Healthcare

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2011

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize entities receiving rural emergency medical service training and equipment grants to use grant funds to provide required coursework and training to enable military veterans to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate state regulatory entity.

Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2011

Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including early learning facilities and charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among states on the basis of the relative portion of school improvement funds provided to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Reserves 2% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools. Reserves 5% of the grant funds for LEAs serving geographic areas: (1) with significant economic distress, (2) recovering from a natural disaster, or (3) containing a military installation selected for closure. Requires states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of school improvement funds received by LEAs in the state for the previous fiscal year. Allows LEAs to give priority to projects involving the abatement, removal, or interim control of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, mildew, lead-based hazards, or a proven carcinogen. Requires the iron and steel used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in the United States, subject to specified exceptions. Directs LEA grantees to use their grants for public school modernization, renovation, repairs, construction, or maintenance that meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards, Energy Star standards, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over such LEAs. Requires the Secretary to work with grant recipients to promote appropriate opportunities for individuals enrolled in YouthBuild, Job Corps, junior or community college, or preapprenticeship programs to gain employment experience on projects funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) grants to institutions of higher education to provide an additional 250,000 part-time work-study jobs; (2) creation of an additional 100,000 Public Lands Corps positions; (3) the retention, rehiring, and hiring of 300,000 education jobs; (4) grants to state, local, and Indian tribal governments to hire and rehire overall an additional 40,000 career law enforcement officers; and (5) the hiring and rehiring of an additional 12,000 firefighters. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible health care and long-term care (LTC) providers to hire and retain 40,000 health care and LTC professionals. Authorizes appropriations for state and local government units to establish a Community Corps to create an additional 750,000 jobs for unemployed individuals to carry out specified activities. Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations to employ an additional 100,000 full-time infant and toddler Head Start specialists.

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2011

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 - Establishes a pilot program under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in order to utilize smart card technology for Medicare beneficiary and provider identification cards.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2011

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Promotes the education of teachers, school nurses, and school personnel in educational strategies such as distance learning and tutoring that will ensure children with Sickle Cell Disease can access and pursue their education.

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to establish: (1) a process for the review of proposed investments by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (2) an Acquisition Review Board to carry out that process; and (3) an acquisition professional career program for selected professionals to foster the recruitment, training, certification, and retention of qualified acquisition personnel throughout DHS. Requires the Secretary to develop a long-term strategic human capital plan for the recruitment, retention, and training of DHS's acquisition workforce. Requires the Secretary to notify specified congressional committees at least three business days before: (1) making a contract award, other transaction agreement, or task and delivery order exceeding $10 million; or (2) announcing the intention to make such an award. Makes an exception where compliance would pose a substantial risk to human life, health, or safety. Directs the Chief Procurement Officer of DHS to issue guidance on use of independent verification and validation to provide a process for the independent evaluation of the integrity and quality of major acquisitions. Establishes within DHS a Cost Analysis Division, which shall evaluate and report on acquisition program cost estimates. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize special emergency procurement authority in a domestic emergency operation to provide support for: (1) an emergency or major disaster, or (2) any instance for which the Secretary determines federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the United States. Directs the Secretary to submit an efficiencies report and implementation plan that: (1) examines and provides recommendations and a cost-benefit analysis for the consolidation of facilities and administrative and logistics functions of DHS components within designated geographic areas; and (2) reduces the aggregate expenditures on all DHS facilities, administrative and logistics functions, and operational activities located near each other by 5% by consolidating facilities and support functions. Directs the Secretary to consolidate all DHS youth preparedness educational programs. Provides for the establishment within DHS of an Under Secretary for Policy. Permits the incumbent Assistant Secretary for Policy to serve until such Under Secretary is appointed. Reestablishes the Office of International Affairs as a separate Office within DHS, headed by the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, to coordinate international activities. Eliminates the Office for Domestic Preparedness, the Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement, the Office of Cargo Security Policy, the Border and Transportation Security Directorate, and the Office of State and Local Government Coordination. Requires the Secretary to consolidate the location of the headquarters of DHS and the headquarters of components of DHS at the West Campus and East Campus of Saint Elizabeths Hospital in the District of Columbia by the end of FY2018. Directs the Secretary to designate a DHS official to coordinate efforts to counter violent extremism in the United States, particularly the ideology that gives rise to Islamist terrorism as identified in the 9/11 Commission Report. Modifies the Secretary's authority to reorganize DHS in the future. Renames the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) as the Infrastructure Protection and Resilience Directorate. Places the Federal Protective Service and Office of Infrastructure Protection within such Directorate. Authorizes the Secretary to assess and collect fees and security charges for the costs of providing protective service. Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Act of 2006 to require the President to ensure that there are comprehensive plans to prevent, prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters throughout the federal government. Requires: (1) the President to identify and prioritize risks of catastrophic incidents, ensure that federal agencies coordinate to conduct comprehensive and effective catastrophic incident planning to address prioritized catastrophic risks, and review plans for catastrophic incidents developed by federal agencies to ensure their effectiveness; and (2) the Secretary to appoint a senior official within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who shall be responsible for catastrophic incident planning. Directs the Administrator of FEMA to enhance and promote preparedness for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters and coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments and private sector and nongovernmental organizations in these efforts. Establishes within FEMA a Disaster Reserve Workforce. Directs the senior official responsible for catastrophic incident planning to develop communications plans for providing information to the public relating to preparing for, protecting against, and responding to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. Directs the Secretary to develop and make available to state, local, and tribal governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector guidelines for responding to an explosion or release of nuclear, biological, radiological, or chemical material. Directs the Secretary to develop and disseminate integrated plume models to enable rapid response activities following a nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological explosion or release. Directs the President to include in each annual federal budget a description of resources identified to support the preparedness, response, and recovery responsibilities of each federal agency with responsibilities under the National Response Framework and the National Disaster Recovery Framework. Reestablishes within DHS a Metropolitan Medical Response System to support states, local governments, and Indian tribes in preparing for, protecting against, and responding to mass casualty incidents by systematically enhancing cooperation and integration of emergency response providers and public health and medical personnel. Directs the Secretary to periodically develop a workforce staffing plan that details the optimal staffing level required to carry out the responsibilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Authorizes the Commissioner of CBP to deploy existing surge teams to proactively respond to intelligence-related, high-risk threats or to assist or augment agency operations at ports of entry in the United States during emergencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that CBP has instituted an outbound inspections program at land, air, and maritime ports of entry and that outbound inspections do not add significantly to wait times for crossing the border; and (2) submit a plan for improving situational awareness over the northern border, including CBP's ability to identify illegal entries. Establishes within DHS an Office of International Travel Security and Screening, headed by an Assistant Secretary responsible for the integrated entry and exist data system (US-VISIT), the visa waiver program, and the Screening Coordination Office, as well as coordinating DHS activities and preventing the travel of terrorists to the United States. Directs: (1) the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary, to deploy an electronic system to notify airlines of the cancellation of any traveler's visa for entry into the United States; and (2) the Secretary to develop an electronic system for remotely reviewing visa applications and supporting documentation at diplomatic and consular posts at which visas are issued. Deems funds authorized or made available for DHS intelligence activities to be specifically authorized for purposes of the National Security Act of 1947 during FY2012. Establishes a Classified National Security Information Program, which shall be designed to safeguard and govern access to classified information shared by the federal government with states, local governments, Indian tribes, and private sector entities. Authorizes the Secretary to convert competitive service positions within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to excepted service positions, and to establish new positions, as necessary to carry out DHS's intelligence functions. Establishes a Directorate of Science Technology within DHS, headed by an Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and a Director of Testing and Evaluation within that Directorate. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) develop a Five-Year Research and Development Investment Plan that shall guide all expenditures by DHS for basic, advanced, or applied research and technology development activities; and (2) establish a process for evaluating the readiness, performance, and suitability of any technologies or systems that DHS acquires or develops to carry out its mission. Authorizes the Under Secretary to make available to any person or entity, for an appropriate fee, the services of any center or other testing facility owned and operated by DHS for the testing of items designed to advance the homeland security mission. Provides for the confidentiality of test results. Includes within the mission of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to coordinate strategic planning and investments within DHS and with other federal agencies and state and local governments to: (1) detect and prevent illegal trafficking in nuclear weapons-making materials or technologies, and (2) reduce the risk of a nuclear terrorist attack. Requires the Director of that Office, in coordination with relevant federal agencies, to develop a plan to integrate and strengthen the nation's capabilities to deter, detect, and prevent nuclear terrorist threats in the domestic portion of the global nuclear detection architecture within 10 years.

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 - Establishes a pilot program under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in order to utilize smart card technology for Medicare beneficiary and provider identification cards.

A resolution designating the month of October 2011 as "National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Designates October 2011 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Urges communities to educate parents and youth about the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse.

A resolution designating September 12, 2011, as "National Day of Encouragement."

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Designates September 12, 2011, as National Day of Encouragement. Acknowledges the importance of encouragement and positive influences in the lives of all people. Urges Americans to encourage others to boost the morale of all Americans.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 11, 2011, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Designates the week beginning September 11, 2011, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Commends direct support professionals as integral in supporting the long-term support and services system of the United States.

A resolution designating the week beginning on September 12, 2011, and ending on September 16, 2011, as "National Health Information Technology Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in improving health quality.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2011

Designates the week of September 12-September 16, 2011, as National Health Information Technology Week. Calls on interested parties to promote the use of information technology and management systems to transform the U.S. health care system.

Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011 - Suspends the effective date of certain covered regulations for one-year beginning on the enactment of this Act.  Defines a "covered regulation" as a final regulation that did not take effect before September 1, 2011, that increases costs on businesses in a manner that will have an adverse effect on job creation, job retention, productivity, competitiveness, or the efficient functioning of the economy, and that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (3) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action by another agency; (4) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or (5) raise novel legal or policy issues. Allows agency heads to exempt covered regulations that: (1) are necessary due to an imminent threat to human health or safety or any other emergency; (2) are necessary to enforce criminal laws, (3) foster private sector job creation; (4) encourage economic growth; (5) reduce regulatory burdens; (6) pertain to a military or foreign affairs function; or (7) are limited to interpreting, implementing, or administering the Internal Revenue Code.

Regulation Moratorium and Jobs Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Regulation Moratorium and Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Prohibits any federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action until the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a monthly unemployment rate equal to or less than 7.7%.   Defines as "significant" any regulatory action that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, small entities, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with another agency's action; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President notifies Congress that a waiver is necessary on the basis of national security or a national emergency.  Allows judicial review of all claims under this Act.

HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 September 2011

Foodborne Illness Reduction Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Foodborne Illness Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act (the Acts) to include in the definition of "adulterated" a product containing an emerging pathogen associated with actual or potential human illnesses or death, including pathogens such as antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella or enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Shiga toxin-producing serotypes of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to: (1) define specified food safety terms, and (2) set forth civil penalties for food safety law violations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) identify significant foodborne disease pathogens, (2) determine levels of food product contamination, (3) establish public health goals to reduce foodborne illness, (4) prescribe pathogen reduction performance standards and implement a sampling program to determine food establishment compliance, (5) establish an accredited meat and meat food product testing program, and (6) implement adulterated food tracing protocols. Requires certain food establishments to sample for the presence of identified pathogens at any production or processing point. Permits banning food imports from countries refusing inspections by the Secretary. Sets forth notice and recall provisions. Defines a "foodborne illness outbreak" as the occurrence of two or more cases of a similar illness resulting from the ingestion of a certain food. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems through the coordination and integration of such systems, the development of improved epidemiological tools, and the provision of timely public information; (2) establish guidelines for a system to take and analyze food samples; (3) establish a national public education program on food safety; and (4) conduct specified research concerning food safety. Establishes penalties under the Acts for the introduction into commerce of unsafe or misbranded products of up to $100,000, 20 years' imprisonment, or both. Requires studies concerning: (1) the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based Inspection Models Project, and (2) worker safety in the meat packing and poultry processing industry, including the relationship between line speed and worker safety.

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to exempt nuisance dust from the CAA and excludes nuisance dust from references in the CAA to particulate matter, except with respect to geographic areas where such dust is not regulated under state, tribal, or local law to the extent the Administrator finds that: (1) nuisance dust (or any subcategory of nuisance dust) causes substantial adverse public health and welfare effects at ambient concentrations; and (2) the benefits of applying CAA standards and other requirements to such dust outweigh the costs. Defines "nuisance dust" as particulate matter: (1) generated from natural sources, unpaved roads, agricultural activities, earth moving, or other activities typically conducted in rural areas; or (2) consisting primarily of soil, other natural or biological materials, windblown dust, or some combination of such materials. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from  proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation revising the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 micrometers under the CAA for one year.

A resolution designating September 9, 2011, as "National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Designates September 9, 2011, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Calls upon the people of the United States to observe a moment of reflection during the ninth hour of September 9, 2011, to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol.

Abstinence Education Reallocation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Abstinence Education Reallocation Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award grants for qualified sexual risk avoidance education to youth and their parents. Requires such education to meet certain criteria, including: (1) being age-appropriate, medically accurate, and evidence-based; (2) having as its sole purpose the teaching of the skills and benefits of sexual abstinence as the optimal sexual health behavior for youth; and (3) teaching the benefits of refraining from nonmarital sexual activity, the advantage of reserving sexual activity for marriage, and the foundational components of a healthy relationship. Gives priority to programs that serve youth ages 12 to 19 and that will promote the protective benefits of parent-child communication regarding healthy sexual decisionmaking.

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2011

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit physical therapy to be furnished under the Medicare program to individuals under the care of a dentist.

Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2011

Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to state emergency medical services offices or other state entities with jurisdiction over emergency medical personnel to provide for the expedited training and licensing, as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), of veterans who received training as EMTs while serving in the Armed Forces. Directs an eligible entity to give priority to providing training to individuals who will serve as EMTs in areas that provide a high volume of emergency medical services and trauma care.

Emergency Jobs Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2011

Emergency Jobs Now Act - Amends the Budget Control Act of 2011 to rename the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction as the Joint Select Committee on Emergency Job Creation and Deficit Reduction. Requires the Joint Committee to recommend legislative language to: (1) enact emergency jobs legislation that will create an additional three million jobs during each of calendar years 2012 and 2013, thereby reducing unemployment rates over the short-term and long-term; and (2) reduce the deficit by at least $1.5 trillion over FY2014-FY2021, as under current law. Prescribes legislative procedures for expedited consideration in both chambers of the Joint Committee's recommendations. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to repeal the discretionary spending limits (spending caps) on new budget authority for security and nonsecurity categories for FY2012-FY2013, including those for: (1) continuing disability reviews and redeterminations under the Social Security Act, (2) the health care fraud abuse control program at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and (3) disaster relief funding. Amends the Budget Control Act of 2011 to increase the public debt limit by an amount equal to the new budget authority provided in any emergency jobs legislation approved by the Joint Committee and enacted into law.

Expressing support for designation of October 2011 as National Chiropractic Health Month.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2011

Expresses support for the designation of National Chiropractic Health Month.

Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 September 2011

Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to approve a waiver of the uniform tax requirement (whether or not the tax is broad based), regardless of whether the state concerned satisfies certain requirements, for any state with a provider tax that does not apply to continuing care retirement communities or life care communities that: (1) have no beds certified to provide medical assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; or (2) do not provide services for which Medicaid payment may be made.

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 19 August 2011

Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit physical therapy to be furnished under the Medicare program to individuals under the care of a dentist.

Fit for Life Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2011

Fit for LIFE Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the offering of fruits and vegetables in low-income communities through supermarkets. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to: (1) expand programs to include the provision of free fresh fruits and vegetables in secondary schools, child care centers, and family child care homes; (2) expand summer food service programs for children; and (3) establish a program providing nutritious food to at-risk school children on weekends and during extended school holidays during the school year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program to enable local and tribal governments to conduct a food security assessment. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of HHS to establish programs to reduce and prevent obesity in children. Requires the Secretaries of Education and HHS to award grants for health and fitness programs in secondary schools in low-income communities. Requires the Secretary of HHS to award grants to states for a community navigator program. Expands coverage of obesity treatment and prevention programs and services in federal programs. Establishes the National Commission on Child Obesity. Sets forth grant programs to increase physical activity in low-income communities and schools and prevent childhood obesity.

Minority Diabetes Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2011

Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such grants cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

`Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2011

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Health Emergencies Lack Provider Specialists Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Health Emergencies Lack Provider Specialists Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make eligible for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment and scholarship programs specialists needed to serve medically underserved areas or populations that have needs for particular specialists related to a public health emergency declaration based upon environmental health hazard-related health concerns.

Medicaid Restoration for Citizens of Freely Associated States Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Medicaid Restoration for Citizens of Freely Associated States Act of 2011 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 to permit coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for citizens of the Freely Associated States lawfully residing in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association between the United States Government and the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Exempts such citizens from the five-year limited eligibility of qualified aliens for federal means-tested public benefits with respect to the Medicaid program.

Ensure Children Have Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Ensure Children Have Health Care Act - Permits a health insurance issuer that is licensed to offer child-only health insurance coverage in one state to also offer such coverage to eligible residents of other states. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) provide for the application of a uniform annual enrollment period for such coverage; and (2) promulgate regulations that provide protections to enrollees, ensure the solvency of health insurance issuers that offer such coverage, and clarify the procedures that would apply when an enrollee has a complaint concerning his or her coverage.

Medicare Cost Contract Extension Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Medicare Cost Contract Extension Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through December 31, 2015, the indefinite extendability or renewability of Medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contracts.

Pregnancy Assistance Fund Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Pregnancy Assistance Fund Expansion Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to authorize additional funding for FY2012-FY2019 for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund for grants to states to assist pregnant and parenting teens and women.

Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act - Prohibits the federal government and any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from discriminating or retaliating against any individual or health care entity because of the refusal by the individual or entity to recommend, refer for, provide coverage for, pay for, provide, perform, assist, or participate in any abortion. Includes within such prohibited discrimination: (1) denial, deprivation, or disqualification in licensing; (2) withholding accreditations, authorizations, loans, grants, aids, assistance, benefits, or privileges; and (3) withholding authorization to expand, improve, finance, or create facilities or programs. Creates a cause of action for any violation of this Act. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to order any form of legal or equitable relief, including injunctive relief or an order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance to a state government until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Authorizes the Attorney General to file a civil action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief to enforce compliance with this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of this Act. Requires this Act to be construed in favor of broad conscience protection for individuals and health care entities to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this Act and the Constitution.

Hyde Amendment Codification Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Hyde Amendment Codification Act - Prohibits the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortion. Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Excludes from such prohibitions an abortion if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or (2) the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, as certified by a physician.

Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to long-term care hospitals to specify: (1) the criteria for preadmission patient screening and for admission following a face-to-face evaluation by a physician, (2) core services and patient care requirements, and (3) discharge criteria. Reduces from 48 hours to 24 hours of admission the deadline by which long-term care hospitals must validate that patients meet admission criteria.

Hyde and Related Amendments Codification Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Hyde and Related Amendments Codification Act- Prohibits the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortion. Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Prohibits the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal or District of Columbia health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District. Excludes from such prohibitions an abortion if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or (2) the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, as certified by a physician. Makes such prohibitions applicable to District of Columbia funds. Codifies the prohibition against a federal agency or program or any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from subjecting any individual or health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Creates a cause of action for any violations of such provisions. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including an injunction or order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, investigate, and refer to the appropriate federal agency complaints alleging a violation of such provisions.

Medical Education Development Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Medical Education Development Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to newly accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools to support scholarships, develop residencies, build infrastructure, recruit and retain faculty, and develop research programs, for the purpose of increasing the supply of physicians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to schools accredited to admit students from FY2009-FY2014, (2) provide increased funding to schools that enroll larger classes while maintaining competitive faculty-to-student ratios, and (3) allocate funds to only schools that provide accountability and transparency in expending such funds. Requires: (1) each school to report annually on the specific uses of funds received and on how the grant has benefited the region and the nation; and (2) the Secretary to report annually on the extent to which such grants have increased the supply of physicians, resulted in greater access to health care, enabled the creation of new care models, provided economic regional benefits, and increased the focus on medical students' communications skills.

A bill to provide for the construction, renovation, and improvement of medical school facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools for the purposes of constructing, renovating, or improving school facilities and increasing the supply of physicians. Sets forth criteria for the allocation of funds, with priority given to new schools, schools looking to create a new branch of an existing school, and schools that serve medically underserved areas.

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the allowance for disenrollment, between January 1 and March 15 of each year, only from an MedicareAdvantage plan to elect enrollment in the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Restores the option under previous law to elect to change from a MedicareAdvantage to the original Medicare fee-for-service plan, or from the original Medicare fee-for-service to a MedicareAdvantage plan, once a year during the first three months.

Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators in an outpatient setting as authorized providers of Medicare diabetes outpatient self-management training services, including as part of telehealth services, under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Comptroller General to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.  Declares that such plans are still considered to: (1) be providing the essential health benefits package or preventive health services, (2) be a qualified health plan, and (3) have fulfilled other requirements under PPACA. Declares that nothing in PPACA shall be construed to authorize a health plan to require a provider to provide, participate in, or refer for a specific item or service contrary to the provider's religious beliefs or moral convictions. Prohibits a health plan from being considered to have failed to provide timely or other access to items or services or to fulfill any other requirement under PPACA because it has respected the rights of conscience of such a provider. Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange) or other official or entity acting in a governmental capacity in the course of implementing PPACA from discriminating against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of an unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services. Creates a private cause of action for the protection of individual rights created under this Act. Authorizes any person or entity to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination based on this Act. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in PPACA.

A resolution designating the week of October 2 through October 8, 2011, as "National Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Week".

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Designates the week of October 2-October 8, 2011, as National Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Week and expresses support for its goals and ideals. Encourages the expansion of such clinics so that they may continue to serve as health care workforce development sites for the next generation of primary care providers.

Health and Human Services Hiree Clarification Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Health and Human Services Hiree Clarification Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to state that provisions authorizing the appointment of special consultants or authorizing individual scientists to receive fellowships do not authorize the designation, appointment, or employment of any special consultant, fellow, or other employee by an agency outside of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Child and Family Services Extension and Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2011

Child and Family Services Extension and Enhancement Act - Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise and extend the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Requires each state plan for oversight and coordination of health care services for any child in a foster care placement to include an outline of: (1) the monitoring and treatment of emotional trauma associated with a child's maltreatment and removal from home, and (2) protocols for the appropriate use and monitoring of psychotropic medications. Requires each state plan for child welfare services also to describe state activities to: (1) reduce the length of time children under age 5 are without a permanent family placement, and (2) address the developmental needs of such children who receive Program benefits or services. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Replaces the current requirement for certain action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with one that requires each state to take necessary steps to ensure that the total number of monthly caseworker visits to children in foster care under state responsibility during a fiscal year is at least 90% of the total number of such visits that would occur if each such child were so visited once every month while in such care. Revises and extends through FY2016 the program to promote safe and stable families. Requires the annual compilation of state reports to include the individual state reports and tables that synthesize state information into national totals for each element required to be included in the reports, including planned and actual spending by service category for the program. Requires the Secretary to publish the compilation on the HHS website in a location easily accessible by the public. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by a parent's or caretaker's methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by a parent's or caretaker's substance abuse. Repeals the Secretary's authority to enter a cooperative agreement to conduct a service delivery demonstration project relating to the mentoring of children of prisoners. Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the Secretary to study the recruitment of and support for families caring for children served by any program funded under part E, including foster parents, adoptive parents, and kin guardians.

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include lactation (i.e., breastfeeding or the expressing of milk from the breast) as protected conduct under such Act (specifically, an amendment to such Act commonly known as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act). Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to extend the requirement that certain employers provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child to bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity employees or outside salesmen who are exempt from federal labor laws that limit the number of hours in a workweek.

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, and (2) research to prevent and treat brain aneurysms.

To clarify the role of the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing a benefit or service related to the interment or funeral of a veteran, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Limits the role of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in interments or funerals, memorial services, or ceremonies of deceased veterans to providing: (1) such veterans with benefits earned by serving the United States, (2) any necessary maintenance of national cemeteries and other facilities under control of the National Cemetery Administration, and (3) any necessary security or traffic control with respect to such services at national cemeteries and facilities under such Administration's control. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) a suitable chapel is provided to the deceased's family, and (2) any requested honor guard or other nongovernmental group is provided access to such services and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. Requires each VA cemetery director to be a veteran. Prohibits federal government officials, including the Secretary, from interfering with the content and creed of such services, as expressed by the last will and testament of the individual or as determined by the family or agent of the individual, as provided under state law.

WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials against the nation and of global infectious disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary issues; (2) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and risk assessments of such homeland security hazards by providing relevant quantitative and nonquantitative threat information; (3) leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack; and (4) share information and provide tailored analytical support on these threats to state, local, and tribal authorities as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders. Requires the Office to coordinate with other DHS components, the Intelligence Community, and federal, state, local, and tribal authorities where appropriate and enable such entities to provide recommendations on optimal information sharing mechanisms and on how they can provide information to DHS. Directs the Secretary of DHS to report annually on: (1) intelligence and information sharing activities to counter the threat from weapons of mass destruction, and (2) DHS's activities in accordance with relevant intelligence strategies. Requires the Secretary to ensure that homeland security information analyzed by DHS concerning terrorist threats is provided to state, local, and private entities and the public.

Parental Consent Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Parental Consent Act of 2011 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to establish or implement any universal or mandatory mental health, psychiatric, or socioemotional screening program. Prohibits federal education funds from being used to pay any local educational agency or other instrument of government that uses the refusal of a parent or legal guardian to provide consent to mental health screening as the basis of a charge of child abuse, child neglect, medical neglect, or education neglect until the agency or instrument demonstrates that it is no longer using such refusal as a basis of such charge. Defines a screening program under this Act as any mental health screening program in which a set of individuals is automatically screened without regard to whether there was a prior indication of a need for mental health treatment, including: (1) any program of state incentive grants to implement recommendations in the July 2003 report of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, the State Early Childhood Comprehensive System, grants for TeenScreen, and the Foundations for Learning Grants; and (2) any student mental health screening program that allows mental health screening of individuals under 18 years of age without the express, written, voluntary, informed consent of the parent or legal guardian of the individual involved.

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2011

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include lactation (i.e., breastfeeding or the expressing of milk from the breast) as protected conduct under such Act (specifically, an amendment to such Act commonly known as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act). Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to extend the requirement that certain employers provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child to bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity employees or outside salesmen who are exempt from federal labor laws that limit the number of hours in a workweek.