Healthcare

Temporary Medicaid Disaster Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Temporary Medicaid Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - States that the purpose of this Act is to: (1) ensure all those affected by Hurricane Katrina have access to health coverage and medical care through the Medicaid program; and (2) authorize temporary changes in such program to guarantee and expedite that coverage and access to care. Provides that during the disaster relief period from August 29, 2005, to September 30, 2006, any state may provide temporary medical assistance to Katrina Survivors under a state Medicaid plan established under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Sets at 100% the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for providing medical assistance under a state Medicaid plan to Katrina Survivors, or in the case of a direct impact state, to any individual who is provided medical assistance under the state Medicaid plan during the disaster relief period. Provides that if the FMAP determined for a state for FY2006 is less than the FMAP determined for FY2005, the FY2005 FMAP shall apply to the state for FY2006 only for Medicaid purposes. Continues Medicaid drug coverage for dual eligibles. Excludes the disaster relief period in computing part B late enrollment penalty. Provides that, in the case of a Katrina Survivor, the initial enrollment period under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) shall in no case end before May 15, 2007. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish documentation rules for Katrina Surivors, with respect to premium and cost-sharing subsidies for low-income individuals, which take into account the loss and unavailability of documents due to Hurricane Katrina.

To authorize and require the President of the United States to allocate crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products to deal with existing or imminent shortages and dislocations in the national distribution system, which jeopardize the national economy, and public health, safety, and welfare.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Directs the President to promulgate a regulation providing for the temporary mandatory allocation of crude oil, including a provision that the retail sale of gasoline may not exceed $2.50 per gallon. Prescribes additional provisions for: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating and cooling), and the national defense and homeland security; and (2) maintenance of all public services (including municipal, cooperative, or investor-owned utilities and mass transportation facilities and services). Instructs the President to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop criteria for determining the length of the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual oil, and refined petroleum products under this Act, not to exceed one year. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to develop criteria for declaring a fuel emergency in the future. Requires revival, in the event of such an emergency, of the authority under this Act for mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual oil, and refined petroleum products.

Medical Advertising Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Medical Advertising Reform Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require prior approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of consumer-directed advertising for prescription drugs and restricted medical devices. Prohibits drugs advertising for a two-year period after approval of a new prescription drug. Allows the Secretary to extend such period as necessary to protect the public health. Deems prescription drugs to be misbranded for failure to comply with the advertising prohibition during such period. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to report to Congress regarding a proposal to include on the labeling and advertisements for prescription drugs information on the comparative effectiveness and comparative cost-effectiveness of a drug to other drugs in the same class. Directs the Comptroller General to study the impact of consumer-directed advertising on restricted device utilization and spending. Requires the Secretary to maintain a toll-free number to provide the public with objective information on health conditions and treatments.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide 100 percent as the Federal medical assistance percentage for displaced Medicaid recipients receiving medical assistance outside their State of residence due to a declared public health emergency.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide 100% as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for displaced Medicaid recipients receiving medical assistance outside their state of residence due to a declared public health emergency.

Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 - Appropriates an additional $1.4 billion to the Department of Defense-Military for ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' for emergency hurricane expenses, to support costs of evacuation, emergency repairs, deployment of personnel, and other costs resulting from immediate relief efforts, to remain available through FY2006. Allows the transfer of up to $6 million to the Armed Forces Retirement Home for emergency hurricane expenses. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer these funds to appropriations for military personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, family housing, Defense Health Program, and working capital funds. Requires transferred funds to be merged with and be available for the same purposes and for the same time period as the appropriation or fund to which transferred. Requires re-transfer back to this appropriation of any transferred funds determined to be not necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees in writing within five days after any such transfer. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Appropriates to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, an additional $200 million for "Operation and Maintenance," and an additional $200 million for "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies," to remain available until expended, for emergency expenses for repair of storm damage to authorized projects, as well as flood control and hurricane shore protection projects, in the Gulf States affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires weekly reports by the Chief of Engineers, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to the Committees on Appropriations on funds allocation and obligation. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Appropriates an additional $50 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for disaster relief (for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina), to remain available until expended, of which up to $100 million may be transferred to and merged with "Emergency Preparedness and Response--Public Health Programs" for the National Disaster Medical System to support medical care as authorized by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. Requires the transfer of $15 million to, and merger with, "Departmental Management and Operations--Office of Inspector General" for necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General for audits and investigations as authorized by law for Hurricane Katrina response and recovery activities. Requires weekly reports by the Secretary of Homeland Security to the Committees on Appropriations on funds allocation and obligation. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the use of the emergency procurement authority of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act by executive agencies to make purchases without obtaining competitive quotations for procurements of property or services determined by the agency head to be used in support of Hurricane Katrina rescue and relief operations, if an agency employee determines that the purchase price is reasonable. Increases from $2,500 to $250,000 the maximum amount (micro-purchase threshold) of such a purchase that: (1) may be made without obtaining competitive quotations; and (2) need not be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers.

To provide that, for the period ending August 31, 2007, veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina shall have access to health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Makes a Hurricane Katrina-affected veteran who is otherwise eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care from the Department of Veterans Affairs under a low priority for the provision of such care eligible, during the period beginning on August 28, 2005, and ending on August 31, 2007, for such care and services as if that veteran were covered for such care and services due to exposure to a war-related toxic substance, radiation, or related conditions (a higher priority). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an outreach program to enhance awareness of veterans eligible for such care and services.

International U.S. Seniors Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005

International U.S. Seniors Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide certain Medicare beneficiaries living abroad: (1) a special Medicare part B enrollment period during which the late enrollment penalty is waived; and (2) a special Medigap open enrollment period during which certain anti-discriminatory prohibitions apply. Expresses the sense of the Congress on the need for an international convention for reimbursement of the costs of health care coverage for foreign senior citizens.

FORGOTTEN VETERANS: IMPROVING HEALTH CARE FOR RURAL VETERANS

United States · United States Senate · 16 August 2005

Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act - FamilyCare Act of 2005 - Renames title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act as the FamilyCare Program and extends coverage to certain low-income adults. Establishes the National Commission for Expanded Access to Health Care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide limited English proficient individuals with improved access to health care, including by establishing the Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Healthcare. Provides for activities regarding: (1) health workforce diversity; (2) disparities in health and health care experienced by indigenous, racial, and ethnic minorities; and (3) data collection, analysis, and reporting by race, ethnicity, and primary language. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) the Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights to prevent discrimination in federal programs; and (2) the Office of Minority Affairs within the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Restablishes the Indian Health Service as an agency of the Public Health Service to be administered by an Assistant Secretary of Indian Health. Minority Health and Genomics Act of 2005 - Establishes the Minority Health and Genomics Commission to study issues relating to genomics research as applied to minority groups. Establishes the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice and the Federal Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. Sets forth programs designed to improve the quality of and access to health care for minorities, including by establishing the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) the Annie Dodge Wauneka and Susan Laflesche-Picotte Native American Health and Wellness Foundation; and (2) a Joint Working Group on Telehealth. Authorizes integrative eldercare, American Indian and Alaska Native, and oral health telehealth demonstration projects.

Affordable Access to Medicare Providers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payment for physicians' services to establish an update to the single conversion factor for 2006 of at least 2.7 %, and a formula for an update to the single conversion factor for 2007. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in calculating the formula for the single conversion factor, to establish an input price index and estimate a productivity adjustment factor for 2007. Excludes certain costs relating to such updates from the determination of the Medicare part B monthly premium.

Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the first year after the enactment of this Act, to provide a blood test for the Hepatitis C virus to: (1) each veteran who served on active military duty during the Vietnam era, or who is considered to be "at risk," and who is enrolled to receive veterans' medical care and requests such test or is otherwise receiving a physical examination or any other care or treatment from the Secretary; and (2) any other veteran who requests such test. Requires the Secretary, after such period, to provide such test to any veteran who requests it. Requires the Secretary to provide followup tests and appropriate treatment for any veteran who tests positive. Prohibits a copayment from being charged for such treatment. Provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for Hepatitis C detection and treatment programs, beginning with FY2006. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a standardized Department policy with respect to such virus; and (2) annually take appropriate outreach actions to notify untested veterans. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one, and no more than three, additional Hepatitis C centers of excellence within the Department health care network. Provides funding.

Improving Long-Term Care Choices Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Improving Long-Term Care Choices Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to disregard benefits paid under long-term care insurance for purposes of determining Medicaid eligibility. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish specified additional consumer protections with respect to long-term care insurance policies, based on the October 2000 National Association of Insurance Commissioners model regulations. Amends SSA title XIX to permit the expansion of long-term care partnership insurance policies to all states. Requires all new partnership policies to be Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Policies. Directs the Secretary to set standards for reciprocity to provide for the portability of long-term care partnership policies from one partnership state to another partnership state. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction from gross income for eligible long-term care premiums paid during the taxable year; and (2) a tax credit to help cover long-term care expenses. Provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of a qualified long-term care insurance contract for another qualified long-term care insurance contract. Amends SSA title XIX to provide states with a new option to offer home and community-based services to Medicaid-eligible individuals without obtaining a federal waiver. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations removing administrative barriers under Medicare (SSA title XVIII) and Medicaid that impede the offering of integrated acute and long-term care services, which combine acute, home and community-based, nursing facility and mental health services, and coverage of prescription drugs, into a single model of care for individuals who are dually eligible for such programs. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations to Congress for removal of statutory barriers to the offering of such integrated services.

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement for specified emergency care and services of private institutions for mental diseases subject (under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Medicaid (EMTALA) Program) to certain requirements for examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions. Requires the Medicaid program to reimburse such institutions for care and services required to stabilize an emergency medical condition of an individual between ages 21 and 65, if the treatment is within the range of services that such institution typically provides.

Medicaid for American Indians and States Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicaid for American Indians and States Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise the application of the 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) with respect to amounts expended as medical assistance for services received through an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility. Specifies that such services must be provided under a state plan and received at or by written medical referral from an IHS facility (whether operated by the IHS or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization). Provides that such amendment shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 1997, and to previously disallowed payments.

Medicaid Health Plan Rebate Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicaid Health Plan Rebate Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations.

Nurse Faculty Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Nurse Faculty Education Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a Nurse Faculty Education Program to ensure an adequate supply of nurse faculty through the awarding of grants to eligible entities to: (1) provide support for hiring new faculty, retaining existing faculty, and purchasing educational resources; (2) provide for increasing enrollment and graduation rates for students from doctoral programs; and (3) assist graduates in serving as nurse faculty in nursing schools. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility requirements and permissible uses of grant funds. Directs the Secretary to give priority to entities from states and territories that have a lower number of employed nurses per 100,000 population. Directs the Secretary to award specified numbers and amounts of grants for FY2006-FY2010, subject to specified limitations. Directs: (1) the Secretary to evaluate and report to Congress on the results of activities carried out under such grants; and (2) the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress concerning activities to increase participation in the nurse educator program.

Respect for Life Pluripotent Stem Cell Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Respect for Life Pluripotent Stem Cell Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide for the conduct and support of basic and applied research in isolating, deriving, and using pluripotent stems cells without creating or harming human embryos. Provides that such research may include: (1) research in animals to develop and test techniques for deriving cells from embryos without doing harm to embryos; (2) research to develop and test techniques for producing human pluripotent stems cells without creating or making use of embryos; and (3) research to isolate, develop, and test pluripotent stem cells from postnatal tissues, umbilical cord blood, and placenta. Prohibits research under this Act that: (1) involves the use of human embryos; (2) involves the use of stem cells not otherwise eligible for NIH funds; (3) involves the use of any stem cell to create or to attempt to create a human embryo; or (4) poses a significant risk of creating a human embryo by any means.

Medicare Payment Adjustment To Community Health Centers (PATCH) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicare Payment Adjustment To Community Health Centers (PATCH) Act of 2005 - Amends part E (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of federally qualified health center (FQHC) services to include certain services furnished by an FQHC for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if they were furnished by a health care provider or health care professional other than an FQHC. Repeals the limitation of such services to outpatients of an FQHC, extending them to all patients of an FQHC. Repeals the declaration that any reference to a rural health clinic is deemed a reference to an FQHC. Ensures FQHC reimbursement for patients of hospitals and critical access hospitals under the hospital prospective payment system.

Children's Health Equity Technical Amendment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Children's Health Equity Technical Amendment Act of 2005 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to permit qualifying states to use up to 20% of their SCHIP allotment for any fiscal year (currently, only for FY1998-FY2001) for certain Medicaid expenditures.

ABCs for Children's Health Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Advancing Better Coverage and Care for Children's Health Act of 2005 - or the ABCs for Children's Health Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the phased-in application of an enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for children whose eligibility is optional under Medicaid. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay to each state with an approved plan 90% of the sums expended during a quarter attributable to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of enrollment systems (including "express lane enrollment) determined likely to provide more efficient and effective administration of the plan's enrollment and retention of eligible children. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing or approving an elimination or modification of the amount, duration, or scope of certain services relating to early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services, or specified requirements for arranging for corrective treatment. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to enter into agreements with the National Quality Forum to facilitate the development of consensus-based pediatric quality and performance measures. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities for development and evaluation of such measures. Requires the Secretary to establish demonstration projects in each of three specified categories to advance quality and performance in the delivery of medical assistance to children under Medicaid. Makes appropriations for such projects Directs the Secretary to implement a four-year program to develop, implement, and evaluate a pay-for-performance program for eligible children's hospitals providing critical access to children eligible for Medicaid. Makes apppropriations for such four year program. Amends the Public Health Services Act to include children's hospitals as covered entities which manufacturers of covered drugs, under an agreement with the Secretary, charge no more than the average manufacturer drug price.

Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to reduce the monthly Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premium rate for each month in the year for individuals not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan so that the aggregate amount of such reductions in the year equals an amount computed according to a specified formula involving reduced payments to Medicare Advantage organizations. Requires the Secretary, in applying risk adjustment factors to payments to Medicare Advantage organizations, to ensure that such payments are adjusted to reflect the enrollee's health status, including adjusting for the difference between the health status of the enrollee and individuals enrolled under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B. Requires payments to such organizations, in the aggregate, to reflect such differences. Eliminates the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund (Slush Fund).

State Long-Term Care Partnership Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

State Long-Term Care Partnership Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for establishment of long-term care insurance partnerships between states and insurers (Qualified State Long-Term Care Insurance Partnerships (QSLTCIPs)). Defines a QSLTCIP as a state plan amendment that provides for the disregard of any assets or resources in an amount equal to the insurance benefits payments made under a long-term care insurance policy (including a certificate issued under a group insurance contract), but only if the policy meets certain requirements, including coverage of an insured who, at the time coverage first becomes effective, is a resident of such state or of a state that maintains a QSLTCIP. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for educating consumers regarding QSLTCIPs and long-term care insurance policies issued in connection with them.

A resolution designating September 2005 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Designates September 2005 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that it is critical to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase funding for prostate cancer research; and (3) improve access to and the quality of health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress concerning the vital role of Medicare in the health care system of our Nation over the last 40 years.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) for the past 40 years, Medicare has made significant medical, social, and economic contributions to our Nation; (2) the access to care provided by Medicare has changed the course of health outcomes for the elderly and those with disabilities preventing phsical deterioration and preventing more individuals from slipping into poverty; and (3) Congress must continue to support, strengthen, and enhance the quality of care in this vital federal health insurance program that guarantees all Medicare beneficiaries affordable health care that meets their needs.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the importance of Medicaid in the health care system of our Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) over the past four decades Medicaid has been a core component of the American health system; (2) Medicaid has ensured that the vast majority of Medicaid beneficiaries did not join the ranks of the current 45 million Americans with no health insurance; and (3) Congress must continue and strengthen the state-federal partnership that provides this vital health insurance program.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's research activities on inflammatory bowel disease, with an emphasis on: (1) genetic research on susceptibility for inflammatory bowel disease; (2) research targeted to increase knowledge about the causes and complications of inflammatory bowel disease in children; (3) animal model research; (4) clinical research; (5) expansion of the Institute's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centers program with a focus on pediatric research; and (6) other research initiatives identified in specified documents. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare a National Inflammatory Bowel Disease Action Plan to: (1) address the burden of inflammatory bowel disease in both adult and pediatric populations; (2) address strategies for determining the prevalence of the disease in the United States and the unique demographic characteristics of the patient community; (3) focus on strategies for increasing awareness about the disease within the general public and the health care community; and (4) address mechanisms designed to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of complications.

Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report setting forth a strategy to reduce the time frame from pathogen identification to the development and emergency approval for human use of a reasonably safe and effective priority countermeasure against a novel or unknown pathogen or toxin. Requires the report to include: (1) technical impediments to reducing this time frame; (2) research, development, and technology needs to address these impediments; and (3) potential liability concerns stemming from distribution of rapidly-developed priority countermeasures. Allows the Secretary to contract with any firm or institution to conduct necessary research and analysis for this report. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a system to rapidly: (1) establish clinical research programs to examine the safety and efficacy of treatments for novel, unknown, or bioengineered pathogens or toxins; and (2) disseminate results and recommendations to clinicians. Authorizes establishment of a fund to support such clinical research. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an interagency working group to carry out this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of HHS to conduct research to rapidly identify, develop, produce, and approve for human use priority countermeasures. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and HHS to carry out research, development, and procurement to provide the federal government with the capability to rapidly identify, develop, produce, and approve for human use under emergency conditions priority countermeasures against a novel, unknown, or engineered pathogen or toxin for which no existing countermeasure has been determined to be safe or efficacious.

Minority Diabetes Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers for the purpose of providing treatment for diabetes in minority communities. Conditions grants on the recipient agreeing to provide: (1) services in the languages most appropriate for, and with consideration for the cultural backgrounds of, service recipients; (2) outreach activities; and (3) offsite information on diabetes.

Cancer Testing, Education, Screening, and Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Cancer Testing, Education, Screening, and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualifying health centers and nonprofit organizations for programs providing cancer screening, counseling, and treatment and information and education on cancer prevention. Targets service populations with significant numbers of low-income minority individuals who are at-risk for cancer, requiring programs to provide: (1) services in the languages most appropriate for, and with consideration for the cultural backgrounds of, services recipients; (2) outreach activities; and (3) cancer information. Requires the Secretary to designate the type(s) of cancer covered by a grant.

Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers. Conditions grants on the recipient agreeing to: (1) employ a comprehensive approach to care that integrates the treament of patients with training and support services for families and caregivers; (2) provide services in the languages most appropriate for, and with consideration for the cultural backgrounds of, service recipients; (3) provide outreach activities; and (4) provide information on Alzheimer's. Allocates 10% of grant funds for medically underserved communities.

Medicare Fairness for Organ Transplant Recipients Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicare Fairness for Organ Transplant Recipients Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the coverage under the Medicare program of immunosuppressive drugs for Medicare beneficiaries who receive an organ transplant. Repeals the requirement that Medicare paid for the transplant.

Social Security Benefit Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Social Security Benefit Protection Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a decrease in Social Security benefits resulting from Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) premium increases.

Medicare Value-Based Purchasing for Physicians' Services Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Medicare Value-Based Purchasing for Physicians' Services Act of 2005 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for value-based purchasing in the payment for physicians' services under the Medicare program. Establishes updates to the single conversion factor for 2006 through 2009 and succeeding years for such services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide, as part of the rulemaking process, for the selection of quality measures (Q-measures) and efficiency measures (E-measures) meeting specified general requirements; and (2) determine a single rating of each billing unit based on Q and E measures, and disclose to the public whether a particular billing unit met performance objectives. Requires the Secretary to establish such performance objectives, and base upon them any increased updates in the payment for physician services.

Eminent Domain Limitation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Eminent Domain Limitation Act of 2005 - Makes a state ineligible to receive federal assistance for economic development unless it has in effect a law relating to takings that: (1) prohibits the use of eminent domain for economic development; (2) limits the uses for which eminent domain may be used to public health and safety, rights-of-way for public utilities and public highways and parks; and (3) requires the entity engaging in the taking to show the necessity for it and that no reasonable alternatives exist.

Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls and Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support a national education campaign focusing on reducing falls among older adults and preventing repeat falls; and (2) award grants to design and carry out local education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention interventions; (4) tailor effective strategies to reduce falls to specific populations of older adults; (5) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (6) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and (7) assess the risks of falls occurring in various settings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct research and develop, implement, and evaluate the most effective approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide professional education for physicians and allied health professionals in fall prevention; (4) oversee and support specified demonstration and research projects; (5) award grants to design, implement, and evaluate fall prevention programs using proven intervention strategies and carry out a multistate demonstration project; and (6) report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing associated health care costs.

Clinical Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Clinical Research Act of 2005 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award clinical investigator advancement grants to eligible academic health centers to: (1) establish career development programs for new and mid-level clinician-investigators who are fully committed to academic clinical research careers; (2) support the translation of basic science to patient care by implementing and conducting all aspects of their clinical research mission; and (3) support activities leading to innovative ways to achieve such purposes in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Requires that health centers receive a proportionate share of the total grant money awarded based on the amount invested by the grantee in clinical research compared to the total clinical research investment of all grantees. Requires the Director to award clinical research infrastructure grants to eligible academic health centers to: (1) foster the use of information technology to facilitate the transformation of basic research findings on disease mechanisms into the development of new methodologies for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention; (2) devise, deploy, and support new technologies to improve the safety of human subjects, ensure the confidentiality of research data, and streamline the regulatory processes; (3) address the obstacles impeding the expeditious application of new science, including a lack of up-to-date information technology systems and an underrepresentation of some populations in clinical research; and (4) share clinical research infrastructure across academic health centers to enable and facilitate cross-center clinical research collaborations. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make up to five grants to eligible academic health centers to form partnerships with health care providers for carrying out clinical human subject research to demonstrate how academic research centers may collaborate with the practicing health care community.

Vaccine Access and Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Vaccine Access and Supply Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) negotiate with producers of the influenza vaccine and other periodic-change vaccines to reach an agreement on the number of doses of the vaccine that each producer will manufacturer for the season; (2) purchase 50% of such a manufacturer's doses that are unsold for the season for the average sales price; and (3) establish a program for the distribution of qualified adult vaccine through states for providers to administer to eligible adults without charge to the state, providers, or eligible adults. Requires each manufacturer or distributor of an approved vaccine to provide the Secretary with the location of vaccine supplies if the Secretary declares there is a shortage of the vaccine that constitutes a public health emergency. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a response to potential vaccine supply shortages; and (2) a program to promote immunizations with federally recommended vaccines among the adult population. Requires a manufacturer of an approved vaccine to notify the Secretary 12 months prior to discontinuing manufacture of the vaccine, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to submit a plan to Congress to facilitate the participation of manufacturers in maintaining a six-month supply of pediatric vaccines. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a provider from imposing a copayment, cost sharing charge, or similar charge for administering to an eligible individual a vaccine that is included on the recommended vaccine schedule for adults.

A resolution designating September 2005 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Designates September 2005 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that it is critical to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase funding for prostate cancer research; and (3) improve access to and the quality of health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act - FamilyCare Act of 2005 - Renames title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act as the FamilyCare Program and extends coverage to certain low-income adults. Establishes the National Commission for Expanded Access to Health Care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide limited English proficient individuals with improved access to health care, including by establishing the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Healthcare. Provides for activities regarding: (1) health workforce diversity; (2) disparities in health and health care experienced by racial and ethnic minorities; and (3) data collection, analysis, and reporting by race, ethnicity, and primary language. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) the Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights to prevent discrimination in federal programs; and (2) the Office of Minority Affairs within the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Restablishes the Indian Health Service as an agency of the Public Health Service to be administered by an Assistant Secretary of Indian Health. Minority Health and Genomics Act of 2005 - Establishes the Minority Health and Genomics Commission to study issues relating to genomics research as applied to minority groups. Establishes the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice and the Federal Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. Sets forth programs designed to improve the quality of and access to health care for minorities, including by establishing the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) the Annie Dodge Wauneka and Susan Laflesche-Picotte Native American Health and Wellness Foundation; and (2) a Joint Working Group on Telehealth. Authorizes integrative eldercare, American Indian and Alaska Native, and oral health telehealth demonstration projects.

Medicare Home Health Telehealth Access Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Medicare Home Health Telehealth Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the current requirements for Medicare coverage of telehealth services under the prospective payment system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat as a home health visit any telehealth services furnished by a home health agency via a telecommunication system to an individual receiving home health services, if the telehealth services: (1) are ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; (2) (as under current law) do not substitute for in-person home health services ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; and (3) are considered the equivalent of a visit under criteria developed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to initiate and carry out projects in a variety of geographic locations that provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technologies that will: (1) enhance health outcomes for individuals enrolled under Medicare parts A and B; and (2) reduce part A and B program expenditures for institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services. Authorizes the Secretary to pay incentive payments to each home health agency participating in a pilot project. Provides that, if the Secretary determines that any of the pilot projects results in decreased federal Medicare expenditures, and maintains or enhances health outcomes for the participating beneficiaries, the Secretary may initiate or extend comparable projects in additional areas.

Ready, Willing, and Able Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Ready, Willing, and Able Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting jointly, to establish a working group to assist their respective departments to: (1) promote the development of disaster plans that will protect the maximum number of citizens; (2) help state and local officials provide the necessary means and infrastructure for the American public to volunteer to assume a direct and influential role in community-based disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation planning efforts; and (3) develop standards to measure the success of a community's level of direct, participatory disaster planning efforts. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the requirements for a state application for a grant to improve state, local, and hospital preparedness for and response to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Requires the application to include an assurance that the state will take specific steps to comply with any recommendations of the working group.

THRIVE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Total Health Requires Improved Vaccination Efforts Act of 2005 or the THRIVE Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the Center for Disease Control's adult immunization program by: (1) authorizing additional appropriations for activities to increase immunizations rates for adults; and (2) making grants to states for demonstrations projects to provide influenza immunizations to uninsured adults at high risk for influenza. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop and disseminate guidelines to ensure that immunizations are routinely offered to adults by health care providers; and (2) provide for an educational campaign on the importance of adult immunizations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to: (1) establish standards for adult influenza immunizations under the Medicare and Medicaid programs; (2) determine the feasibility and advisability of including such immunizations as a performance measure under program quality initiatives; and (3) establish standards for immunizations for influenza of health care workers. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to study the best practices of health insurers and managed care organizations to encourage the use of adult immunizations for influenza by enrollees. Requires the Secretary to determine the feasibility and advisability of requiring compliance with recommendations for immunizations for all health care workers for provider accreditation. Prohibits a contract or plan under the federal employees health benefit program from being made or approved which does not offer and waive the deductible for pneumococcal and influenza immunization services to high risk adult enrollees.

Medicaid State Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Medicaid State Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the requirement that a state seek adjustment or recovery of any medical assistance correctly paid on behalf of an individual under the state plan in the case of an individual who has received (or is entitled to receive) benefits under a long-term care insurance policy in connection with which assets or resources are disregarded in specified manner. Converts to a discretionary option the current requirement that the state seek adjustment or recovery from an individual's estate on account of medical assistance paid on the individual's behalf for nursing facility and other long-term care services. Exempts from application of such authority the case of an individual who received medical assistance under a state plan of a state which has a state plan amendment that provides for a qualified state long-term care insurance partnership. Defines "qualified state long-term care insurance partnership" to mean a state plan amendment under title XIX that provides for the disregard of any assets or resources in an amount equal to the insurance benefit payments that are made under a long-term care insurance policy, regardless of whether the policy was issued before the effective date of such plan amendment, if specified requirements are met. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promote the education of consumers regarding qualified state long-term care insurance partnerships.

Diabetes Self Management Training Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Diabetes Self Management Training Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers for purposes of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the barriers that exist for individuals with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training.

Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Act Amendments of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding a research planning conference required to be convened by the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to require such conference to: (1) investigate Parkinson's research funded by NIH; and (2) identify shortcomings and opportunities for more effective treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease. Requires the result of each conference to be included in a research investment plan that also: (1) provides for measurable results with the goals of better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease determining the allocation of research dollars; (2) includes an outline of how to fully utilize the Udall Center program; and (3) includes a budget and implementation strategy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure adequate funding to carry out activities described in the investment plan. Requires the Director to ensure funding for an additional Morris K. Udall research center to coordinate activities conducted by, and manage the interdisciplinary efforts of, the other centers. Requires each research center to ensure that there is a significant clinical component and ongoing basic research. Requires the Director to establish an application review process for grants to fund such research centers. Directs (currently, allows) the Director to award grants to support qualified investigators with potential for significant future Parkinson's disease breakthroughs. Requires the Director to investigate and report to Congress on the incidence of Parkinson's disease.

Future of Healthcare--Granting Access to Innovation in America Act (GAIA Act)

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

The Future of Healthcare-- Granting Access to Innovation in America Act (GAIA Act) - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to carry out demonstration projects aimed at reducing the rate of medication errors and improving the quality of care by installing or upgrading computerized technology that: (1) provides information on drug-allergy contraindications and drug interactions; (2) ensures that all drug orders are legible; and (3) provides physicians and other clinicians with a menu of medications, complete with default doses and a range of potential doses for each medication. Requires grant applicants to agree to provide for technology including software that assists clinicians who order prescription drugs and tests in making medication-related decisions and that provides for an electronic medication administration record. Authorizes grant expenditures to purchase, install, and update such technology. Sets forth matching requirements. Requires each applicant to agree to submit to the Secretary, acting through the National Health Information Technology Coordinator, a report detailing: (1) quantitative reductions in medication errors; (2) the level of staff compliance; (3) the difference between administrative and clinical workflows before and after implementation of the technology; (4) alterations and improvements regarding the workflow in facilities that have the technology; (5) an analysis of the improvement of the quality of care and patient satisfaction within the hospital or skilled nursing facility involved; and (6) the overall economic savings associated with usage of the technology.

Vaccine Access and Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Vaccine Access and Supply Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) negotiate with producers of the influenza vaccine and other periodic-change vaccines to reach an agreement on the number of doses of the vaccine that each producer will manufacturer for the season; (2) purchase 50% of such a manufacturer's doses that are unsold for the season for the average sales price; and (3) establish a program for the distribution of qualified adult vaccine through states for providers to administer to eligible adults without charge to the state, providers, or eligible adults. Requires each manufacturer or distributor of an approved vaccine to provide the Secretary with the location of vaccine supplies if the Secretary declares there is a shortage of the vaccine that constitutes a public health emergency. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a response to potential vaccine supply shortages; and (2) a program to promote immunizations with federally recommended vaccines among the adult population. Requires a manufacturer of an approved vaccine to notify the Secretary 12 months prior to discontinuing manufacture of the vaccine, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to submit a plan to Congress to facilitate the participation of manufacturers in maintaining a six-month supply of pediatric vaccines. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a provider from imposing a copayment, cost sharing charge, or similar charge for administering to an eligible individual a vaccine that is included on the recommended vaccine schedule for adults.

To provide that no Federal funds may be expended for the payment or reimbursement of drugs when prescribed for the treatment of erectile or sexual dysfunction.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for payment or reimbursement for a drug prescribed for the treatment of erectile or sexual dysfunction, including under any federal health care program (including Medicare, Medicaid, health-related programs administered by the Indian Health Service, the federal employees health benefits program, military health programs, medical care furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and medical services for federal prisoners).

Stop Kids From Smoking Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Stop Kids From Smoking Act - Allows the use of vending machines to sell tobacco products only in an area or establishment to which individuals under the minimum age are denied access. Defines the minimum age as 18, unless a state or municipality has established a higher age. Prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the minimum age. Declares that this Act does not preempt existing or bar future state or municipal laws banning all tobacco vending machines. Establishes a civil monetary penalty for violations of this Act.

Responsible Funding to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Responsible Funding to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to public and private entities to establish or expand teenage pregnancy prevention programs. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) highest priority to applicants seeking assistance for programs targeting communities or populations in which teenage pregnancy or birth rates are higher than the state average or are increasing; and (2) priority to applicants seeking assistance for programs that will benefit underserved or at-risk populations or will take advantage of other available resources and be coordinated with other programs that serve youth. Requires funds to be used for programs that: (1) replicate or substantially incorporate elements of teenage pregnancy prevention programs that have proven to delay sexual intercourse or sexual activity, increase condom or contraceptive use (without increasing sexual activity), or reduce teenage pregnancy; and (2) incorporate specified strategies for preventing teenage pregnancy, including outreach or media programs. Requires programs receiving funds that focus on instruction that includes discussion of human sexuality and reproduction to provide medically accurate information regarding the health benefits and side effects of all contraceptives and barrier methods as a means to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct or provide for a rigorous evaluation of 10% of programs for which a grant is awarded; (2) collect basic data on each program; and (3) report to Congress on grant effectiveness.