Healthcare

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of suicide prevention awareness.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2013

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and efforts to raise awareness and improve outreach to individuals at risk for suicide, especially veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Encourages the people of the United States to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how each person can help prevent suicide and promote mental health.

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2013

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2013 - Requires each state that receives funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and that does not meet the requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions set forth in this Act as of the date of enactment of this Act to enact legislation or issue regulations establishing such requirements by the last day of the fifth full fiscal year after such date. Requires each local educational agency in the state to develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that: (1) educates students, parents, and school personnel about concussions through specified activities; (2) encourages specified supports for a student recovering from a concussion; and (3) encourages the use of specified best practices designed to ensure the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management. Requires each public elementary and secondary school to post on school grounds and make publicly available on the school website specified information on concussions. Requires that if an individual designated from among school personnel for purposes of this Act suspects that a student has sustained a concussion: (1) the student shall be immediately removed from participation in a school-sponsored athletic activity and prohibited from returning to such activity until the student submits a written release from a health care professional; and (2) such designated individual shall report to the student's parent or guardian information regarding the date, time, and type of the injury suffered by the student and any actions taken to treat the student. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reduce by specified percentages the amount a state receives under ESEA if it fails to comply with this Act within a specified time frame, and (2) provide prior written notification of such intended reduction to the state and to the appropriate congressional committees.

A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2013

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, 2013; (2) efforts to educate Americans about infant mortality and the factors that contribute to infant mortality; and (3) efforts to reduce infant deaths, low birth weight, pre-term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes. Recognizes the critical importance of including efforts to reduce infant mortality and the factors that contribute to infant mortality as part of prevention and wellness strategies.

Recognizing that access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas of the United States is essential to the survival and success of communities in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2013

Recognizes that: (1) access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas of the United States is essential to the survival and success of U.S. communities; (2) preserving and strengthening access to quality health care in rural areas is crucial to the success and prosperity of the United States; (3) strengthening access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas makes Medicare more cost-effective and improves health outcomes for patients, and (4) rural health care providers are integral to the local economies and are one of the largest types of employers in rural areas of the United States. Celebrates the many dedicated medical professionals across the United States who work hard each day to deliver quality care to people living in rural areas.

U.S. EFFORTS TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS

United States · United States Senate · 24 September 2013

Adoption Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2013

Adoption Information Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning service projects or programs, as a condition of receiving certain grants or contracts, to assure the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that they will provide each person who inquires about their services with a pamphlet containing a comprehensive list of adoption centers in their state. Directs the Secretary to prepare, annually update, and distribute such pamphlets to such projects or programs.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Preventive Services Task Force should reevaluate its recommendations against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups in consultation with appropriate specialists.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2013

Calls for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to: (1) reevaluate its recommendation against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups, (2) seriously engage and consult with specialists as it reevaluates its recommendation, and (3) identify areas for additional research and evaluation of methods of treatment of, and screening procedures for, prostate cancer. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) prostate cancer screening decisions should be made by each individual patient and his physician, taking into account the patient's risk factors and desire for treatment; and (2) steps should be taken to raise awareness of, and increase public knowledge about, prostate cancer, the benefits of early detection, and the appropriateness of screening tests.

Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2013

Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2013 - 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.

Health Care Regulator Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2013

Health Care Regulator Accountability Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to prohibit the federal government from making any health care plan available to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or any other federal executive agency employees responsible for the administration of the Act except a health plan created under it or offered through an American Health Benefit Exchange. Prohibits the Secretary of HHS, the IRS Director, and the head of any other agency involved in promulgating rules or regulations to carry out or to enforce PPACA, or any amendments made by it, from obligating or expending, in any fiscal year, more than 90% of the funds made available for the salaries and expenses of their offices unless those regulations are promulgated and take effect before the fiscal year's close. Requires rescission of any amounts which remain precluded from obligation or expenditure on that last day of the fiscal year.

Common Sense Health Reform Americans Actually Want Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2013

Common Sense Health Reform Americans Actually Want Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Acts. Requires each state to operate a qualifying high risk pool to provide health coverage to certain individuals with a preexisting condition. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from applying an annual or lifetime aggregate spending cap on any health insurance coverage or plan. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for the establishment and governance of small business health plans, which are group health plans sponsored by trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations that meet ERISA certification requirements. Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) continue in effect for group (not individual) health plans dependent coverage until the beneficiary turns 26 years of age, (2) continue in effect the prohibition on imposition of preexisting condition exclusions on a participant or beneficiary under 19 years of age, and (3) permit a health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation in a wellness program. Amends the PHSA to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act. Amends the IRC to: (1) revise provisions related to health savings accounts, including to allow the payment of premiums for high deductible health plans from such accounts; (2) allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income; and (3) allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of health insurance coverage for individual taxpayers, their spouses, and dependents. Sets forth requirements for civil actions for an injury or death as the result of health care. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship or the practice of medicine. Repeals provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that establish the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research. 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 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.) Sets forth certain exceptions, including for rape and a life-endangering physical condition. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address: (1) enforcement of Medicare secondary payer provisions; (2) screening of providers and suppliers under the Medicare program; and (3) tracking of providers that have been excluded from Medicare, including by permitting data matching between Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

To appropriate such funds as may be necessary to ensure certain important functions of the Government continue during a Governmentwide shutdown, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2013

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a government-wide shutdown, to make available, out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such amounts as are necessary to provide: pay and allowances to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including reserve components, who perform active service during the funding gap; pay and allowances, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, to civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense (DOD) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces; amounts necessary to carry out the authority of the Department of the Treasury to pay with legal tender the principal and interest on debt held by the public; such amounts as the President certifies to Congress are necessary to carry out vital national security priorities, as well as government functions necessary for protecting public health and safety; and amounts necessary to make payments under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps). Defines "government-wide shutdown" as any portion of a fiscal year during which none of the appropriation bills for the fiscal year have become law and an Act or joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year is not in effect. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund), during such a shutdown, to make available to the Commissioner of Social Security such amounts as the Commissioner determines to be necessary for the uninterrupted payment of monthly insurance benefits under SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and benefits under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI). Prohibits Members of Congress and the President from receiving basic pay during a government-wide shutdown and from receiving such forfeited pay retroactively.

Medicare Established Provider Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2013

Medicare Established Provider Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a system to designate service providers and suppliers who meet specified criteria representing a low risk for submitting fraudulent Medicare claims as established providers afforded certain special treatment in the claim review process.

To clarify the application of all laws, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to the Federal Government and Congress, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2013

Declares that Congress and the executive branch are expressly and equally bound by any federal law which is intended to be broadly enforced upon the American people. Makes the following individuals ineligible for any federally funded health care premium subsidies, until the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is fully repealed: a Member or employee of Congress, the President, the Vice President, any employee of the Executive Office of the President, and any other civilian federal worker. Exempts from such restriction a health care premium subsidy: under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; for coverage under a veterans' health care program; or for medical coverage for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, including coverage under the TRICARE program. Amends PPACA to restrict the health plans that the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and any employee of Congress, the President, the Vice President, any employee of the Executive Office of the President, and any other civilian federal worker, to only those health plans that are created under PPACA or offered through an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange established under PPACA). (Currently, this restriction applies to Members of Congress and congressional staff.) Prohibits such restrictions from affecting: (1) the eligibility of an individual to enroll in a health plan or receive health care under specified uniformed services, TRICARE, or veterans' health programs; and (2) the continued coverage of annuitants in certain plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program in effect as of the enactment of this Act.

PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, CONSOLIDATION, AND THE CONSEQUENT IMPACT ON COMPETITION IN HEALTHCARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 September 2013

Supporting Adoptive Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Supporting Adoptive Families Act - Amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to make it a purpose of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program to promote efforts to prevent children from entering the foster care system through the provision of pre- and post-adoptive support services. Extends adoption promotion and support services to those designed to support adoptions from other countries as well as domestic adoptions. Specifies related pre- and post-adoptive support services. Amends SSAct title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to revise requirements for state expenditures for adoption support services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to develop and implement state-sponsored statewide or tribal post-adoption mental health service programs for all adopted children. Amends SSAct title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to direct the Secretary, as part of the child support and paternity data collection system, to promulgate final regulations requiring the states to collect and report information regarding children adopted within the United States or from other countries who enter into state custody as a result of the disruption of a placement for adoption or the dissolution of an adoption.

A resolution designating September 22, 2013, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Designates September 22, 2013, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Recognizes that there are cost-effective falls prevention programs and policies. Commends the Falls Free Coalition and others for their efforts to increase awareness of falls prevention. Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Administration for Community Living, and others to continue developing, evaluating, and promoting interventions and programs to prevent falls.

A resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 20, 2013, as "National Health Information Technology Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in transforming and improving the healthcare system for all people in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Designates the week of September 16-September 20, 2013, 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.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Growth Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Designates the third week of September 2013 as Growth Awareness Week. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of such Week.

Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover aural rehabilitation services, hearing aids as durable medical equipment (DME), audiology rehabilitation services, and related hearing services.

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to deem misbranded any food (other than a dietary supplement) intended for human consumption, offered for sale, and otherwise required to bear nutrition labeling, unless its principal display panel bears summary nutrition information reflecting the overall nutritional value of the food or specified ingredients, and does not contain any summary nutritional information in addition to or inconsistent with the information required by such Act. (All food referred to in this summary is food other than a dietary supplement.) Requires the principal display panel of a grain-based product to disclose the percentage of wheat or whole grains conspicuously in immediate proximity to a descriptive phrase such as "made with whole grain," "multigrain," "wheat," or "whole wheat." Requires any such food containing sweeteners, coloring, or flavoring to have that fact prominently stated on the principal display panel of its package or container. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue comprehensive guidance clarifying the application of requirements for nutrition levels and health-related claims with respect to the mechanisms by which a nutrient in food (other than a dietary supplement) is intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body, or characterize the documented mechanism by which a nutrient in such food acts to maintain such structure or function. Requires the manufacturer of a food (other than a dietary supplement) to provide the Secretary, upon request and within 90 days, all documentation in the manufacturer's possession for substantiation of a nutrition level or health-related claim Prohibits any claim with respect to the level of cholesterol in a food if it contains trans fat in an amount which increases to persons in the general population the risk of disease or a health related condition which is diet related, unless certain criteria apply. Prohibits as well any claim with respect to the level of trans fats in a food,unless it contains less than one gram of saturated fat per serving or, if it contains more, unless the label or labeling of the food discloses the level of saturated fat in the food in immediate proximity to the claim and with appropriate prominence which shall be no less than one-half the size of the claim with respect to the level of trans fats. Deems misbranded any food whose label bears the word "natural" while the food contains any artificial ingredient, including any artificial flavor, artificial color, or other specified synthesized or chemically changed ingredient. Directs the Secretary to revise the FFDCA regulations relating to use of the term "healthy" on a food label to take into account the extent to which the food contains added sugars or whole grains. Requires the nutrition facts panel on a food label to state the percent of recommended daily calories provided by one serving of the product, based on a recommended daily consumption of calories determined appropriate for members of the general population. Authorizes the Secretary also to require such labeling with respect to any identified subpopulation. Makes a similar labeling requirement for the percentage of added sugars in a food. Requires sugars, non-caloric sweeteners, and sugar alcohols to each be treated as a group in the list of ingredients on a food label, including individual sugars, non-caloric sweeteners, and sugar alcohols within each group, in their order of predominance. Directs Secretary to include requirements for the format of the information required on certain food labeling to: (1) improve its readability, and (2) assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices. Requires the labeling of any food containing at least 10 milligrams of caffeine from all sources per serving to say so.

Fairness for Beneficiaries Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2013

Fairness for Beneficiaries Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for Medicare coverage for extended care services which are not post-hospital extended care services (that is, without regard to the requirement for a 3-day prior hospitalization). Limits such coverage to extended care services in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), but only if, before the individual is admitted to the SNF, a physician or other qualified health care practitioner determines and certifies that extended care services for the individual are medically necessary.

PIN Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Trust But Verify Act or the PIN Act - Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange (established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) from offering health insurance coverage through the Exchange until the Comptroller General (GAO) certifies to Congress that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and any related federal agencies involved in the administration of such Exchanges, have implemented all appropriate actions necessary to safeguard the personal health and financial information of enrollees and to protect against fraud and abuse.

Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2012 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover dental services. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for funding under Medicaid for dental services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to maintain a database containing information on each state regarding dental benefits available for adults enrolled in the state Medicaid program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for: (1) educating nondental medical and other professionals about oral health care; (2) providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; (3) providing scholarships and education loans for dental therapists and oral health professional students; (4) providing comprehensive oral health services to low-income individuals and individuals in underserved areas; (5) building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; (6) funding research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and manage oral health diseases; and (7) providing rural health clinics with mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services, including dentures, and outreach for senior-care facilities and facilities that provide federal health care and nutrition benefits for women and children. Authorizes appropriations for community based dental residencies. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to declare oral health services to be an essential health benefit. Removes restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring such care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services). Authorizes the VA to carry out a demonstration program to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a similar demonstration program to train and employ such providers in order to increase access to those dental services for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who lack ready access to such services. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS, through the Indian Health Service (IHS), to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Directs the Secretary of HHS to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the expansion of dental service coverage pursuant to this Act, including whether it resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of: (1) the implementation and utilization of expanded dental service coverage under this Act for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, and (2) the demonstration programs authorized by this Act for the training and employment of alternative dental health care providers.

Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include as a health care provider behavioral and mental health professionals, substance abuse professionals, psychiatric hospitals, certain community mental health centers (including one operated by a county behavioral health agency), and residential or outpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment facilities. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to incentives for meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology under the pay schedule for physician's services, to include as additional eligible professionals clinical psychologists providing qualified psychologist services and clinical social workers. Subjects any additional eligible professionals, including those under a MedicareAdvantage (MA) plan, to reductions in incentive payments after a certain date for failure to be a meaningful EHR user. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to treat as Medicaid providers the following additional Medicaid providers: (1) public and certain private hospitals that are principally psychiatric hospitals, (2) certain community mental health centers, and (3) certain residential or outpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment facilities. Makes eligible professionals under the Medicaid program certain clinical psychologists providing qualified psychologist services and certain clinical social workers.

ConTACT Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act of 2013 or ConTACT Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish guidelines for states on the implementation of best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) in school-aged children, including best practices relating to student athletes returning to play after an MTBI. Requires the Pediatric MTBI Guideline Expert Panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a final report on such best practices by March 15, 2015. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states for: (1) adopting, disseminating, and ensuring school implementation of the guidelines; and (2) ensuring elementary and secondary schools implement computerized preseason baseline and post-injury neuropsychological testing for student athletes. Directs the Secretary to require states receiving grants to utilize, to the extent practicable, applicable expertise and services offered by local chapters of national brain injury organizations.

American Health Care Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

American Health Care Reform Act of 2013 - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores or revives provisions amended or repealed by such Act or such health care provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow an income tax standard deduction for a specified percentage of an individual's health insurance costs, regardless of whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Excludes the amount of such a deduction from employment taxes. Allows a taxpayer, for earned income credit purposes, to exclude from earned income any employer contributions to a qualified accident or health plan. Allows double additional contributions to a health savings account (HSA) if both spouses are age 55 or older and one spouse is not an account beneficiary. Prescribes special rules for HSA coverage eligibility for certain individuals: (1) participating in a Medicare Advantage Medical Savings Account (MSA), (2) receiving periodic hospital care or medical services for a service-connected disability, (3) eligible for Indian Health Service assistance, or (4) eligible for TRICARE coverage. Prescribes requirements for interaction of health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements with HSAs. Prohibits the payment of health insurance premiums from HSAs, with certain exceptions. Prescribes circumstances in which certain medical expenses incurred before establishment of an HSA may still be qualified expenses. Prescribes requirements for protection of any HSA in a bankruptcy proceeding. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize additional health opportunity account demonstration programs. Treats membership in a health care sharing ministry as coverage under a high deductible health plan. Renames high deductible health plans as HSA qualified plans. Allows payments from an HSA for: (1) direct primary care service arrangements, (2) certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs, (3) certain nutritional and dietary supplements, and (4) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician for the right to receive medical services on an as-needed basis. Increases the maximum limit on contributions to an HSA to match deductible and out-of-pocket expenses limitations. Prescribes requirements for establishment of child health savings accounts, for which an income tax deduction shall be allowed a taxpayer equal to the aggregate cash amount paid into the account during the taxable year. Amends the IRC to include in gross income any distributions from an HSA for an abortion. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the IRC to authorize premium and cost-sharing variances in group health plans based on certain financial incentives for participation (or lack of it) in a standards-based wellness program. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to provide a grant of up to $5 million to each state for the costs of creation and initial operation of a qualified high risk pool if it has not created such a pool as of September 1, 2013. Limits participation in such a pool to U.S. citizens and nationals. Declares that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if its insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for determining capital and surplus requirements for all health insurance issuers. Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to declare that nothing in it shall modify, impair, or supersede the operation of any of the antitrust laws with respect to the business of health insurance (including the business of dental insurance). Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to require the Secretary to make available to the public Medicare claims and payment data, including data on payments made to any provider of services or supplier. Authorizes a state to establish a Health Plan and Provider Portal website to standardize information on: (1) health insurance plans available in the state, and (2) price and quality information on health care providers (including physicians, hospitals, and other health care institutions). Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship or the practice of medicine. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to eliminate the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research. Amends ERISA to prescribe requirements for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans meeting certain ERISA certification criteria whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations. Limits the commencement of a health care lawsuit, except in certain cases including fraud or intentional concealment, to three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first. Limits to $250,000 the amount of noneconomic damages in such a lawsuit, but allows a claim for the full amount of any economic damages. Requires the court, in any health care lawsuit, to supervise the arrangements for payment of damages to protect against conflicts of interest that may have the effect of reducing the amount of damages awarded that are actually paid to claimants. Specifies criteria for the award of punitive damages, limited to the greater of $250,000 or double the amount of economic damages. Preempts state law with respect to health care lawsuits. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) require any health plan to provide coverage of or access to abortion services; or (2) allow the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, or any other federal or non-federal person or entity in implementing this Act to require coverage of, or access to, abortion services. Prohibits the use of funds authorized or appropriated by this Act to pay for any abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes abortion coverage, except: (1) if the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or (2) in the case where a pregnant female suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the female in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2013 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover dental services. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for funding under Medicaid for dental services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to maintain a database containing information on each state regarding dental benefits available for adults enrolled in the state Medicaid program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for: (1) educating nondental medical and other professionals about oral health care; (2) providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; (3) providing scholarships and education loans for dental therapists and oral health professional students; (4) providing comprehensive oral health services to low-income individuals and individuals in underserved areas; (5) building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; (6) funding research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and manage oral health diseases; and (7) providing rural health clinics with mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services, including dentures, and outreach for senior-care facilities and facilities that provide federal health care and nutrition benefits for women and children. Authorizes appropriations for community based dental residencies. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to declare oral health services to be an essential health benefit. Removes restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring such care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services). Authorizes the VA to carry out a demonstration program to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a similar demonstration program to train and employ such providers in order to increase access to those dental services for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who lack ready access to such services. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS, through the Indian Health Service (IHS), to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Directs the Secretary of HHS to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the expansion of dental service coverage pursuant to this Act, including whether it resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of: (1) the implementation and utilization of expanded dental service coverage under this Act for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, and (2) the demonstration programs authorized by this Act for the training and employment of alternative dental health care providers.

Health Information Privacy Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Health Information Privacy Protection Act of 2013 - Prohibits the enrollment of any individual in a qualified health plan offered in a state through an American Health Benefit Exchange under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act until the state certifies to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Secretary certifies to Congress, that the state has in place standards and a process to protect the personal information (including Social Security numbers and financial information) of those being enrolled through the Exchange.

Protect Patients Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Protect Patients Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to subject to civil monetary penalties any psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric units determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) not to have in place a discharge planning process meeting certain requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a system improvement agreement, meeting specified criteria,with a psychiatric hospital or a psychiatric unit that has been determined on multiple occasions not to have such a discharge planning process in place; and (2) appoint temporary management to oversee its operation in the event that the hospital or unit still fails to have a sufficient discharge planning process in place 45 days after entering into such an agreement.

Healthcare Fairness Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2013

Healthcare Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit the expenditure of federal funds to pay any portion of the premium for a health plan purchased by a Member of Congress pursuant to the Act.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SHATTERING BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 September 2013

MODDERN Cures Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2013

Modernizing Our Drug & Diagnostics Evaluation and Regulatory Network Cures Act of 2013 or MODDERN Cures Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish the Advanced Diagnostics Education Council to recommend standard terms and definitions related to innovative diagnostics for use by patients, physicians, health care providers, payers, and policy makers; and (2) publish a guide regarding such terms and definitions. Sets forth additional factors for the Secretary to consider in determining the payment amount for new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under gap filling procedures which are used when no comparable existing test is available. Extends the exclusivity period for a medicine if the diagnostic test related to such drug has been determined by the Secretary to have been developed by, or with the participation of, the manufacturer or sponsor of the medicine, and use of the diagnostic tests provides for or improves: (1) the identification of a patient population for the medicine; or (2) the determination of the most appropriate treatment option for a patient population with the medicine. Establishes a dormant therapy designation for medicine that addresses unmet medical needs. Gives such medicine 15 years of data exclusivity under which no drug can be approved by relying on the approval or licensure of the dormant therapy. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Institute of Medicine (or, if it declines, another appropriate entity) to study intellectual property laws and their impact on therapy and diagnostic development in order to formulate recommendations on how to facilitate the clinical evaluation and development of therapies currently available on the market for new potential indications.

ConTACT Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2013

Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act of 2013 or ConTACT Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish guidelines for states on the implementation of best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) in school-aged children, including best practices relating to student athletes returning to play after an MTBI. Requires the Pediatric MTBI Guideline Expert Panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a final report on such best practices by March 15, 2015. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states for: (1) adopting, disseminating, and ensuring school implementation of the guidelines; and (2) ensuring elementary and secondary schools implement computerized preseason baseline and post-injury neuropsychological testing for student athletes. Directs the Secretary to require states receiving grants to utilize, to the extent practicable, applicable expertise and services offered by local chapters of national brain injury organizations.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2013

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for application of quality standards for certain accredited suppliers of prosthetic devices, orthotics, and certain prosthetics, to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate and approve an independent accreditation organization with respect to such suppliers only if that organization is the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. or the Board for Orthotist/ Prosthetist Certification (or a program with essentially equivalent accreditation and approval standards). Exempts from such standards any suppliers who: (1) are physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists licensed or otherwise regulated by the state in which they practice; and (2) receive Medicare payments. Applies to custom-fitted orthotics the special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics. Exempts from such rules off-the-shelf orthotics included in a competitive acquisition program. Modifies the Medicare payment rules for orthotics and prosthetics to account for supplier qualifications and complexity of care. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) HHS steps taken to ensure that the state licensure and accreditation requirements are enforced, and (2) the effects of requirements of this Act on the occurrence of Medicare fraud and abuse with respect to orthotics and prosthetics. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to submit to Congress a projection on the effect on cumulative federal spending under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for 2014-2018 that will result from implementation of this Act. Requires the Secretary, if the Chief Actuary projects that implementation of this Act will not result in a cumulative spending reduction of at least $250 million for 2014-2018, to issue an interim final regulation to strengthen the licensure, accreditation, and quality standards applicable to orthotics and prosthetics suppliers in order to produce such a cumulative reduction by the end of 2018. Exempts from such regulation any qualified physical therapist or qualified occupational therapist.

Helping Families and Seniors Save on Health Care Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2013

Helping Families and Seniors Save on Health Care Act of 2013 - Repeals the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that increases the adjusted gross income threshold for claiming the tax deduction for medical expenses.

Expressing support for designation of September 2013 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2013

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 to improve the screening and treatment of prostate cancer and to discover the causes of, and a cure for, such cancer; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2013

Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the payment of a deposit fee in excess of any state fee reimbursement to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with SNAP benefits. Requires participating retail food stores to: (1) offer perishable goods in at least three staple food categories, and (2) provide adequate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) service. Requires participating retail food stores (including restaurants participating in a state option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless), with certain exceptions, to pay 100% of the costs of acquiring and arranging for the implementation of EBT point-of-sale equipment and supplies. Prohibits a state from issuing manual vouchers unless the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) determines that such vouchers are necessary. Restricts categorical SNAP eligibility to only those households receiving cash assistance through other low-income assistance programs. Includes as eligible retailers governmental or nonprofit food purchasing delivery services that serve elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to shop for food. Reauthorizes the Indian reservation food distribution program. Excludes medical marijuana as an excess medical expense deduction. Requires a household to receive a low-income heating and energy assistance program payment of $20 or more annually in order to receive the SNAP utility allowance deduction. Limits SNAP employment and training programs only to: (1) college students enrolled in specific career and technical education courses; or (2) those in basic adult education, remedial, and literacy, or English as a second language courses. Repeals state work program waiver authority. Makes any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings ineligible for SNAP benefits. States that, if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of its EBT card, the Secretary may require a state agency to decline to issue a replacement card unless the household provides an explanation for the card's loss. Requires states in implementing this practice to protect vulnerable persons. Requires a pilot program to allow retailers to accept SNAP benefits through mobile transactions. Authorizes the use of SNAP benefits for shares of community-supported agriculture. Sets forth additional responsibilities for state agencies before restaurants may participate in a restaurant meals program. Prohibits a private establishment that contracts with a state agency to offer meals at concessional prices from being authorized to accept SNAP benefits unless the Secretary determines that the establishment's participation is required to meet a documented need. Requires a state agency to use an income and eligibility, or an immigration status, verification system. Prescribes requirements for: (1) data exchange standardization, and (2) pilot projects to improve federal-state cooperation in reducing SNAP fraud. Prohibits: (1) federal funds from being used to recruit SNAP recipients, and (2) recruitment activities by entities that receive SNAP funds. Repeals the performance bonus program. Reduces funding for employment and training programs. Requires pilot projects to: (1) identify best practices for employment and training programs to increase the number of work registrants who obtain unsubsidized employment and reduce public assistance dependence, and (2) permit states to run a work program to increase employment and self-sufficiency through increased accountability. Authorizes SNAP appropriations through FY2018. Prohibits funds for Puerto Rico from being used to provide nutrition assistance in cash. Provides funds for: (1) community food projects, and (2) emergency food assistance. Reduces FY2014 funding for nutrition education. Provides funding for the prevention of retailer trafficking. Requires: (1) a study to assess the capabilities of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to operate the SNAP program in the same manner it is operated in the states, and (2) establishment of a pilot program if the study determines that it is feasible for the CNMI to operate such a SNAP program. Terminates the U.S-Mexico partnership for nutrition assistance initiative. Authorizes the donation to and serving of traditional food through a food service program at a public facility, nonprofit facility, including facilities operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization. Authorizes a state, at its own expense, to provide for testing any individual who is a member of a household applying for SNAP benefits for the unlawful use of controlled substances as a condition for receiving such benefits. Disqualifies certain convicted felons from SNAP eligibility. Requires a state agency to expunge from a household's EBT account any benefits that are not used within 60 days. Extends: (1) the commodity distribution program, (2) the commodity supplemental food program, (3) the distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects, and (4) the farmers' market nutrition program. Repeals the nutrition information and awareness pilot program. Requires a five-state grant pilot program to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions participating in specified food service programs. Permits each school food authority with a low annual commodity entitlement value to substitute locally and regionally grown and raised food for the authority's allotment of commodity assistance for the school lunch program. Authorizes farm-to-school demonstration programs to source local food in lieu of commodity assistance for school meal programs. Requires a review of: (1) the economic and public health benefits of white potatoes on low-income families at nutritional risk, and (2) sole-source contracts in federal nutrition programs. Establishes a healthy food financing initiative to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to fresh food retailers to overcome higher entry costs in such areas. Directs the Secretary to finalize and implement a plan for the increased purchase of kosher and halal food if such food is cost-neutral as compared to food that is not from food manufacturers with a kosher or halal certification.

To clarify the application of all laws, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to the Federal Government and Congress, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2013

Declares that Congress and the executive branch are expressly and equally bound by any federal law which is intended to be broadly enforced upon the American people. Makes the following individuals ineligible for any federally funded health care premium subsidies, until the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is fully repealed: a Member or employee of Congress, the President, the Vice President, any employee of the Executive Office of the President, and any other civilian federal worker. Exempts from such restriction a health care premium subsidy: under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; for coverage under a veterans' health care program; or for medical coverage for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, including coverage under the TRICARE program.

School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, with respect to asthma-related grants for child health services, to give an additional preference to a state that allows self-administration of asthma and anaphylaxis medication and makes a certification concerning the adequacy of the state's civil liability protection law to protect trained school personnel who may administer epinephrine to a student reasonably believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction. Requires elementary and secondary schools in such a state to: (1) permit trained personnel to administer epinephrine to a student reasonably believed to be having such a reaction, (2) maintain a supply of epinephrine in a secure location that is easily accessible to trained personnel for such treatment, and (3) have in place a plan for having on the school premises during operating hours one or more designated personnel trained in administration of epinephrine.

Safe Meat and Poultry Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Safe Meat and Poultry Act of 2013 - 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 bearing or containing a pathogen or contaminant associated with serious illness or death. 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. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (2) assess the frequency and sources of food-caused human illness; (3) establish guidelines for a system to take and analyze food samples; (4) establish a national public education program on food safety; and (5) 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 a study of worker safety in the meat packing and poultry processing industry, including the relationship between line speed and worker safety.

Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging to: (1) ensure that all programs funded under such Act include appropriate training in elder abuse prevention and the provision of services that address elder justice and exploitation, and (2) update periodically the need for and benefit of such training related to prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including financial exploitation) of older adults. Makes it a duty and function of the Administration on Aging to: (1) establish priority information and assistance services for older individuals; (2) ensure full collaboration between all governmental information and assistance systems that serve older individuals; and (3) develop a National Eldercare Locator Service, with a nationwide toll free number. Directs the Assistant Secretary, by grant or contract with a national nonprofit entity, to establish a National Adult Protective Services Resources Center to improve the capacity of state and local adult protective services programs to: (1) respond effectively to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, including home care consumers and residents of long-term care facilities; and (2) coordinate with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Requires each area plan to provide that the area agency on aging: (1) increases public awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and removes barriers to elder abuse education, prevention, investigation, and treatment; (2) coordinates elder justice activities of the area agency on aging, community health centers, other public agencies, and nonprofit private organizations; (3) develops standardized, coordinated, and reporting protocols with respect to elder abuse; and (4) reports instances of elder abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to states under approved state plans for elder abuse and neglect screening. Requires a state operating a nutrition project to encourage individuals who distribute nutrition services to distribute information on diabetes, elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and the annual Medicare wellness exam. Requires a state, an area agency on aging, a nonprofit organization, or a tribal organization that receives a grant for an older individuals' protection from violence project to use it to research and replicate successful models of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention and training. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants and enter into contracts with eligible organizations to carry out projects to engage volunteers over 50 years of age in providing support and information to older adults (and their families or caretakers) who have experienced or are at risk of elder abuse. Allows a state to use funds under the National Family Caregiver Support Program to support the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

MODDERN Cures Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Modernizing Our Drug & Diagnostics Evaluation and Regulatory Network Cures Act of 2013 or MODDERN Cures Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish the Advanced Diagnostics Education Council to recommend standard terms and definitions related to innovative diagnostics for use by patients, physicians, health care providers, payers, and policy makers; and (2) publish a guide regarding such terms and definitions. Sets forth additional factors for the Secretary to consider in determining the payment amount for new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under gap filling procedures which are used when no comparable existing test is available. Extends the exclusivity period for a medicine if the diagnostic test related to such drug has been determined by the Secretary to have been developed by, or with the participation of, the manufacturer or sponsor of the medicine, and use of the diagnostic tests provides for or improves: (1) the identification of a patient population for the medicine; or (2) the determination of the most appropriate treatment option for a patient population with the medicine. Establishes a dormant therapy designation for medicine that addresses unmet medical needs. Gives such medicine 15 years of data exclusivity under which no drug can be approved by relying on the approval or licensure of the dormant therapy. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Institute of Medicine (or, if it declines, another appropriate entity) to study intellectual property laws and their impact on therapy and diagnostic development in order to formulate recommendations on how to facilitate the clinical evaluation and development of therapies currently available on the market for new potential indications.

Compounding Clarity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Compounding Clarity Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise requirements for the regulation of compounding drugs. Revises the exemption of compounded drugs from certain new drug, labeling, and biological product requirements. Adds an exemption for drug products compounded by a licensed pharmacist or a licensed physician, pursuant to a non-patient-specific purchase order, which: (1) will be administered by a health care practitioner within a physician's office, a hospital, or another health care setting; and (2) meet other specified criteria. Revises requirements for exempted bulk drug substances. Prohibits the sale of a drug product by an entity other than the pharmacy or physician that compounded it. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a system for receiving and reviewing submissions from state boards of pharmacy: (1) describing actions taken against compounding pharmacies, or (2) expressing concerns that a compounding pharmacy may be acting in violation of one or more requirements of this section. Requires the Secretary to review such submissions and determine whether the pharmacy involved may be in violation of one or more compounding requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect a pharmacy's records to determine whether the pharmacy is in violation of one or more FFDCA requirements. Exempts from certain new drug, labeling, and biological product requirements a drug product compounded for human use by a licensed pharmacist in a registered outsourcing facility if specified conditions, including labeling requirements, are met. Establishes annual registration requirements for any outsourcing facility. Requires a facility to report to the Secretary biannually on what drugs are compounded in it and to submit adverse event reports. Subjects such facilities to a risk-based inspection schedule. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish a list of drugs presenting demonstrable difficulties for compounding that are reasonably likely to lead to an adverse effect on the safety or effectiveness of the drug, taking into account the risk and benefits to patients; and (2) convene an advisory committee on compounding before creating the list. Requires the Secretary to assess an annual establishment fee on each outsourcing facility and a reinspection fee, as necessary. Prohibits the intentional falsification of a required prescription, a purchase order, or patient name for a compounded drug. Prohibits the intentional failure of an outsourcing facility to register.

Stability, Security, and Fairness Resolution of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Stability, Security, and Fairness Resolution of 2013 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2014. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2013 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of P.L. 113-6); the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division B of P.L. 113-6); and The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (division F of P.L. 113-6). Requires the rate for operations for each account to be calculated to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to: section 3004 of division G of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6), if any; and the sequestration order issued to enforce a specified budget goal pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act was amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011 to revise the discretionary spending limits and reduce the discretionary appropriations and direct spending specified in the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act unless a joint committee bill achieving an amount greater than $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction would be enacted by January 15, 2012.) Provides funding under this joint resolution through FY2014, unless otherwise provided for in this division or in the applicable appropriations Act. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including those for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such fiscal year. Enacts the following bills into law: H.R. 2216 (Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014), as engrossed by the House of Representatives on June 4, 2013; H.R. 2217 (Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2014), as engrossed by the House on June 6, 2013; and H.R. 2397 (Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014), as engrossed by the House on July 24, 2013. Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to reduce the discretionary category in new budget authority for FY2014 from $1.066 trillion to $967.473 million. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), if for FY2014 the amount of new budget authority provided by this joint resolution exceeds such discretionary spending limits, to increase the applicable percentage of 0% by the amount necessary to eliminate the excess of the limit. Rescinds the applicable 0%, subject to such requirement, of: the budget authority provided (or obligation limit imposed) for FY2014 for any discretionary account in section 101 of this joint resolution, the budget authority provided in any advance appropriation for FY2014 for any discretionary account (excluding any account funded under section 111 of this joint resolution) in any prior fiscal year appropriation Act, and the contract authority provided in FY2014 for any program subject to limitation incorporated or otherwise contained in section 101 of this joint resolution. Exempts: amounts designated by the Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism (OCO/GWOT) or for disaster relief; or the amount made available by this joint resolution for "Social Security Administration, Limitation on Administrative Expenses" for continuing disability reviews under titles II (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance [OASDI] Benefits) and XVI (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled) of the Social Security Act (SSA), and for the cost associated with conducting redeterminations of eligibility under SSA title XVI. Prohibits, during any fiscal year, the use of federal funds to carryout: (1) the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA); or (2) certain PPACA related requirements in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Rescinds any funds provided by PPACA, its title, or subtitle for FY2014. Delays: the obligation of any PPACA funds for FY2015 until January 1, 2015; and implementation of PPACA, its related requirements in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or amendments made by either Act until December 31, 2014.

Directing the Speaker of the House of Representatives to direct, for the purpose of interpreting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that the definition of "congressional staff" employed by an "official office" shall include all committee staff, all joint committee staff, and all staff employed by leadership offices of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives to require, for the purpose of interpreting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), that the definition of "congressional staff" employed by an "official office" include all committee staff, all joint committee staff, and all staff employed by House leadership offices.

Expressing support for the designation of September 2013 as "National Sepsis and Septic Shock Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2013

Expresses support for the designation of National Sepsis and Septic Shock Awareness Month.

Expressing support for designation of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2013

Expresses support for the designation of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Recognizes the importance of preventing childhood obesity and decreasing its prevalence in the United States.

Medicare Efficient Drug Dispensing Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2013

Medicare Efficient Drug Dispensing Act of 2013 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor to have in place a payment structure for covered part D drugs that encourages the use of dispensing techniques that foster efficiency and reduce wasteful dispensing of outpatient prescription drugs in long-term care facilities. Requires a PDP sponsor also to take into account, in establishing fees for dispensing covered Medicare part D drugs to enrollees in a long-term care facility, the utilization of such dispensing techniques to minimize the dispensing of unused drugs, the incremental costs associated with the type of dispensing methodology, and the requirements applicable to long-term care pharmacies.

A bill to delay the application of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2013

Delays for one year the effective date of any provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or of any health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2011 that were scheduled to take effect on or after January 1, 2014. Suspends for one year, beginning January 1, 2014, any tax or tax increase imposed by such provisions if the tax or increase takes effect before that date.

A resolution designating the week of October 7 through October 13, 2013, as "Naturopathic Medicine Week" to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2013

Designates the week of October 7-13, 2013, as Naturopathic Medicine Week. Recognizes the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care.