Healthcare

Orphan Drug Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2015

Orphan Drug Fairness Act This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to exclude sales of any drug or biological product approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drug) from the calculation of the annual fee on manufacturers or importers with branded prescription drug sales exceeding $5 million. This Act is effective as if included in PPACA.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Extends through FY2016: authority for collection of copaypayments for hospital care and nursing home care, authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers, authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, authority for Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. Extends through December 31, 2016, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. Extends through FY2017 authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund. TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS Extends through FY2016: specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure; and authority relating to vendee loans. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority: for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, and to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS Extends through FY2016 authority: for homeless veterans reintegration programs; for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans; to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; and to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY Extends through FY2016 authority: for monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events; for operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines; for appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces; for temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating; the requirement for an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office; and the current multipliers used in calculating the fees the VA is authorized to pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs. Extends through December 31, 2016: authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care; the requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error; authority for Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides; and authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians. Funding authority is modified to provide for constructing a new bed tower at the VA medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center. The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects (with each project not to exceed specified amounts): construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER Increases the amount authorized for the replacement of the existing VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. It is the sense of Congress that the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2016 authorizes the VA to transfer discretionary unobligated balances appropriated for FY2015 and discretionary advance appropriations for FY2016 to fund such increase. In the case of any super construction project, the VA shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-VA federal entity to provide full project management services for the super construction project, including management over the project design, acquisition, construction, and contract changes. Such agreement shall provide for reimbursement to the federal entity for project management service costs. TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS Various technical and clerical amendments are made.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Extends through FY2016: authority for collection of copaypayments for hospital care and nursing home care, authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers, authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, authority for Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. Extends through December 31, 2016, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. Extends through FY2017 authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund. TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS Extends through FY2016: specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure; and authority relating to vendee loans. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority: for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, and to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS Extends through FY2016 authority: for homeless veterans reintegration programs; for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans; to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; and to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY Extends through FY2016 authority: for monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events; for operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines; for appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces; for temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating; the requirement for an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office; and the current multipliers used in calculating the fees the VA is authorized to pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs. Extends through December 31, 2016: authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care; the requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error; authority for Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides; and authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians. Funding authority is modified to provide for constructing a new bed tower at the VA medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center. The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects (with each project not to exceed specified amounts): construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS Various technical and clerical amendments are made.

Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to revise provisions concerning the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative. The bill renames it as the Department of Homeland Security Fusion Center Partnership Initiative and changes references to "participating state, local, or regional fusion centers" to references to the "National Network of Fusion Centers," which is defined as a decentralized arrangement of fusion centers intended to enhance individual state and urban area fusion centers' ability to leverage the capabilities and expertise of all fusion centers for the purpose of enhancing analysis and homeland security information sharing nationally. The duties of the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Initiative are revised to include: supporting the maturation and sustainment of the Network, reducing inefficiencies and maximizing the effectiveness of federal resource support to the Network, ensuring that support for the Network is included as a national priority in applicable homeland security grant guidance, ensuring that each fusion center in the Network has a privacy policy and a civil rights and civil liberties policy approved by DHS, coordinating the nationwide suspicious activity report initiative to ensure that information gathered by the Network is incorporated, ensuring that fusion centers in the Network are the primary focal points for the sharing of homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information with state and local entities, and disseminating best practices on the appropriate levels for staffing at Network fusion centers of qualified representatives from state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and emergency services, public health disciplines, and the private sector. The Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis must: (1) ensure that fusion centers in the Network have access to homeland security information sharing systems, (2) coordinate with appropriate federal officials to ensure the deployment to Network fusion centers of representatives of other federal agencies with relevant expertise, and (3) report to specified congressional committees annually through 2022 on the efforts of DHS components to enhance support provided to Network fusion centers.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify requirements for payment under the Medicare program for ambulance services furnished by critical access hospitals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements for payment under the Medicare program for ambulance services furnished by critical access hospitals (CAHs), which are rural community hospitals that meet specified criteria and receive special payment. Under current law, ambulance services furnished either by a CAH or by an entity owned or operated by a CAH are paid at a rate of 101% of reasonable costs incurred in furnishing those services, as long as the CAH or entity is the only provider of ambulance services that is located within a 35-mile drive of the CAH. The bill maintains this requirement but further requires that the CAH or entity furnishing the ambulance services be licensed or otherwise authorized to furnish services in the state in which the CAH is located.

Medicaid Qualified Providers Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Medicaid Qualified Providers Clarification Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements regarding a state plan for medical assistance. Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any institution, agency, or person qualified to perform them. The bill specifies that a state may determine whether a provider is qualified to perform such services. To do so, a state may establish qualification criteria, which may include criteria designed to evaluate: (1) the provider's ability to perform the needed medical services in a professionally competent, safe, and legal manner; and (2) any other qualification deemed necessary by the state.

Supporting the designation of a week as National Federal Nurse Recognition Week.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Expresses support for the designation of National Federal Nurse Recognition Week. Recognizes the dedication and vital role of federal nurses and the need to maintain an adequate number of well-trained federal nurses. Commends federal nurses as integral in supporting the government's mission to provide quality, accessible, and affordable health care.

Designating September 2015 as "Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Supports the designation of Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. (Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs that causes breathing problems.) Expresses continued support for more robust and accelerated research to develop more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and to ultimately find a cure for the disease. Recognizes the courage and contributions of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of those working to improve the quality of life of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and the families of those individuals.

Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe minimum standards to require the owner or operator of a pipeline facility to notify all owners and residents of property located within 2,000 feet of a transmission line of: the property's proximity to the line, and the line's specific location if it is on private residential property. DOT shall ensure that industry standards and procedures adopted as part of the federal pipeline safety regulatory program are easily available to the public free of charge. In identifying high-consequence areas, DOT shall consider specified features of a pipe, including its age, whether it can be inspected using the most modern instrumented internal inspection devices, whether it crosses open waters of the Great Lakes, and the type of commodity it transports. The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research shall: identify measures to respond to spills or leaks of oil in the Great Lakes; and assess their effectiveness in preventing significant or substantial harm to the public health or welfare. DOT shall: conduct a comprehensive water crossing survey of all intrastate and interstate hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that cross U.S. waterways in the Great Lakes Basin; and enter into a joint agreement with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences to identify gaps in data and information in the Basin pipeline network, and make recommendations to prevent future leaks, ruptures, and failures that could result in damage to Basin waterways and natural resources. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended to: prohibit vessel transportation of crude oil and crude oil derived from oil sands on the Great Lakes; and include in the meaning of "worst-case discharge," in the case of an offshore or onshore facility, the largest foreseeable discharge in adverse weather conditions (as in current law) in which waters that may receive a discharge are covered by ice.

Super Pollutants Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Super Pollutants Act of 2015 This bill requires the President to establish the Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation. The Task Force must report on federal agencies' plans for reducing those pollutants, including: (1) black carbon (soot emissions), (2) methane, and (3) hydrofluorocarbons with high global warming potential (high-GWP HFC). The Department of State must develop a comprehensive plan to reduce black carbon emissions from international shipping, which must include a roadmap toward helping countries reduce fine-particle emissions from shipping. While acting as chairperson of the Arctic Council, the Secretary of State must: (1) lead an effort to reduce black carbon through an Arctic-wide aspirational black carbon goal, and (2) encourage observers of that Council to adopt national black carbon emissions reduction goals and mitigation plans. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) must: (1) prioritize black carbon mitigation activities as part of aid distribution activities; (2) give special emphasis to projects that produce substantial environmental, gender, livelihood, and public health benefits; and (3) work with the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves to help developing nations establish thriving markets for clean and efficient cooking solutions. The State Department must provide technical assistance to aid international efforts in reducing black carbon emissions from diesel trucks, 2-stroke engines, diesel generators, and industrial processes. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must: (1) evaluate the availability of high-GWP HFC alternatives, and (2) report on a plan for revising regulatory barriers that prevent the use of those alternatives. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture of any uncharged hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 air-conditioning condensing equipment for residential use. The EPA must study and report on the most effective method to minimize the inadvertent release of HFC-134a from automotive air conditioning recharge kits when the recharge container is not being used. The State Department, DOE, the EPA, and the Department of Commerce must provide to other countries technical guidance on containing emissions from gas drilling, landfills, coal mining, and agriculture. The Government Accountability Office must identify: (1) the types of equipment throughout the production value chain that are most likely to have high leak rates, and (2) voluntary efforts on replacing or monitoring those types of equipment.

American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans). The bill expresses the sense of the Senate that the revenue loss resulting from the repeal of such excise tax should be offset by corresponding revenue.

Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require the payment system for ambulatory surgical center (ASC) services to feature certain positive annual adjustments equivalent to those made with respect to hospital outpatient department (OPD) services; (2) revise quality reporting requirements to permit publicly available, side-by-side comparisons of quality measures for ASCs and OPDs in the same geographic area; and (3) require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), when excluding requested procedures from the list of those approved to be performed in ASCs, to cite specified reasons for doing so. With respect to excluding procedures from the approved list for ASCs, HHS may not cite as a basis for exclusion that a procedure can only be reported using an unlisted surgical procedure code. (Physicians sometimes use unlisted codes when performing new procedures or services if no existing code is adequately descriptive.)

A resolution designating September 2015 as "Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Designates September 2015 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. (Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs that causes breathing problems.) Expresses continued support for more robust and accelerated research to develop more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and to ultimately find a cure for the disease. Recognizes the courage and contributions of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of those working to improve the quality of life of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and the families of those individuals.

Calling for urgent international action on behalf of Iraqi and Syrian civilians facing a dire humanitarian crisis and severe persecution because of their faith or ethnicity in the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq and Khabor, Kobane, and Aleppo regions of Syria.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Condemns the religious bigotry and attacks against innocent civilians, as well as the destruction of property and ancient sites, by armed extremists in Iraq and Syria. Calls on the relevant parties to protect all citizens in the region. Calls on the President, the Department of State, and the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to provide humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and help reestablish livelihoods for displaced and persecuted persons in their communities of origin. Calls on the U.S. Permanent Representative to work with relevant U.N. agencies, including the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, to document human rights abuses against Iraqi and Syrian refugees and develop a plan to facilitate safe access to potable water, health care, fuel, electricity, and basic security. Calls on the relevant U.N. agencies to collaborate with international humanitarian organizations working in Iraq and Syria to develop: (1) an effective resettlement strategy for displaced and persecuted populations in beleaguered areas, including the ancestral villages in the Nineveh Plain, that facilitates a transition from emergency relief to longer-term economic development; and (2) mechanisms to ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities without being diverted. Calls on the Department of State and the Department of Defense to: (1) support the training and equipping of vetted local Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac Christians security forces in Iraq and Syria, and (2) work to ensure that minority communities in Iraq and Syria are integrated into future security forces.

Expressing support for designation of October 2, 2015, as "World MRSA Day".

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2015

Expresses support for the designation of World MRSA Day and International MRSA Testing Week. (MRSA is an acronym for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which causes deadly infections in patients in health care facilities and within communities.)

PREPARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2015

Promoting Resilience and Efficiency in Preparing for Attacks and Responding to Emergencies Act or the PREPARE Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into memoranda of understanding with specified Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices and components to delineate their responsibilities for awarding grants to: (1) public transportation agencies to improve security under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007; (2) high-risk urban areas and state, local, and tribal governments to protect against terrorism under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP); and (3) port authorities, facility operators, and state and local governments to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans, provide port security services, and train law enforcement personnel. The grant funds must be made available for use by the recipients for at least 36 months. Operation Stonegarden is established in DHS for FEMA to enhance border security by making grants to law enforcement agencies involved in U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations in states that border Canada or Mexico or that have a maritime border. State planning committees or urban working groups required to assist in the determination of funding priorities under the UASI and the SHSGP must include: (1) public health officials and medical practitioners, (2) educational institutions, and (3) appropriate state and regional interoperable communications coordinators and state and major urban area fusion centers. DHS is prohibited from implementing the National Preparedness Grant Program without congressional authorization. FEMA must coordinate with DHS's Office of Policy, and outreach to relevant stakeholder organizations, when it makes determinations regarding the use of UASI and SHSGP funds for law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. FEMA must permit grant recipients under the UASI and the SHSGP to use grant funds to prepare for terrorism by enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities, including an initial pharmaceutical stockpile with medical kits and diagnostics to protect first responders, their families, immediate victims, and vulnerable populations from a chemical or biological event. The bill reauthorizes members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium for FY2016-FY2017. DHS is authorized to establish a Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium of universities and nonprofit organizations to provide training to emergency response providers from rural communities. FEMA must: (1) update the national response plan at least every five years; (2) provide performance metrics to federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Framework; and (3) use a remedial action management program to collect information on corrective actions and lessons learned during training exercises and responses to natural disasters, terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The Office of Emergency Communications must: (1) administer the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service and the Wireless Priority Service programs, (2) assess the impact of emerging technologies on interoperable emergency communications, and (3) update the National Emergency Communications Plan at least every five years. DHS must establish a social media working group to provide guidance to the emergency preparedness and response community on the use of social media technologies. A state must include in its application for SHSGP funding a certification that: (1) confirms that its governor has designated a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, or (2) identifies another individual who will be the primary point of contact for performance of such functions. DHS must coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a pre-event vaccination program to provide anthrax vaccines from the strategic national stockpile that will be nearing the end of their labeled dates of use at the time such vaccines are to be administered to emergency response providers who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax and who voluntarily consent to such administration. To address the threats posed by an anthrax terror attack, DHS must also: (1) support risk analyses and assessments; (2) leverage intelligence capabilities to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts; and (3) share information and provide analytical support to state, local, and tribal authorities, as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders. The Chief Medical Officer's (CMO's) responsibilities are expanded to include: establishing medical and human, animal, and occupational health exposure policies and initiatives; coordinating DHS's preparedness for pandemics and emerging infectious diseases; serving as DHS's primary point of contact for emergency medical services and medical first responder stakeholders; and ensuring that DHS's workforce has evidence-based standards for occupational health and operational medicine programs. The CMO must also: (1) review and maintain verification of the accreditation of DHS's health provider workforce; (2) develop quality assurances, clinical policies, and metrics for medical and health activities; and (3) oversee medical records systems. DHS must establish a medical countermeasures program to facilitate personnel readiness, and protection for working animals, employees, and individuals in DHS's care and custody, in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives attack, naturally occurring disease outbreak, or pandemic. The CMO must oversee the program and maintain a medical countermeasures stockpile and dispensing system. FEMA must: (1) designate a chief management official and principal advisor on FEMA management matters; and (2) submit a strategy for capturing financial, human capital, information technology, real property planning, and acquisition data. Not later than May 1, 2016, and for each of the next five years, FEMA must update its strategic human capital plan.

A resolution designating the week of October 11 through October 17, 2015, as "National Case Management Week" to recognize the role of case management in improving health care outcomes for patients.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2015

Designates the week of October 11-October 17, 2015, as National Case Management Week. Recognizes the role of case management in providing successful and cost-effective health care.

EUREKA Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2015

Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's Act or the EUREKA Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish EUREKA prize competitions to achieve high-priority breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease and dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The NIH must: (1) convene an advisory council of nongovernmental experts in Alzheimer's disease and dementia to develop the EUREKA prize competitions, and (2) appoint a panel of judges to evaluate submissions. The council and panel are not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Support for EUREKA prize competitions may be provided by private organizations and individuals.

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2015

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to require any health care practitioner who is present when a child is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion to: (1) exercise the same degree of care as reasonably provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure that such child is immediately admitted to a hospital. The term "born alive" means the complete expulsion or extraction from his or her mother, at any stage of development, who after such expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut. Also, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with these requirements must immediately report such failure to an appropriate law enforcement agency. An individual who violates the provisions of this Act is subject to a criminal fine, up to five years in prison, or both. An individual who commits an overt act that kills a child born alive is subject to criminal prosecution for murder. The legislation bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive for conspiracy to violate the provisions of this Act, for being an accessory after the fact, or for concealment of felony. A woman who undergoes an abortion or attempted abortion may file a civil action for damages against an individual who violates this Act.

A resolution designating September 23, 2015, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2015

Designates September 23, 2015, 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, the Administration for Community Living, and others to continue developing, evaluating, and promoting interventions and programs to prevent falls.

To establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a continuing medical education program for non-Department medical professionals who treat veterans and family members of veterans to increase knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2015

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a continuing medical education program for non-VA medical professionals, with the goal of: (1) increasing knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members, and (2) improving outreach to veterans and family members. The program must include education on: (1) dealing with patients who are veterans or family members; (2) identifying and treating common mental and physical conditions of veterans and family members; (3) programs and benefits available to veterans and family members through the VA, the Department of Labor, and other federal agencies and non-federal organizations; and (4) the VA health care system. The VA shall: (1) carry out such program for five years on a VA website at no cost to participating non-VA medical professionals, and (2) ensure that the program is accredited in as many states as practicable.

Expressing support for designating February 2016 as "National Spine Ability Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2015

Expresses support for the designation of National Spine Ability Month. Commends organizations like the North American Spine Foundation for its Spine 10 x 25 Initiative to reduce spine-related disability by 10% by 2025.

A bill to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a continuing medical education program for non-Department medical professionals who treat veterans and family members of veterans to increase knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a continuing medical education program for non-VA medical professionals, with the goal of: (1) increasing knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members, and (2) improving outreach to veterans and family members. The program must include education on: (1) dealing with patients who are veterans or family members; (2) identifying and treating common mental and physical conditions of veterans and family members; (3) programs and benefits available to veterans and family members through the VA, the Department of Labor, and other federal agencies and non-federal organizations; and (4) the VA health care system. The VA shall: (1) carry out such program for five years on a VA website at no cost to participating non-VA medical professionals, and (2) ensure that the program is accredited in as many states as practicable.

Medical Countermeasure Innovation Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Medical Countermeasure Innovation Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure the issuance of timely and accurate guidelines regarding the use of medical products for countering public health emergencies or material threats. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority's contracting authority for procurement of medical countermeasures under Project BioShield is codified. Such procurement no longer requires Presidential approval or an agreement between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response must publish its budget plan for medical countermeasures. This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explain delays in finalizing guidance regarding development of animal models to support approval of medical countermeasures. Upon approval, the FDA must award a priority review voucher to the sponsor of a drug or biological product that: (1) is a significant improvement in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a serious condition; and (2) can be used as a medical countermeasure to a material threat. The transferable voucher entitles the holder to have a new medication application acted upon by the FDA within six months. The sponsor of a medication that is subject to a voucher must pay a user fee based on the FDA's cost for the priority review process. The FDA must publish a notice each time it issues a voucher or a voucher is used.

Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a task force to assess and make recommendations about the care and compensation that should be provided to veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange, their spouses, and multiple generations of their offspring. Requires the task force to make recommendations: to establish the Agent Orange Illness Compensation Program to provide an exposed veteran or eligible survivor a lump sum payment for the veteran's injury, illness, or death; for the establishment of a national outreach and education campaign to communicate information about Agent Orange exposures and health conditions to veterans who are affected by incidents of toxic exposures and their families; for compensation and health care for individuals with Spina Bifida, birth defects, or other illnesses who are the children or descendants of members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or in or near the demilitarized zone in Korea during certain time periods determined by the task force; and for the establishment of a unified policy to deal with the consequences of exposure to hazardous materials in the military.

Expressing support for designation of September 2015 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

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.

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) programs (as renamed under this Act, previously the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect programs). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must: (1) carry out research on FASD; (2) facilitate surveillance, public health research, and prevention of FASD; and (3) continue the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. HHS must provide financial assistance to: (1) establish or expand state FASD programs; (2) implement best practices to educate children with FASD and educate members of the criminal justice system and adoption or foster care agency officials on FASD; (3) provide transitional services for those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure; (4) develop public service announcements on the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy; (5) increase awareness of FASD in federally qualified health centers; and (6) provide respite care for caretakers, recruit mentors, and provide educational and supportive services to families of individuals with FASD. The Government Accountability Office must make recommendations regarding the responsibilities of federal entities regarding FASD. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education must conduct training on FASD surveillance and disseminate best practices in the education and support of children with FASD. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice must: (1) implement FASD screening procedures, (2) conduct training on surveillance and on identification and support of individuals with FASD, and (3) study the inadequacies of the current system.

Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

Reinvigorating Antibiotic and Diagnostic Innovation Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2015

Reinvigorating Antibiotic and Diagnostic Innovation Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for 50% of the clinical testing expenses for: (1) infectious disease products that are intended to treat a serious or life-threatening infection, including one caused by an antibacterial or antifungal resistant pathogen or a qualifying pathogen listed by the Department of Health and Human Services as having the potential to pose a serious threat to public health; and (2) in-vitro diagnostic devices that identify in less than four hours the presence, concentration, or characteristics of a serious or life-threatening infection.

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2015

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee. The committee must monitor research and annually summarize research and medical advances regarding pulmonary hypertension. The committee must develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The plan must include recommendations regarding pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, research, transplantation criteria, public awareness, and health care delivery. HHS must report on activities related to improving health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The report must include information regarding pulmonary hypertension epidemiology, treatment, support available to individuals, and research.

Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2015

Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to the affordability of prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, the bill: requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to negotiate lower prices on behalf of beneficiaries for drugs covered under Medicare Part D; accelerates closure of the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," under which beneficiaries who have reached a certain level of yearly drug costs become fully responsible for any additional drug costs up to a certain limit; requires drug manufacturers to issue rebates for prescription drugs dispensed to eligible low-income individuals under Medicare or Medicaid; and expands the application of certain prescription drug rebate requirements under Medicaid to include rebates for generic drugs. The bill also amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) allow the importation by individuals of prescription drugs from Canada and, potentially, other countries; and (2) establish certain conditions on the award of market exclusivity with respect to drugs. Specifically, a drug manufacturer's market exclusivity shall be terminated if the manufacturer commits, or fails to report, a drug-related violation such as misbranding, illegal marketing, or fraud. In addition, the bill amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to: (1) establish restrictions on certain anticompetitive patent settlements known as "pay-for-delay" agreements, which effectively block generic drug competition; and (2) allow the Federal Trade Commission to initiate proceedings to enforce these restrictions against any parties to such a settlement. The bill also requires drug manufacturers to produce and share annual reports containing specified information related to domestic and foreign sales.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3134) to provide for a moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3504) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2015

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3134) to provide for a moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3504) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion.

Promoting Life-Saving New Therapies for Neonates Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2015

Promoting Life-Saving New Therapies for Neonates Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to award the sponsor of a new drug or biological product for the treatment of newborns a neonatal drug exclusivity voucher upon approval of the medication. A neonatal drug exclusivity voucher is a transferable voucher for a one-year extension of all existing patents and marketing exclusivities for a brand name medication. For a sponsor to be eligible for a voucher, the new medication must: (1) treat a condition identified in the Priority List of Critical Needs for Neonates required under this Act, and (2) have been studied in newborns. A voucher may be revoked if the new medication is not marketed in the United States within one year of approval. A voucher may not be used: (1) to extend the marketing exclusivity period for a drug for which the FDA requires an assessment of the safety and effectiveness in newborns, or (2) on the same product as a priority review voucher. A sponsor intending to use a voucher must notify the FDA at least 15 months before the expiration of the patents or exclusivity to be extended. The Government Accountability Office must study the effectiveness of this voucher program.

Advancing Targeted Therapies for Rare Diseases Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2015

Advancing Targeted Therapies for Rare Diseases Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the Food and Drug Administration to allow the sponsor of a new drug or biological product for the treatment of a rare, serious condition to rely upon information submitted for an approved medication that uses the same technology. For a sponsor to be eligible to rely upon submitted information: (1) the sponsor must have developed, or have a right of reference to, the relied upon information; and (2) the new medication must use nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) or similar chemicals, or must affect a disease-causing protein variant (e.g., the protein that causes cystic fibrosis).

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2015

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to require any health care practitioner who is present when a child is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion to: (1) exercise the same degree of care as reasonably provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure that such child is immediately admitted to a hospital. The term "born alive" means the complete expulsion or extraction from his or her mother, at any stage of development, who after such expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut. Also, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with these requirements must immediately report such failure to an appropriate law enforcement agency. An individual who violates the provisions of this Act is subject to a criminal fine, up to five years in prison, or both. An individual who commits an overt act that kills a child born alive is subject to criminal prosecution for murder. The legislation bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive for conspiracy to violate the provisions of this Act, for being an accessory after the fact, or for concealment of felony. A woman who undergoes an abortion or attempted abortion may file a civil action for damages against an individual who violates this Act.

Recognizing the importance of frontline health workers toward accelerating progress on global health and saving the lives of women and children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2015

Reaffirms the critical role of frontline health workers in achieving core global health goals, including ending preventable child and maternal deaths, ensuring global health security, and achieving an AIDS-free generation. Commends the progress made by the United States in helping to build local capacity and to save lives in the world's most vulnerable communities by training and supporting frontline health care workers. Acknowledges that in the aftermath of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflict frontline health workers continue to perform critical services. Calls on all relevant federal agencies to develop a comprehensive health workforce strengthening strategy for increasing access to qualified health workers in developing countries.

Women's Public Health and Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2015

Women's Public Health and Safety Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements regarding a state plan for medical assistance.  Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any institution, agency, or person qualified to perform them.  The bill specifies that a state may not be required to provide medical assistance for services furnished by any individual or entity based on the individual's or entity's involvement in abortions.

Protecting Infants Born Alive Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2015

Protecting Infants Born Alive Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements regarding a state plan for medical assistance. Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any institution, agency, or person qualified to perform them. The bill specifies that a state may not be required to provide medical assistance for such services by any individual or entity whose services or actions are suspected by the state of causing the termination of a human fetus classified as an infant born alive. Furthermore, a provider of such an abortion may neither receive payment under the Medicaid program nor participate in any federal or state health care program.

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 15, 2015, through September 21, 2015, as "Balance Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2015

Expresses support for the designation of Balance Awareness Week and recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about vestibular (inner ear balance) disorders.

STATE OF COMPETITION IN THE HEALTH CARE MARKETPLACE: THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S IMPACT ON COMPETITION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2015

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives recognizing community water fluoridation as one of the great public health initiatives on its 70th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2015

Recognizes community water fluoridation as a vitally important public health initiative on its 70th anniversary.

Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2015

Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to the affordability of prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, the bill: requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to negotiate lower prices on behalf of beneficiaries for drugs covered under Medicare Part D; accelerates closure of the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," under which beneficiaries who have reached a certain level of yearly drug costs become fully responsible for any additional drug costs up to a certain limit; requires drug manufacturers to issue rebates for prescription drugs dispensed to eligible low-income individuals under Medicare or Medicaid; and expands the application of certain prescription drug rebate requirements under Medicaid to include rebates for generic drugs. The bill also amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) allow the importation by individuals of prescription drugs from Canada and, potentially, other countries; and (2) establish certain conditions on the award of market exclusivity with respect to drugs. Specifically, a drug manufacturer's market exclusivity shall be terminated if the manufacturer commits, or fails to report, a drug-related violation such as misbranding, illegal marketing, or fraud. In addition, the bill amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to: (1) establish restrictions on certain anticompetitive patent settlements known as "pay-for-delay" agreements, which effectively block generic drug competition; and (2) allow the Federal Trade Commission to initiate proceedings to enforce these restrictions against any parties to such a settlement. The bill also requires drug manufacturers to produce and share annual reports containing specified information related to domestic and foreign sales.

Next Generation Researchers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Next Generation Researchers Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to coordinate NIH policies and programs aimed at promoting and providing opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence. The NIH must: (1) promote policies and programs to improve opportunities for new researchers and promote earlier research independence; (2) develop, modify, or accelerate policies, as needed, to promote opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence, including policies to enhance training opportunities for research-related career options, strengthen mentorship programs, enhance diversity efforts, and help new researchers obtain renewal funding; (3) coordinate with agencies and academic institutions to improve tracking of career progress of biomedical postdoctoral researchers and students; and (4) request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and report on policies affecting the next generation of researchers as part of a study on biomedical and behavioral research personnel.

Next Generation Researchers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Next Generation Researchers Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to coordinate NIH policies and programs aimed at promoting and providing opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence. The NIH must: (1) promote policies and programs to improve opportunities for new researchers and promote earlier research independence; (2) develop, modify, or accelerate policies, as needed, to promote opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence, including policies to enhance training opportunities for research-related career options, strengthen mentorship programs, enhance diversity efforts, and help new researchers obtain renewal funding; (3) coordinate with agencies and academic institutions to improve tracking of career progress of biomedical postdoctoral researchers and students; and (4) request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and report on policies affecting the next generation of researchers as part of a study on biomedical and behavioral research personnel.

Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to ease restrictions on health insurance plans without pediatric dental benefits (an essential health benefit) to allow such insurance to be offered in any state where a dental plan in the individual or small group market provides pediatric dental benefits, even in states where the dental plan is not offered on the health insurance exchange. This Act is retroactively effective as if included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for up to $5,000 for the training of a qualified individual in a qualified apprenticeship program or a qualified multi-employer apprenticeship program. The bill defines a "qualified individual" as an individual who: (1) is an apprentice participating in a qualified apprenticeship program or a qualified multi-employer apprenticeship program, (2) has been employed in either program for a period of at least seven months that ends within the taxable year, and (3) is not a highly compensated employee or a seasonal worker. The bill defines "qualified apprenticeship program" as a program that: (1) provides qualified individuals with on-the-job training and instruction for a qualified occupation (i.e., a skilled trade occupation in a high-demand mechanical, technical, health care, or technology field); (2) is registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor; and (3) maintains records relating to the qualified individual. A "qualified multi-employer apprenticeship program" is a program in which multiple employers are required to contribute and that is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a premature distribution, without penalty, from a tax-qualified retirement plan to an employee who is serving as a mentor. A "mentor" is defined as a working individual who: (1) has attained age 55; (2) works reduced hours and engages in mentoring activities for at least 20% of such hours; and (3) is responsible for the training and education of employees or students in an area of expertise for which such individual has a professional credential, certificate, or degree.

Together We Care Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Together We Care Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for the training of public housing residents as home health aides and providers of home-based health services to enable them to provide covered home-based health services (services for which medical assistance is available under a state Medicaid plan or for which financial assistance is available under this Act) to residents of: public housing who are elderly, disabled, or both; and federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly, disabled, or both, subject to HUD criteria. The grants may be used: to establish a program to train public housing residents to provide covered home-based health care services to elderly and disabled public housing residents and to elderly and disabled residents of federally-assisted rental housing, for the transportation and child care expenses of public housing residents in training, and for the administrative expenses of carrying out such a program. For any resident of public housing who is trained as a home health aide or as a provider of home-based health services under the program, any income received for providing covered home-based health services shall apply towards eligibility for benefits under federal housing programs as specified in this Act, based on length of time following completion of the training.

Medicaid and CHIP Territory Fraud Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2015

Medicaid and CHIP Territory Fraud Prevention Act This bill amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude certain payments from ceilings on the amounts of Medicaid payments made to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Specifically, the bill excludes certain payments made to these territories for the establishment and operation of Medicaid fraud control units. The bill also makes a technical amendment.

Women's Health Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2015

Women's Health Accountability Act This bill prohibits federal family planning funding from being made available to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and clinics until Congress reviews the report described below. Within two years, the Government Accountability Office must report on all medical items and services offered in the facilities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and clinics.

Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for employers to report health insurance coverage information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the end of the tax year. The bill changes the information that is required and permits employers to voluntarily report the information prior to the beginning of open enrollment. The Department of the Treasury must develop a prospective reporting system to permit: employers to voluntarily report specified health insurance coverage information before the annual open enrollment period; the exchanges, the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub, and the IRS to access the information to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with information related to eligibility for advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies; the exchanges to communicate with employers and employees regarding eligibility for the tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies; and employers to provide updates to the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub regarding changes in coverage for employees. At the time of enrollment, exchanges must provide employers the names of employees and dependents that enroll in a qualified health plan for a year. If a health insurance issuer or employer is unable to obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number of a dependent, Treasury may permit the individual's full name and date of birth to be used instead. Employers participating in the reporting system established by this bill are exempt from the requirement to report health insurance coverage information to the IRS by the end of the tax year.