health care provider who enters into an agreement with the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid plan to: (1) provide to specified individuals periodic health assessments; (2) provide a minimum range of diagnostic and treatment services; (3) be readily accessible on an ongoing basis; and (4) make required reports to the State to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Allows an individual who has received a health assessment to remain eligible for all care and services provided under the State plan for six months after such individual's family has become ineligible for Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Requires State medicaid plans to provide that the State will encourage participation by physicians and health care centers in the child assessment program and that the State will assure the physicians and health care centers of the availability of appropriate support services. Provides for the funding of the program out of the sums appropriated for State medicaid programs. Allows the Secretary to reduce, by 20 percent, a State's Medicaid funds if the State does not comply with standards promulgated for the Child Health Assessment Program. Allows the Secretary to make additional payments to States that have met the criteria for good performance of the State's Child Health Assessment Program. Sets forth the criteria for determining good performance under such program. Repeals previous provision of the Social Security Act relating to appropriations for Child Health Care Assessment programs.
Bill· SS. 1383 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to exempt from regulatory provisions thereunder employee benefit plans maintained solely for the purpose of complying with health insurance laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 6641 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled of such Title.
Bill· HRH.R. 6637 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Volunteer Ambulance, First Aid, and Rescue Squad Personnel Benefits Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend public safety officer death benefits to members of volunteer ambulance, first aid, or rescue squads. Makes coverage under the Public Safety Officers Benefits Act retroactive so as to apply to death occurring after 1971.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 519 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any legislation providing for the modification or federalization of medical assistance programs include optometric services. Urges the States to seek to include optometric services whether or not they are included in the offerings of primary health care.
Bill· HRH.R. 6575 (95th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Hospital Cost Containment Act - Title I: Transitional Hospital Cost Constraint Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the program established by this title to constrain the rate of increases in total acute care hospital inpatient costs. States that the increase in total revenue which a hospital may receive in any accounting year in the form of: (1) reimbursement paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and by cost payers for inpatient services; and (2) charges imposed upon other persons for inpatient services, may not, on a per admission basis, exceed the average inpatient reimbursement due or inpatient charges imposed per inpatient admission in the base period by more than the percentage allowed under this Act. Sets forth formulas by which the limits of the increase in total revenue may be computed. Bases the "inpatient hospital revenue increase limit" on increase in the gross national product deflator. Excepts from such limits hospitals which are experiencing substantially higher costs as a result of extraordinary changes in patient loads or major changes in facilities and services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate inpatient hospital revenue increase limit applicable during a 12-month period beginning on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a formula for adjusting such revenue increase limit based on the number of admissions during a 12-month accounting period. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exceptions to the revenue increase limit during periods in which the excepted hospitals meet specified criteria. Permits any hospital which is dissatisfied by the decision of the Secretary to grant or not to if the amount in controversy is $25,000 or more, grant an exception, to obtain a hearing before the Provider Reimbursement Review Board established by the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint five additional members to such Board for the purpose of reviewing appeals under this title. Prohibits, under the Social Security Act, the payment of hospital costs in excess of the limits established pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the receipt by any hospital of payment by any cost payer for inpatient hospital services on a cost basis in excess of applicable limits. Subjects hospitals or cost payers in violation of these prohibitions to: (1) a Federal excise tax established by this Act; and (2) exclusion from participation in any of the programs established under the Medicaid, Medicare on Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the Social Security Act. Allows the Secretary to exclude from cost containment provisions: (1) hospitals meeting specified criteria, provided the Governor of the State in which such hospital is located requests such exclusion; and (2) hospitals engaged in certain experiments on demonstrations authorized by the Social Security Act. Requires every hospital to submit semiannually to the appropriate health systems agency, its average semiprivate room rate and the charges for the ten other representative services, most important for purposes of comparing hospitals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on payments received for inpatient hospital services in excess of the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit. Title II: Limitation on Hospital Capital Expenditures - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to promulgate: (1) an annual hospital capital expenditure limit; (2) a national ceiling for the supply of hospital beds; and (3) a national standard for the rate of occupancy of hospital beds. Sets forth the criteria to be considered by State health planning agencies when considering applications for certificates of need submitted by health facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 6568 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the medical and other health services covered by such Title the transportation of patients confined to a stretcher or wheelchair in a vehicle which is not equipped as an ambulance but which is adequately equipped to transport such patients.
Bill· SS. 1351 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Grants the consent of Congress to retired members of the uniformed services, members of Reserve components of the armed forces, and members of the Public Health Reserve Service Corps to accept employment with foreign governments with the approval of the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of State.
Bill· HRH.R. 6440 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow medical facilities to be reimbursed by the Federal Government for emergency medical treatment given aliens unlawfully in the United States if such aliens are unable to pay the cost of such treatment or can pay only a part of the cost and the aliens or medical facilities which provided such treatment are not eligible under any public assistance program for payment or reimbursement of such cost. Requires that an application for reimbursement be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth criteria for determining whether such an application shall be approved.
Bill· HRH.R. 6436 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
Bill· HRH.R. 6397 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
Bill· HRH.R. 6408 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Comprehensive Medical Practice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add "Title XVII - Comprehensive Medical Practices." Defines a "comprehensive medical practice" as a legal entity which: (1) provides medical services through health professionals licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy, a specified number of whom engage in family medicine, primary pediatrics, or primary internal medicine: (2) offers a comprehensive variety of medical services reasonably expected to meet the majority of medical needs of the area it serves; (3) offers each patient an individual health professional primarily responsible for the continuity of care of such individual by the entity; (4) shares equipment, facilities, and personnel among its members; (5) meets applicable accreditation standards; and (6) maintains an information program for the residents of its service area, such program fully disclosing the services offered, the fees charged, and the method of resolving billing or medical services grievances. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to entities for activities to determine the feasibility of developing, operating, or expanding comprehensive medical practices. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and loan guarantees for planning, initial development, and initial operation costs for such practices. Establishes in the Treasury a loan guarantee fund to be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the discharge of the Secretary's loan guarantee responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation, from time to time, of such amounts as may be necessary for purposes of such fund. Establishes in the Treasury a loan fund to be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation to enable the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make available to insurers reinsurance against claims brought by any of their insureds which are comprehensive medical practices and arising out of medical malpractices, which exceed $100,000. Entitles the Secretary, in any suit brought in the appropriate U.S. district court, to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities for projects to promote: (1) the teaching of alternative methods of delivering medical care to health professions students; (2) the training within comprehensive medical practices of students of health professional schools and individuals in residency training programs in family medicine, primary pediatrics, and primary internal medicine; (3) programs under which comprehensive medical practices serving medically underserved populations are given support services by health professional schools; and (4) programs for training in the management of comprehensive medical practices. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities for studies to determine the quality of medical care furnished in the various forms of medical practices and the efficiency of the delivery of medical care in each form. Requires that, within three years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary report to Congress the results of such studies and recommend the means by which medical care may be most economically delivered, while maintaining high quality. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applications for assignment of National Health Service Corps personnel to practice in comprehensive medical practices. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for medical assistance to provide that comprehensive medical practices be paid specific percentages of the costs of providing care and services.
Bill· HRH.R. 6411 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the services to be provided under such Act medically required outpatient rehabilitation services. Defines the terms "outpatient rehabilitation facility," and "outpatient rehabilitation services" for purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6344 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Medical Assistance Amendments - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits thereunder. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Includes within the coverage of Title XVIII eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, one physical checkup a year, preventive care, diagnosis of breast cancer, services of clinical psychologists, and services of registered nurses. Establishes a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6310 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 6296 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
National School-Age Mother and Child Health Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to designated State agencies to meet part of the cost of planning and coordinating services for school age girls and their children. Sets forth requirements which the State plans must meet before receiving such grants, including: comprehensive health care to school-age girls (associated with the continuation of pregnancy) and to their children, family planning and counseling, infant and child day care and a coordinated program of social services. Prohibits the collection by, or submission to, the Federal or State Government of identifying information of persons receiving services under this program. Establishes a unit within the Maternal and Child Health Service of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to administer and coordinate the program established by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6323 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
Bill· HRH.R. 6307 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.
Bill· HRH.R. 6299 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additional assurance and control; and (2) on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, to develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within three months of the submission of such plan to transmit to Congress a full report on such plan including a statement of actions he is taking for the purpose of implementing such plan and any recommendations for changes in the existing law.
Bill· HRH.R. 6260 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include outpatient services by a community mental health centers for up to 60 visits per year among the benefits provided under such title. Sets forth the conditions and limitations on payments for such services, including criteria for utilization review plans of community mental health centers and transfer agreements between hospitals community mental health centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 6259 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled of such Title. Sets forth procedures for controlling the budgets of rural health clinics covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out demonstration projects for health clinics in urban areas where the supply of medical services is not sufficient to meet the needs of individuals residing therein.
Bill· HRH.R. 6221 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has equally stringent standards in effect. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States enforcement of standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and the coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories which shall: (1) establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years for such offenses. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs with persons who provide clinical laboratory services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
Bill· HRH.R. 6165 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress and the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Rural Health. Authorizes the Director of such office to award grants, contracts, loans, and loan guarantees for projects to: (1) examine existing models of rural health care delivery; (2) determine such models applicability and transferability to other rural areas; and (3) assist in the study, planning, and development of rural health care delivery models. States that the Director shall: (1) provide liaison among all Federal agencies for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas; (2) provide technical assistance and advice for the development of rural health care delivery models; and (3) provide for the coordination of programs assisted under this Act with programs of the National Health Service Corps. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an application for a loan or a loan guarantee under this Act unless he determines that the terms and conditions are sufficient to protect the financial interests of the United States. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee composed of 11 members. Directs such committee to make recommendations to the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an award of any grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee under this Act unless such award has been approved by the Rural Health Care Advisory Committee and the appropriate State and local medical society. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be required from time to time for for the rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 6166 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the creation of an alternative reimbursement formula which will allow participating hospitals with less than 100 beds and less than 60 percent average occupancy located in areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of appropriate nursing home beds, to provide long-term care without applying proportional allocation of overhead costs to all patients in such facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 6160 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6158 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Recombinant DNA Regulation Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate standards applicable to the production or possession of recombinant DNA. Requires the issuance of final standards within one year of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue or renew a license for a facility to permit the production or possession of recombinant DNA at that facility only if the facility complies with the standards promulgated under this Act and such ancillary conditions as he may prescribe. States that such license shall be valid for up to three years. Allows the Secretary to permit an appropriate State, local agency, or a licensing or accrediting body to issue and renew such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit a license if he finds that a facility has violated or aided and abetted in the violation of any requirement established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to register any project involving recombinant DNA. Authorizes individuals designated by the Secretary to inspect any facility at which the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that recombinant DNA is present or is being produced. Requires the inspector after completion of the inspection, to report his findings in writing to the individual in charge of the facility. Requires each facility at which Recombinant DNA is produced or located to submit to the Secretary such reports concerning recombinant DNA at that facility as the Secretary may prescribe. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA activities that is different from any requirement applicable under this Act. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against any employee with respect to the employee's compensation terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee assisted or is about to participate in any manner in a proceeding to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate employee complaints of discrimination. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to consult with the Administrators of other agencies to avoid duplication of requirements and about other matters which may be of mutual interest. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for a violation of this Act. Establishes a penalty for willful or knowing violation of this Act of a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Punishes by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year a willful violation of any provision of this Act. Allows the Secretary to commence a civil action in an appropriate district court for the seizure or destruction of hazardous recombinant DNA or for other appropriate relief to prevent its production, movement, or spread.
Bill· HRH.R. 6167 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Medicare and Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act to include rural health facilities of 100 beds or fewer within the definition of the term "hospital."
Bill· HRH.R. 6075 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to define sex discrimination for employment purposes to include discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Prohibits an employer providing benefits under a fringe benefit program which is in violation of this Act from reducing benefits or compensation in order to comply with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6069 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6029 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Burn Facilities Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide for the establishment of new burn treatment centers and the upgrading of burn units in general hospitals; (2) provide training and support of specialists to staff new and existing burn treatment facilities; (3) provide special training in emergency care of burn victims; and (4) sponsor other research and training programs related to the treatment of burn victims. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Secretary by providing information on existing burn treatment programs, and other information. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary for the purposes of this Act.