Healthcare

Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate a rule that: (1) establishes the data that constitute the minimum data set for chemical substances (chemicals) and mixtures; and (2) requires chemical manufacturers and processors to submit their minimum data sets. Requires such manufacturers and processors to submit such minimum data sets for chemicals placed on the priority list and new chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to require the testing of chemicals and mixtures. Requires the Interagency Testing Committee, in forming a list of chemicals and mixtures that the Administrator should test, to give priority attention to those chemicals and mixtures which are known to cause or contribute to adverse affects on health or the environment. Revokes the limit on the number of chemicals and mixtures that may be placed on such a list. Prohibits any person from manufacturing or processing a new chemical or a chemical for a new use unless: (1) the person notifies the Administrator about the person's intention to manufacture or process the chemical; (2) such use is a critical use; and (3) the chemical or mixture meets the safety standard under such Act. Requires a priority list to be established that contains specified chemicals for which safety determinations shall first be made. Requires the: (1) Administrator to update and publish the list; and (2) updated list to consist of at least 300 chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to add chemical mixtures to the list. Requires the Administrator to apply a safety standard that takes into account aggregate exposure to chemicals or mixtures and ensures that, for all intended uses, there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the public health and that the public welfare is protected. Requires: (1) manufacturers and processors to bear the burden of proving that chemicals or mixtures meet such safety standard; and (2) the Administrator to determine whether such burden has been met. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) biomonitoring studies regarding chemicals or any metabolite or degradation byproducts of chemicals; (2) the manufacture, processing, distribution or use of polychlorinated biphenyl; (3) declarations of manufacturing or processing chemicals or mixtures; (4) a public database of information relating to the toxicity and use of, and exposure to, chemicals and mixtures; (5) disclosures to commercial purchasers of information about the chemicals and mixtures they purchase; (6) a survey by the Administrator about mixtures; (7) exportation and importation of chemicals or mixtures; (8) conditions under which data about chemicals may be designated as confidential business information; and (9) civil actions and penalties for violations of such Act. Prohibits any person from: (1) manufacturing, processing, distributing, using for commercial purposes, or disposing of chemicals, mixtures, or articles containing chemicals or mixtures that such person knew or had reason to know were manufactured, processed, or distributed in violation of such Act; and (2) introducing or knowingly distributing chemicals, mixtures, or articles containing chemicals or mixtures that fail to comply with labeling requirements. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish criteria to identify chemicals and mixtures that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; (2) list chemicals and mixtures that meet such criteria; and (3) impose conditions on manufacturing, processing, using, distributing, or disposing such chemicals and mixtures. Requires the Administrator to: (1) enter into contracts and make grants to further understanding of the vulnerability of children to chemical substances; (2) establish the Science Advisory Board on Children's Health and Toxic Substances; and (3) conduct, not later than two years after identifying a chemical substance which is likely to be present in human biological media at a level above that normally found and which is likely to have adverse effects on early childhood development, a biomonitoring study to determine the presence of such substance in the biological media of pregnant women and infants. Requires the Administrator to: (1) take action to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemical substances or mixtures; (2) establish a program to create incentives for the development of safer alternatives to existing chemicals and mixtures that reduce or avoid the use and generation of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures; (3) cooperate with international efforts to develop a common protocol or electronic database relating to chemical substances and mixtures or to develop safer alternatives; (4) implement the provisions of international agreements related to chemicals and mixtures to which the U.S. becomes a party; and (5) promulgate a rule to establish criteria for the determination of disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals, establish criteria to identify any locality that is disproportionately exposed, develop a method for data collection on and categorization of patterns of disproportionate exposure and associated adverse effects, identify and publish a list localities within the United States subject to disproportionate exposure, and develop action plans to reduce such disproportionate exposure. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, processing, distributing, using for commercial purposes, or disposing of hexabromobiphenyl, hexachlorobenzene, hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether and congeners in the commercial OctaBDE mixture, pentachlorobenzene, and tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether and congeners in the commercial PentaBDE mixture. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt a substance or mixture, or particular uses of the substance or mixture, from requirements of such Act if the Administrator determines that the scientific consensus is that it does not and would not pose any risk of injury to health or the environment under any current, proposed, or anticipated levels of production, patterns of use, or exposures arising at any stage across its lifecycle.

MOMS for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century or the MOMS for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Office on Women's Health, to: (1) establish the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Promotion of Optimal Maternity Outcomes; and (2) develop and implement a consumer education campaign to promote understanding and acceptance of evidence-based maternity practices and models of care for optimal maternity outcomes among women of childbearing ages and families of such women. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to make publicly available and update an online bibliographic database identifying systematic reviews for care of childbearing women and newborns. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) designate maternity care health professional shortage areas under the National Health Service Corps program; (2) establish a loan repayment program to alleviate critical shortages of maternal care professionals; and (3) award planning and implementation grants to address workforce disparities for such professionals. Directs the Secretary to support the establishment of two additional Centers for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes to conduct research to improve maternity outcomes. Requires the Secretary to convene a Maternity Curriculum Commission to discuss and make recommendations for: (1) a shared core maternity care curriculum; (2) strategies to integrate and coordinate education across maternity care disciplines; and (3) pilot demonstrations of interdisciplinary educational models. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover services provided by a supervised student midwife or an intern or resident-in-training under a teaching program under certain circumstances.

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and adjustments to it for case mix changes. Requires for years beginning with 2011 that any evaluation of case mix changes and any such adjustment be made using standards developed consistent with specified processes, taking certain criteria into account. Directs the Secretary to convene a Technical Advisory Group to advise on the development of such standards.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the third annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. Encourages: (1) primary care physicians and other clinicians nationwide to become actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, treatment, and referral services; and (2) individuals to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Agriculture Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Agriculture Program Act - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate cotton and peanut storage payments. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to terminate the Forest Service's Economic Action Program. Amends the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 to terminate the grant program for manufacturers of worsted wool fabrics. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to terminate the Delta region health care services program. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to terminate the grant and loan program for energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities efficiency in rural communities with extremely high energy costs. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise income eligibility limitations for: (1) commodity program non-farm income; (2) direct payment farm income; and (3) conservation program non-farm income. Reduces crop year payment limits for covered commodity and peanut: (1) direct payments; (2) counter-cyclical payments; and (3) average crop revenue election (ACRE)/counter-cyclical payments. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to revise the definition of "payment acres" for covered commodity and peanut direct and counter-cyclical payments. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to reduce additional FY2011 and FY2012 funding for the market access program. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce the reimbursement rate beginning in FY2011 for private insurance providers under the crop insurance program. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting timber sales in the Southwestern, Pacific Southwest, or Alaska region of the National Forest System where federal expenditures to support timber sales have been significantly higher than offsetting receipts until the Secretary certifies to Congress that timber sales in the region will generate receipts at least equal to supporting federal expenditures.

Personalize Your Care Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Personalize Your Care Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to cover a Voluntary Advance Care Planning Consultation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish statewide programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment; or (2) expand or enhance existing programs for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. Directs the Secretary to adopt, by rule, standards for a qualified electronic health record, with respect to patient communications with a health care provider about values and goals of care, to adequately display the patient's current: (1) advance directive; and/or (2) physician order for life-sustaining treatment. Requires under Medicare and Medicaid that an advance directive validly executed outside the state in which the directive is presented must be given effect by a service provider or an organization to the same extent as an advance directive validly executed under the law of the state in which it is presented. Requires that, in the absence of a validly executed advance directive, any authentic expression of a person's wishes with respect to health care be honored.

To repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act providing for funds to a health care facility and rescind funds made available under such section.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal provisions authorizing appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for debt service on, or direct construction or renovation of, a health care facility that provides research, inpatient tertiary care, or outpatient clinical services and that meets certain requirements, including a requirement that it is critical for the provision of greater access to health care within the state. Rescinds any unobligated balances available on the date of enactment of this Act of funds appropriated to HHS for such provisions and requires all amounts made available under such section before such date to be returned to the Treasury.

Supporting Take a Child to a Park Week; Declaring The Third Week In July as "National Take a Child to a Park Week".

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Recognizes the importance of engaging children in physical activity to combat the rising rate of childhood obesity. Recognizes the value of local parks in providing opportunities for children and families to engage in positive, healthy behaviors. Supports the annual designation of a Take a Child to a Park Week.

A resolution designating the week of August 2 through August 8, 2010, as "National Convenient Care Clinic Week", and supporting the goals and ideals of raising awareness of the need for accessible and cost-effective health care options to complement the traditional health care model.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2010

Designates the week of August 2-August 8, 2010, as National Convenient Care Clinic Week. Expresses support for such Week's goal of raising awareness of the need for accessible and cost-effective health care options to complement the traditional health care model. Encourages use of, and calls on the states to support the establishment of, convenient care clinics.

Culture of Safety Hospital Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Culture of Safety Hospital Accountability Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Heatlh and Human Services (HHS) to study for a report made available on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: (1) existing activities and programs in hospitals for quality assurance, patient safety, and performance improvement; and (2) any best practices that should be replicated in hospitals to improve patient safety and quality of care, consistent with the quality assessment and performance improvement program, as required by the conditions of participation for hospitals under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to establish the Culture of Safety Hospital Accountability demonstration program to support establishing partnerships and other cooperative approaches among hospitals, state health care agencies, and HHS to promote and implement the best practices.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to expedite the application of the provision prohibiting rescissions of health insurance coverage.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to make the prohibition against health plans rescinding coverage of an enrollee effective on the day of enactment of PPACA. Requires a health plan that rescinded the coverage of an enrollee during the period beginning on March 23, 2010, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act to reinstate such enrollee in the plan or coverage and treat claims for services furnished to such enrollee during such period as if such rescission had not occurred. Exempts the plan or issuer from any penalty for any violation occurring during such period.

TRAIN Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to provide individuals (including parents and health, allied health, vocational, and educational professionals) with interdisciplinary training, continuing education, technical assistance, and information to improve services rendered to children and adults with autism and their families to address unmet needs related to autism. Makes a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service or comparable interdisciplinary education, research, and service entity eligible for such grants. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish up to four new University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants that are: (1) minority institutions that have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements of this Act and provide services to individuals with autism and their families; or (2) located in a state with one or more underserved populations.

District of Columbia National Disaster Insurance Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

District of Columbia National Disaster Insurance Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a tax-exempt natural disaster protection fund held by an insurance company that: (1) is incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; (2) is subject to supervision by the District of Columbia Commissioner of Insurance, Securities, and Banking; (3) maintains an office in the District of Columbia that employs no fewer than 10 full-time employees, at least 5 of whom are District of Columbia residents; (4) is subject to taxes imposed by the District of Columbia on premiums for natural catastrophic risk coverage; and (5) is not subject to premium taxes imposed by any state or other taxing jurisdiction for natural catastrophic risk coverage written through the fund. Allows distributions from such fund to cover losses attributable to wind (including hurricanes and tornadoes), earthquakes, floods, tsunami or tidal wave, volcanic eruption, fire, hail, snow, ice freezing, or other winter catastrophes, or a pandemic or other public health catastrophe. Sets forth tax rules for contributions to and distributions from such fund.

Medical Checklist Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Medical Checklist Act of 2010 - Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, acting through the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, to conduct research and a study regarding the development and efficacy of medical checklists, including regarding: (1) the testing of different models of medical checklists; (2) an examination of checklist development and use in other industries; and (3) a measurement of the effects of the use of medical checklists on patient safety and health outcomes. Requires dissemination of the results of such study to patient safety organizations. Defines "medical checklist" as a predetermined, evidence-based, well-defined set of steps that should be completed during a designated medical clinical encounter or medical procedure. Requires the HIT Policy Committee to develop policy recommendations regarding: (1) the extent to which the use of medical checklists should be incorporated into health information technology systems; and (2) measures to determine the effectiveness of such use. Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering of the National Academies to conduct a study on medical checklists that includes: (1) a review of available medical checklists and similar quality improvement techniques; (2) an identification of areas of research needed to improve medical checklists; (3) an analysis of organizational impediments to the adoption and use of medical checklists; and (4) a determination of whether the availability of an increased number of medical checklists would improve patient safety and health outcomes.

To observe the contributions of the chiropractic profession and recognize National Chiropractic Health Month.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the chiropractic profession; and (2) National Chiropractic Health Month.

Expressing support for designation of the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and the last Wednesday of September as National Previvor Day.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

Expresses support for designation of: (1) National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week; and (2) National Previvor Day.

Ed Thomas Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010

Ed Thomas Act of 2010 - Allows a covered entity to disclose protected health information, including the date of discharge, to a law enforcement agency if: (1) an individual is accompanied by a law enforcement official at the time such individual seeks care from the covered entity; (2) such official requests, in writing, that the entity disclose to the official protected health information relating to such individual; and (3) such written request is made during the period that begins when such individual seeks such care and ends 24 hours after such individual is discharged from such care or otherwise stops receiving such care.  Applies provisions applicable to a covered entity in response to administrative requests to the disclosure of information under this Act, including provisions requiring that: (1) the information sought is relevant and material to a legitimate law enforcement inquiry; and (2) the request is specific and limited in scope to the extent reasonably practicable in light of the purpose for which the information is sought.

To provide for the mandatory recall of adulterated or misbranded drugs.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require any registered producer of a drug or device to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), as soon as practicable, of the identity and location of a drug, if such person has reason to believe: (1) that such drug is adulterated or misbranded; and (2) there is a reasonable probability that the use or consumption of, or exposure to, the drug will cause a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) request that any person who distributes a drug that the Secretary has reason to believe is adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of the FFDCA voluntarily recall such drug; (2) issue an order requiring any person who distributes a drug that may cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals to immediately cease distribution of such drug; (3) amend the order to cease distribution to include a recall of the drug after an opportunity for an informal hearing; and (4) issue an order requiring an immediate recall of a drug if the Secretary has credible evidence or information that a drug subject to a cease distribution or recall order presents an imminent threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Provides for notice to affected persons. Prohibits the failure to comply with the notification requirements of, or orders issued pursuant to, this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide notice of a recall order to consumers to whom the drug was, or may have been, distributed and to appropriate state and local health officials, as necessary.

Part D Off-Label Prescription Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010

Part D Off-Label Prescription Parity Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor offering a PDP or a MedicareAdvantage (MA) organization offering an MA-PD plan to offer coverage of covered part D drugs for uses that are determined to be for medically accepted indications based upon: (1) guidance provided by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for determining accepted uses of covered part D drugs; and (2) supportive clinical evidence in peer reviewed medical literature.

National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010

National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act of 2005 to include as a purpose of such Act to foster the establishment of state-administered controlled substance monitoring systems in order to ensure that appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and state professional licensing authorities have access to prescription history information for the purposes of investigating drug diversion and prescribing and dispensing practices of errant prescribers or pharmacists. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and update the controlled substance monitoring program, including to: (1) allow grants to be used to maintain and operate existing state controlled substance monitoring programs; (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to redistribute any funds that are returned among the remaining grantees; (3) require a state that is not in compliance with the requirements for such program to submit a plan for bringing the state into compliance; and (4) require a state to provide the Secretary with aggregate data and other information to enable the Secretary to evaluate the success of the state's program and to submit a progress report to Congress. Requires a state receiving a grant to: (1) facilitate prescriber use of the state's controlled substance monitoring system; and (2) educate prescribers on the benefits of the system both to them and society. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disclose information about a veteran or the dependent of a veteran to a state controlled substance monitoring program to the extent necessary to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines.

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that: (1) a Social Security account number (or any derivative) is not displayed, coded, or embedded on the Medicare card issued to an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); and (2) any other identifier displayed on such card is easily identifiable as not being the Social Security account number (or a derivative).

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010

Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that: (1) a Social Security account number (or any derivative) is not displayed, coded, or embedded on the Medicare card issued to an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); and (2) any other identifier displayed on such card is easily identifiable as not being the Social Security account number (or a derivative).

Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010

Veterans', Seniors', and Children's Health Technical Corrections Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to apply to elections made on and after enactment of PPACA the 12-month special Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollment period (under title XVIII [Medicare] of the Social Security Act [SSA]) for military retirees, their spouses (including widows/widowers), and dependent children, who are otherwise eligible for TRICARE (the health care plan under the Department of Defense [DOD]) and entitled to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) based on disability or end stage renal disease (ESRD), but who have declined Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Repeals the delay until FY2012 of the implementation of Version 4 of the Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-IV) for purposes of reimbursing skilled nursing facilities under Medicare. Allows RUG-IV to go into effect on October 1, 2010. Revises specified requirements for reallocating unused residency positions to qualifying hospitals for primary care residents, for purposes of payments to hospitals for graduate medical education (GME) costs, to apply them to hospitals which are members of the same affiliated group. Makes the reference level for each such hospital the reference resident level with respect to the cost reporting period that results in the smallest difference between such level and the otherwise applicable resident limit. Amends Public Health Service Act and SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require the inclusion of orphan drugs for rare diseases or conditions among covered outpatient drugs under the 340B drug discount program (which limits the cost of covered outpatient drugs to certain federal grantees) for eligible children's hospitals. Makes technical corrections to SSA titles XIX and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP). Repeals the requirement that Medicaid agencies exclude individuals or entities from participating in Medicaid for a specified period of time if the entity or individual owns, controls, or manages an entity that: (1) has failed to repay overpayments during a specified period; (2) is suspended, excluded, or terminated from participation in any Medicaid program; or (3) is affiliated with an individual or entity that has been suspended, excluded, or terminated from Medicaid participation. Delays until calendar 2014 the increase from 100% to 133% of the income official poverty line applicable to a family of the size involved of the income level the state is required to establish with respect to a Medicaid group containing children born after September 30, 1983 (or, at the option of a State, after any earlier date), who have attained six years of age but have not attained 19 years of age. Amends the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 with respect to the requirement that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) calculate or publish any national or state-specific error rate based on the application of the federal payment error rate measurement (PERM) requirements to CHIP. Declares that the Secretary of Health and Human Services is not required to calculate or publish a national or a state-specific error rate for FY2009 or FY2010. Revises requirements for CHIP coverage of the children of state employees as targeted low-income children. Repeals the requirement that the hardship exception in favor of such a child, where the annual aggregate amount of premiums and cost-sharing imposed for coverage of the child's family would exceed 5% of the family's income for the year involved, be determined only on a case-by-case basis. Revises requirements for calculation of the net average allowable costs of a state in the formula for determination of federal payments to states to encourage the adoption and use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of HHS for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Program Management Account with respect to Medicare claims reprocessing. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as modified by other federal law, to extend through FY2011 section 508 hospital reclassifications. ("Section 508" refers to Section 508 of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which allows the temporary reclassification of a hospital with a low Medicare area wage index, for reimbursement purposes, to a nearby location with a higher Medicare area wage index, so that the "Section 508 hospital" will receive the higher Medicare reimbursement rate.) Modifies amounts available to the Medicare Improvement Fund for expenditures from the Fund for services furnished during FY2014 and FY2015.

Expressing support for the designation of July 31, 2010, as National Dance Day.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010

Supports the designation of National Dance Day (July 31, 2010) as a way of showing commitment to dance education and physical fitness across the United States. Supports the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative to combat childhood obesity. Acknowledges that promoting dance can make an important difference in encouraging physical fitness.

National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act of 2005 to include as a purpose of such Act to foster the establishment of state-administered controlled substance monitoring systems in order to ensure that appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and state professional licensing authorities have access to prescription history information for the purposes of investigating drug diversion and prescribing and dispensing practices of errant prescribers or pharmacists. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and update the controlled substance monitoring program, including to: (1) allow grants to be used to maintain and operate existing state controlled substance monitoring programs; (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to redistribute any funds that are returned among the remaining grantees; (3) require a state that is not in compliance with the requirements for such program to submit a plan for bringing the state into compliance; and (4) require a state to provide the Secretary with aggregate data and other information to enable the Secretary to evaluate the success of the state's program and to submit a progress report to Congress. Requires a state receiving a grant to: (1) facilitate prescriber use of the state's controlled substance monitoring system; and (2) educate prescribers on the benefits of the system both to them and society.

SAFEGUARDS Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

Secure All Facilities to Effectively Guard the United States Against and Respond to Dangerous Spills Act of 2010 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from issuing a permit or other authorization for exploration for or production of oil and gas under a lease under such Act unless an oil spill response plan for the operations of the facility on which the activity is conducted has been approved by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as meeting requirements for such a plan under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act); (2) require the Secretary to approve an oil and gas exploration plan within 90 (currently 30) days of submission, with a 60-day extension authorized if the Secretary certifies that it's necessary to allow adequate consideration of the plan; and (3) prohibit an exploration plan from being eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Clean Water Act to require: (1) the President to issue regulations to require owners or operators of offshore facilities to have their plans for responding to a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance approved by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (2) such worst case plans of owners and operators of tank vessels, nontank vessels, offshore facilities, or onshore facilities to include plans for responding to uncontrolled or uncontained discharges from wells. Requires the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances to: (1) include water quality monitoring by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of waters affected by discharges of oil or other hazardous substances that begins not later than 48 hours after such a discharge is reported; (2) include designation of the Commandant of the Coast Guard as the National Incident Commander for activities in response to a discharge that results in a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States if such a discharge affects waters with respect to which the Coast Guard is responsible for response efforts under the Plan; and (3) be updated by the President every five years, including separate response plans for discharges of oil or other hazardous materials into or upon land and water.

High-Risk Pool Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

High-Risk Pool Fairness Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to allow otherwise qualified individuals to enroll in a state's high risk health insurance pool if such an individual's maximum length of COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) has expired in the six months before applying for coverage in such pool or will expire within 30 days of applying for coverage in such pool. (Currently, only individuals without creditable coverage for six months are eligible for such pools.)

Universal Access to Methamphetamine Treatment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

Universal Access to Methamphetamine Treatment Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to: (1) increase the availability of treatment for methamphetamine abuse; (2) provide vouchers to individuals in underserved populations for authorized services related to such treatment; and (3) establish programs to provide for and coordinate the provision of wrap-around services, such as medical services, job training services, and housing assistance, to methamphetamine-affected individuals. Revises the grant program to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women to: (1) make caregiver parents eligible for such program; (2) make Indian tribes and tribal organizations eligible for grants; and (3) set forth the priority for allocation of grants. Requires the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to conduct research on the effectiveness of the use of agonist and antagonist drugs to reduce the problems associated with stimulant abuse, including methamphetamine abuse. Requires the Secretary to seek to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine to complete a literature review on the effectiveness of agonist and antagonist drugs for the treatment of stimulant abuse, including methamphetamine abuse. Requires the Comptroller General to study: (1) the impact of the programs authorized by this Act on the effectiveness and availability of treatment for methamphetamine abuse; (2) how the level of federal funding available for such treatment compares to the amount necessary to provide adequate treatment; and (3) the impact of effective treatment of methamphetamine abuse on cost savings due to the reduced need for criminal justice and other services.

Meaningful End to Defensive Medicine & Aimless Lawsuits (MedMal) Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

Meaningful End to Defensive Medicine & Aimless Lawsuits (MedMal) Act of 2010 - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care goods or services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of the manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Caps the amount of noneconomic damages at $350,000 if a claimant rejects a settlement that meets certain criteria. Prohibits a provider of collateral source benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Makes a benevolent gesture or admission of fault that is made by a health care provider or employee to the claimant or the claimant's relative or representative inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or an admission against interest. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is otherwise permitted by applicable state or federal law; (2) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (3) compensatory damages are awarded. Provides for periodic payment of future damages. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party to a product liability lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medical product. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses.

Honoring the achievements of Dr. Robert M. Campbell, Jr., to provide children with lifesaving medical care.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

Honors Dr. Robert Campbell for his lifelong devotion to children's health care. Congratulates Dr. Campbell and his colleagues on their extraordinary achievement in pediatric and orthopedic innovation. Recognizes the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib device which has saved the lives of many infants and children. Calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue to support and incentivize other medical advances to save children's lives threatened by rare disorders.

Expressing support for designation of July as "National Choroideremia Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010

Expresses support for the designation of National Choroideremia Awareness Month.

Medication Therapy Management Expanded Benefits Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010

Medication Therapy Management Expanded Benefits Act of 2010 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to increase the number of diseases and conditions for which beneficiaries may be targeted for medication therapy management (MTM) services. Requires a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) sponsor to establish a process, subject to approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for identifying individuals who are not targeted beneficiaries, are not otherwise offered MTM services, and whom a pharmacist or other qualified provider determines may benefit from MTM services. Requires any such individual to be treated as a targeted beneficiary. Requires any MTM program to offer both comprehensive and targeted medication reviews to individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (under SSA title XIX), regardless of whether they are MTM-targeted beneficiaries. Requires a PDP sponsor to offer any willing pharmacy in its network and any other qualified health care provider the opportunity to provide MTM services. Requires the PDP sponsor to reimburse pharmacists and other qualified health care providers furnishing MTM services based on the resources used and the time required to provide such services. Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish measures and standards for data collection by PDP sponsors to evaluate performance of pharmacies and other entities in furnishing MTM services; and (2) support the continued development and refinement of performance measures. Provides pharmacies and other entities that furnish MTM services with additional incentive payments based on their performance in meeting quality measures established under this Act.

Extend COBRA Premium Assistance Program Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010

Extend COBRA Premium Assistance Program Act of 2010 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend premium assistance for COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) until November 30, 2010. Limits premium assistance to a period of six months for individuals who are terminated from employment after June 1, 2010. Revises rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require that: (1) the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years; (2) such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term; and (3) the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred.

Community Mental Health and Addiction Safety Net Equity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010

Community Mental Health and Addiction Safety Net Equity Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace community mental health centers with federally qualified behavioral health centers which treat substance abuse in addition to mental illness and other conditions. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicaid coverage to federally qualified behavioral health center services. Directs the Institute of Medicine to: (1) evaluate for Congress the combined paperwork burden of federally qualified behavioral health centers; and (2) analyze and report to Congress on the compensation structure of professional and paraprofessional personnel employed by federally qualified behavioral health centers nationwide as compared with the compensation structure of comparable health safety net providers and relevant private sector health care employers.

Expressing support for designation of September 2010 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010

Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research so that the screening and treatment of prostate cancer may be improved and the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the medical device tax, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010

Repeals the excise tax on medical devices enacted by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Rescinds the unobligated balance of the discretionary appropriations made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Commemorating the 40th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010

Recognizes the significance of the anniversary of the 40th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, California, as it is the world's largest forum for advancing the understanding of the brain and nervous system. Acknowledges 40 years of growth and innovation within the Society for Neuroscience and the role of neuroscience in solving many of society's most pressing health and social concerns. Reaffirms the contribution and importance of strong investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) for basic and translational scientific research.

OVERCOMING RURAL HEALTH CARE BARRIERS: USE OF INNOVATIVE WIRELESS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2010

Medicare Lung Cancer Early Detection Promotion Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Medicare Lung Cancer Early Detection Promotion Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish payment for x-ray chest radiography services that use Computer-Aided Detection Technology for the early detection of lung cancer.

A resolution supporting and recognizing the achievements of the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Acknowledges the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act as a critical component of the U.S. public health care system. Expresses support for the mission of such programs. Recognizes family planning providers at Title X health centers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to millions of low-income individuals.

To amend section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to create, for an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant to care for a relative with a serious health condition, an exemption from the presumption that the alien is an immigrant.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create an exemption from the presumption that an alien seeking U.S. entry is an immigrant for an alien seeking U.S. entry to care for a relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a serious health condition. Requires such alien to submit an attestation from a health care provider that includes: (1) a diagnosis and treatment statement; and (2) the expected length of such care.

To establish a Medicare patient IVIG access demonstration project.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration project under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to evaluate the benefits of providing payment for items and services needed for the administration, within the homes of Medicare beneficiaries, of intravenous immune globin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases. Amends SSA title XVIII to treat as durable medical equipment (DME) any disposable drug delivery systems, including elastomeric infusion pumps, for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for timely access to post-mastectomy items under Medicare.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to require payment for post-mastectomy external breast prosthesis garments regardless of whether such items are supplied to the beneficiary before or after the mastectomy or other breast cancer surgical procedure. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop policies to ensure appropriate beneficiary access and utilization safeguards for such items.

Expressing support for the designation of May as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month to increase the knowledge of this little-known, potentially fatal, genetic disease.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Expresses support for the designation of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month. Honors those suffering from the Syndrome and encourages scientific research and funding to find a cure.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day; and (2) the development of a National AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections. Encourages: (1) state and local governments to encourage individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; and (2) the use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV testing. Commends the President for emphasizing the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all Americans.

Supporting and recognizing the achievements of the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Acknowledges the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act as a critical component of the U.S. public health care system. Expresses support for the mission of such programs. Recognizes family planning providers at Title X health centers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to millions of low-income individuals.

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) establish a special Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollment period period for individuals enrolled in COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation coverage who elected not to enroll under part B during the individual's initial enrollment period; (2) require a continuous open Medicare part B enrollment, apart from an initial enrollment period or a special enrollment period, during which there shall be an increase in the monthly premium; (3) provide for special enrollment periods to correct errors, misrepresentations, or the inaction of officers, employees, or agents of group health plans or plan sponsors; and (4) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure appropriate coordination of Medicare part B with American Health Benefit Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on enrollment in the Medicare part B program.

Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010

Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility of establishing an alternative schedule for rating service-connected disabilities of the musculoskeletal system. Allows the Secretary, in the case of a disability claim with multiple conditions, to assign a disability rating for the condition(s) that can be assigned without further development and to continue development of the remaining condition(s). Requires treating a private medical opinion in support of a claim for disability compensation with the same deference as a medical opinion provided by a VA health care provider. Permits a VA health care provider to provide supplemental information needed to support a private medical opinion. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for the rapid identification of initial disability claims that should receive priority review and adjudication. Requires the Secretary to include with notifications of claim decisions a notice-of-disagreement form that may be used to initiate appellate review of such decision. Requires such forms to be filed within 180 days after notification of a claim decision. Allows an extension of such deadline for up to 186 additional days, for good cause shown. Allows a claimant up to 60 days from the date the post-notice of disagreement decision is mailed to file a substantive appeal. Allows an additional 60 days for such filing, for good cause shown. Requires post-notice of disagreement decisions to include the date by which a substantive appeal must be filed in order to obtain further review. Requires review of a substantive appeal by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, unless the claimant requests review by the agency of original jurisdiction. Requires the Board, upon request by an appellant for a hearing before the Board, to determine the location and manner of appearance for such hearing. Makes such determination final unless the appellant can show good cause for a different location or manner of appearance. Directs the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court), in carrying out a review of a Board decision, to render a decision on every issue raised by the appellant. Allows the Court to extend the period for the filing of a notice of appeal of a Board decision by an additional 120 days, for good cause shown. Directs the Secretary to assess the feasibility of carrying out, with local governments and tribal organizations, a pilot program to improve the quality of disability claims submitted by veterans.