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Bill· HRH.R. 1637 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national database on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on drug abuse prevention and treatment in communities with a significant number of individuals who are at risk of developing drug abuse (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such individuals).
Bill· HRH.R. 1638 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national data base on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on rehabilitation services (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such services).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 151 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should take action to encourage consumers to consult with their pharmacists regarding the purchase and use of over-the-counter drugs.
Bill· SS. 743 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 1594 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997
Retired Worker Health Security Act of 1997 - Requires employers to notify workers at least 60 days before their health care benefits or retirement benefits are terminated. Defines employer as any business enterprise which has 100 or more employees or 500 or more employees who have retired and receive or will receive health and pension benefits from such enterprise.
Bill· HRH.R. 1610 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997
Waives, with respect to Better Health Plan, Inc., Health First, Inc., and Genesis Health Plans, Inc., operating in New York, for contract periods through December 31, 1998, the (75-25) requirement under the Social Security Act that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries under titles XVIII and XIX of that Act constitute less than 75 percent of the membership of a participating health maintenance organization.
Bill· HRH.R. 1580 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1997
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) consider a veteran unable to defray the expenses of necessary medical care if such costs for the previous year are in excess of seven and one-half percent of the veteran's adjusted gross income for such year; (2) increase the income threshold used to determine a veteran's ability to defray such expenses with respect to those veterans residing in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area; (3) include within the membership of the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans members of the general public with expertise in the care of the chronically mentally ill; (4) require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate at least one Center for Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Activities in each service network region of the Veterans Health Administration; and (5) direct the Secretary, in applying the veterans' health care resources allocation system, to exclude from consideration programs of readjustment counseling and treatment, counseling and treatment for the mentally ill, drug and alcohol abuse and dependence, homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, spinal cord dysfunctions, AIDS, and geriatric and extended care.
Bill· SS. 734 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1997
Medicare Hospice Benefit Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to hospice care to: (1) restructure the hospice care benefit period; (2) cover any other item or service which is specified in the plan and for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare; (3) permit contracting with independent physicians or physician groups for hospice care services; (4) allow waiver of certain staffing requirements for hospice care programs in non-urbanized areas; (5) define coverage denial, with respect to the limitation on the liability of beneficiaries and providers, to mean a determination that an individual is not terminally ill; and (6) extend the period for physician certification of an individual's terminal illness.
Bill· SS. 728 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Cancer Research Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Treasury the Cancer Research Trust Fund (hereafter referred to as the "Fund") consisting of such amounts as are credited or paid to the Fund as provided for under the Internal Revenue Code (as amended by this Act) and any interest earned on investment of amounts in the Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to annually make available such sums as are available in the Fund (including any amounts not obligated in previous fiscal years) to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the conduct of biomedical, intramural, and extramural research. Prohibits an expenditure from being made during any fiscal year in which the annual amount appropriated for NIH is less than the amount so appropriated for the prior fiscal year. Authorizes the NIH Director to distribute amounts made available among the various research institutes and centers to conduct research that the Director determines is appropriate. Requires the Director to make awards from such amounts available for research on cancer. Requires amounts provided to an institute or center to be used to supplement and not supplant other research conducted with Federal funds. (Sec. 3) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow every individual (other than a nonresident alien) to: (1) designate that a portion (not less than one dollar) of any overpayment of tax; and (2) provide that a cash contribution (not less than one dollar), be paid over to the Cancer Research Trust Fund in accordance with the Public Health Service Act. Allows each spouse, in the case of a joint return, to designate one-half of any such overpayment of tax (not less than two dollars).
Bill· SS. 720 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for the receipt of Medicare benefits through enrollment in a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) program for certain eligible individuals; and (2) establish PACE as a Medicaid State option. Provides for demonstration projects under Medicare allowing PACE providers to be for-profit private entities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the quality and cost of providing PACE program services under Medicare and Medicaid under the amendments made by this Act. Directs the Physician Payment Review Commission and the Prospective Payment Review Commission to make annual recommendations on the methodology and level of payments made to PACE providers and on the treatment of private, for-profit entities as PACE providers.
Bill· SS. 727 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Mammogram Availability Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, that provides coverage for diagnostic mammographies for any woman 40 years old or older to provide coverage for annual screening mammographies for such a woman. Prohibits related enrollment and renewal discrimination, monetary incentives to women, and penalties or incentives to providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those requirements and prohibitions to coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow payment for annual screening mammographies for women over 39 (currently, over 49 but under 65) years old. Removes provisions empowering the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the screening frequency for which payment may be made. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require payment for annual screening mammographies for women over 39 years old.
Bill· HRH.R. 1564 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Medicaid Low-Income Children Presumptive EligibilityAmendments of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit presumptive eligibility for low-income children under the Medicaid program.
Bill· HRH.R. 1571 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program to conduct biomedical and behavioral research (directly or through grants) on cases of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women. Sets forth requirements regarding the existing Women's Interagency HIV Study. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1558 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Hansen's Disease Program Amendments of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the relocation of the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center near Carville, Louisiana, and to transfer to Louisiana the real property and improvements constituting the Center. Provides transfer conditions, including the requirement that the property and improvements be used for the next 30-year period exclusively for promoting public health or education. Provides employee pay and retirement considerations for Federal employees of the Center who become State employees at the transferred property. Requires the Center's relocation site to be in the Baton Rouge area and to continue to use the same name. Provides care and treatment options of patients at the relocated Center. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary from providing long-term care at the relocated Center for patients suffering from Hansen's disease (a form of leprosy) or its complications. Directs the Center to conduct training in the diagnosis and management of the disease and to conduct and promote the coordination of research, investigations, demonstrations, and studies relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of that disease as well as other mycobacterial diseases and complications related to such disease. Authorizes the Secretary to establish sites for the treatment of persons with Hansen's disease, requiring each site to provide for appropriate outpatient care and treatment.
Bill· SS. 713 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1997
Better Pharmaceuticals for Children Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for additional deferred effective dates for the approval of certain new drug applications to allow for additional pediatric information developed by further studies. Mandates development, publication, and annual updating of a list of approved drugs for which additional pediatric information may produce health benefits in the pediatric population.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 85 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1997
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) family members and loved ones of individuals with breast cancer can support each other in addition to the individual with breast cancer; and (2) everything possible should be done to support both the individuals with breast cancer and their family and loved ones through public awareness and education.
Bill· HRH.R. 1549 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1997
Harold Hughes-Bill Emerson Commission on Alcoholism Act - Establishes the Harold Hughes-Bill Emerson Commission on Alcoholism. Includes among the duties of the Commission: (1) promoting the development of a national consensus on policy issues related to alcoholism; (2) evaluating the interest of the provider and medical communities in new medications related to alcoholism and the barriers to the communities in obtaining such medications; (3) in conjunction with the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, conducting a study to identify the current state-of-the-art alcohol research, unmet alcohol research needs, and appropriate research funding in view of the size and scope of the alcoholism problem; (4) evaluating and making recommendations regarding the education of physicians in American medical schools concerning alcoholism and the certification of other individuals trained to provide alcoholism prevention and treatment services; and (5) making recommendations designed to reduce and prevent alcoholism, including recommendations concerning appropriate roles for the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector and changes needed to Federal laws and programs. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on its findings. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 700 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify State plan provisions by eliminating certain provider reimbursement requirements relating to a States authority in setting provider reimbursement rates under the Medicaid program.
Bill· SS. 701 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Medicare Patient Choice and Access Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, among other things, to: (1) assure Medicare enrollees timely access to in-network primary and specialty health care providers, with access to specialized treatment when medically necessary, and, under certain conditions, access to out-of-network providers as well; (2) establish a grievance process for resolving grievances between them and their enrollees; and (3) provide each enrollee with an explanation of the enrollee's rights and a copy of the most recent comparative report on the plans offered by the eligible organization in which the enrollee is enrolled or is eligible to enroll. Prohibits health care provider incentive plans that fail to meet specified criteria. Bans interference with certain medical communications. Applies generally the same requirements to Medicare select policies. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a thorough study for the Congress regarding the implementation of the amendments made above by this Act, together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as the Secretary considers appropriate. Directs the Secretary to establish a clearinghouse and, if appropriate, a toll-free telephone hotline to provide for dissemination of the comparative reports.
Bill· SS. 697 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for a program of information and public education concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 84 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Declares that the Senate recognizes suicide as a national problem and declares suicide prevention a national priority, acknowledges that no single prevention program will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and encourages certain initiatives, including the development (and the promotion of accessibility and affordability) of mental health services to enable all persons at risk for suicide to obtain services without fear of stigma.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 83 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Declares that the Senate recognizes suicide as a national problem and declares suicide prevention a national priority, acknowledges that no single prevention program will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and encourages certain initiatives, including the development (and the promotion of accessibility and affordability) of mental health services to enable all persons at risk for suicide to obtain services without fear of stigma.
Bill· SS. 690 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 1997 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) cover colorectal cancer screening tests for individuals age 50 or over (screening fecal-occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopies, barium enemas, and, for high-risk individuals, colonoscopy); and (2) prescribe frequency and payment limits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review such coverage after two years and determine whether to terminate it for one or more of such tests.
Bill· HRH.R. 1525 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Prescription Drug Benefit Equity Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit a group health plan (and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage) from providing mail-order prescription drug coverage without also providing non-mail-order prescription drug coverage meeting benefit and cost-sharing requirements. Prohibits monetary payments or rebates to encourage an individual to accept less than the minimum protections available under this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the requirements of this Act to issuers in the individual market. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, State Medicaid plans, issuers of Medicare supplemental policies, and Medicare select policies to meet the requirements of this Act. Amends Federal law relating to health benefits for Federal employees to require compliance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1527 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Medical Device Regulatory Flexibility Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to modify requirements regarding the initial classification of medical devices. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue notices to identify and list nationally and internationally recognized standards that: (1) shall be the special controls to which class II devices must comply; (2) may be used in establishing (for device classification) the equivalence of one device to another; and (3) may be used in considering premarket approval of a class III device. Directs the Secretary to accept a certification that a device conforms to such a standard.
Bill· SS. 672 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense Supplementals Title II: Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies Title III: Other Supplementals Title IV: Department of Defense Offsets Title V: Other Offsets Title VI: Social Services Block Grant Amendment Title VII: Government Shutdown Prevention Act Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act of 1997 - Title I: Department of Defense Supplementals - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Defense (DOD)--Military, for: (1) Military Personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance, Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 POW payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, upon his determination that it is necessary in the national interest and with Office of Management and Budget approval, to transfer between such appropriations, but only for higher priority items, based on unforeseen military requirements, up to a specified amount of DOD working capital and other specified funds earmarked for: (1) U.S. participation in the Bosnia Stabilization Force (SFOR); and (2) enforcement of the no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of DOD funds to transfer management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the Military Services until the contract for a Lead System Integrator for it is awarded. Directs the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to: (1) submit recommendations to Congressional Defense Committees on the future roles of the Services with respect to the management, technical development, cost, schedule, and acquisition plan for the elements in such program; and (2) certify that such contract will conform to these recommendations. (Sec. 103) Makes additional appropriations for a grant to reimburse the American Red Cross for disaster relief and recovery expenditures. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 105) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental operation and maintenance costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. (Sec. 106) Prohibits use of DOD funds for operations or activities of the Armed Forces relating to Bosnia, unless the President reports to the Congress, with specified details, on the cost and source of funds for military activities relating to Bosnia. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of the Department of Defense, until and unless the Secretary of Defense designates another person to serve in this position. Title II: Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace, rehabilitate, or replant disaster-damaged trees and vineyards, including (through the Forestry Incentives Program) trees damaged by 1997 tornadoes; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program, for the cost of specified direct loans for emergency expenses, and Rural Housing Assistance Program, for very low-income housing repair grants and domestic farm labor grants; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration, Economic Development Assistance Programs; and (2) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for construction. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Defense--Civil, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general operations and maintenance; and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, for operation and maintenance. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) National Park Service; (4) U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to: (1) the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service for the National Forest System's emergency expenses;and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways, Emergency Relief Program; and (2) the Federal Railroad Administration, Emergency Railroad Rehabilitation and Repair, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged as a result of the floods in the northern plains States in March and April of 1997. Makes such appropriations for a related agency, the National Transportation Safety Board, for emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800 and ValuJet 592, and for assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations to: (1) the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development, community development block grants fund; and (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for disaster relief. Requires the FEMA Director to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Secretary, Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, to support research on environmental risk factors associated with breast cancer. Directs the Secretary of HHS to award such funds on a competitive basis. Title III: Other Supplementals - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain direct operating loans; and (2) the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of State for payment of United States arrearages owed to the United Nations, subject to express authorization enacted in a subsequent Act. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia - Makes supplemental FY 1997 appropriations to the District of Columbia, (Federal Payment to the District of Columbia) for deposit into an escrow account of the D.C. Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority and disbursal pursuant to the instructions of, and in accordance with a plan approved by, such Authority. Requires the use of specified portions of such funds for: (1) emergency repair of D.C. public schools; and (2) pay raises within the Metropolitan Police Department. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for repairs, facilities construction, visitor transportation, and related purposes at Yosemite National Park. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Congressional Operations, Senate - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Aviation Administration, to reimburse State and local agencies for unanticipated disaster costs associated with efforts directly related to the 1996 TWA Flight 800 and ValuJet Flight 592 tragedies; and (3) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the County and City of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service, for the Postal Service Fund, for revenue forgone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. Chapter 8: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for annual contributions for assisted housing and for capacity building for community development and affordable housing. Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program, and the Administration for Children and Families' Social Services Block Grant program; and (2) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Chapter 10: General Provisions - Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in any appropriations Act for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for preparing to use sampling in the 2000 decennial census. (Sec. 304) Provides that, for specified purposes, all patents in force on June 8, 1995, are entitled to the full benefit of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act of 1994 as well as any extension granted before such date. (Sec. 305) Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, which make certain additional Department of Defense appropriations earmarked for the Dual-Use Applications Program. (Sec. 306) Declares that the U.S. members and alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, shall be officers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who hold Presidential appointments as Regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation. (Sec. 307) Amends the Delaware River Basin Compact to provide that certain members serve at the pleasure of the President. (Sec. 308) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) with respect to a recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 309) Amends the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, to authorize the Indian Health Service (IHS), with respect to functions it transfers to tribes or tribal organizations, to provide goods and services to those entities, on a reimbursable basis, including payment in advance with subsequent adjustment. (Sec. 310) Prohibits the use of any funds for any Federal agency for FY 1997 and thereafter to promulgate or implement any rule, regulation, policy, statement, or directive issued after October 1, 1993, regarding the recognition, validity, or management of any right of way established pursuant specified Federal law relating to public lands. (Sec. 311) Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exempt certain emergency flood control projects from specified consultation and conferencing requirements, and prohibitions against the taking of species. (Sec. 312) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in Presidentially-declared disaster areas, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award year 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 314) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 315) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a Presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 319) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 320) Amends Federal transportation law to exempt from certain fees overflights operated by citizens of a country contiguous to the United States if: (1) both the origin and destination of such flights are within that country; and (2) that country exempts similar categories of flights operated by U.S. citizens. (Sec. 321) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama, courthouse. (Sec. 322) Prohibits the use of funds to impose or collect any penalty imposed solely because of a failure to use the electronic fund transfer system by a person first required do so during the last six months of 1997. (Sec. 323) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to repeal specified provisions relating to cooperative purchasing. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish quarterly in the Federal Register a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. (Sec. 325) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. Title IV: Department of Defense Offsets - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-wide; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense-wide; (4) Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction; (5) various types of procurement, including aircraft missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (6) National Guard and Reserve equipment; (7) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; (8) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. (Sec. 401) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; and (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 403) Prohibits the use of any Department of Defense funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 404) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. (Sec. 405) Rescinds a certain amount of funds appropriated for Military Construction in the Navy under specified Federal law. Title V: Other Offsets - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified amounts of the available unobligated balances for the Department of Justice under the General Administration Working Capital Fund. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Energy for Clean Coal Technology and for Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified contract authorizations for the Department of Transportation for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration grants-in-aid for airports; (2) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway traffic safety grants; and (3) Federal Transit Administration discretionary grants for fixed guideway modernization and bus activities. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Rescinds specified amounts available to the General Services Administration for Presidential transition expenses. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Rescinds specified amounts recaptured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from annual contributions for assisted housing. Directs the Secretary of HUD to recapture a specified section 8 reserve funds made available to housing agencies for tenant-based assistance. Rescinds a specified amount of negative credit subsidy from the sale of mortgage notes for the HUD Federal Housing Administration General and Special Risk Program Account. Rescinds certain funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NASA. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Cancels, permanently, specified funds for the Department of Defense--Civil, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for general construction. Title VI: Social Services Block Grant Amendment - Amends title XX of the Social Security Act to establish a program of block grants to States for non-Medicaid assistance to noncitizens. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997. Title VII: Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Provides for continuing appropriations for FY 1998 at 98 percent of the level of FY 1997 operations, in the absence of regular appropriations for FY 1998.
Bill· SS. 674 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Children's Health Insurance Provides Security (CHIPS) Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to offer an enhanced Federal match to States with Medicaid plans that provide for: (1) coverage of pregnant women, infants, and children under age six with family income between 133 and 150 percent of the poverty line, as well as older children with family income between 100 and 150 percent of the poverty line; and (2) continuous eligibility for a 12-month period for children under any age the State specifies (up to age 19). Gives States the option to: (1) expand Medicaid eligibility to 150 percent of the poverty line for children over one year of age; and (2) extend coverage to all children under age 19. Prohibits any employer which elects to make employer health insurance contributions on behalf of an employee (or dependent) from conditioning, or varying, such contributions with respect to any such individual by reason of his or her eligibility for Medicaid. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for grants to States, localities, and nonprofit entities to promote outreach efforts to enroll eligible children under Medicaid and related programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1506 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean hazardous contaminants, chemicals, materials, wastes, and substances listed, identified, or defined in specified laws or designated by the President. Prohibits any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, disposes, stores, transports, or delivers covered substances from disproportionately exposing any individual or community, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to any covered substance. Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to handle, manage, etc., covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for entities receiving Federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Bill· HRH.R. 1491 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Children's Health Insurance Provides Security (CHIPS) Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to offer States which have Medicaid plans that provide for the following an enhanced Federal match: (1) Medicaid coverage of pregnant women under age 19, infants, and children with family income between 133 and 150 percent of the poverty line regardless of date of birth; and (2) continuous eligibility for them for a period of 12 months. Gives States the option to expand Medicaid eligibility to 150 percent of the poverty line for children over one year of age. Prohibits any employer which elects to make employer contributions on behalf of an individual who is an employee of such employer, or who is a dependent of such employee, for health insurance coverage from conditioning, or varying, such contributions with respect to any such individual by reason of such individual's status as a Medicaid-eligible individual. Provides that an employer shall not be treated as failing to meet such requirements if the employer ceases to make employer contributions for health insurance coverage for all its employees. Makes the enforcement provisions applicable to group health insurance coverage under amendments made by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 applicable with respect to an employer that violates this paragraph in the same manner as this paragraph applies to employers under such amendments. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for grants to States, localities, and nonprofit entities to promote outreach efforts to enroll eligible children under Medicaid and related programs.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 69 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should enact legislation allowing a license waiver permitting a physician who is not licensed in the State to provide health care to indigent individuals, subject to the physician not imposing any charge for the care.
Bill· HRH.R. 1486 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: International Affairs Agency Consolidation, United Nations Reform, Foreign Assistance Reform, and Foreign Assistance Authorizations Title I: General Provisions Title II: Consolidation of Certain Foreign Assistance Agencies Chapter 1: General Provisions Chapter 2: United States International Development Cooperation Agency Title III: Foreign Assistance Reform Title IV: Defense and Security Assistance Chapter 1: Narcotics Control Assistance Chapter 2: Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs Chapter 3: Foreign Military Financing Program Chapter 4: International Military Education and Training Chapter 5: Transfer of Naval Vessels to Certain Foreign Countries Chapter 6: Other Provisions Title V: Economic Assistance Chapter 1: Economic Support Assistance Chapter 2: Development Assistance Chapter 3: Urban and Environmental Credit Program Chapter 4: The Peace Corps Chapter 5: International Disaster Assistance Chapter 6: Debt Relief Chapter 7: Other Assistance Provisions Title VI: Trade and Development Agency Title VII: Special Authorities and Other Provisions Chapter 1: Special Authorities Chapter 2: Repeals Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations Act Title X (sic): General Provisions Title XI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities Title XII: Department of State Authorities and Activities Chapter 1: Authorities and Activities Chapter 2: Consular Authorities of the Department of State Chapter 3: Refugees and Migration Title XIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; the Foreign Service Chapter 1: Organization of the Department of State Chapter 2: Personnel of the Department of State; the Foreign Service Title XIV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title XV: International Organizations; United Nations and Related Agencies Chapter 1: General Provisions Chapter 2: United Nations and Related Agencies Title XVI: Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title XVII: Foreign Policy Provisions Foreign Policy Reform Act - Division A: International Affairs Agency Consolidation, United Nations Reform, Foreign Assistance Reform, and Foreign Assistance Authorizations - Title I: General Provisions - Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 1997 - Declares that: (1) U.S. leadership overseas must be maintained to support America's vital national security, economic, and humanitarian overseas interests; and (2) with the end of the Cold War, foreign assistance programs must be reformed to take advantage of the opportunities for the United States in the 21st century. Title II: Consolidation of Certain Foreign Assistance Agencies - Chapter 1: General Provisions - International Affairs Agency Consolidation Act of 1997 - Chapter 2: United States International Development Cooperation Agency - Abolishes the United States International Development Cooperation Agency, and transfers all functions of the Director of such agency to the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). (Sec. 221) Provides for: (1) the continuation of USAID as a Federal agency; and (2) the Administrator of USAID to be under the direction of the Secretary of State. Title III: Foreign Assistance Reform - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise requirements for the annual report to the Congress on foreign assistance programs. Replaces responsibility for such report from the Chairman of the Development Coordination Committee to the President. (Sec. 301) Directs the President, as part of the annual requests for foreign assistance program authorizations and appropriations, to submit to the Congress annual congressional presentation documents that provide, among other things, the amount, the rationale, and the direct U.S. national interest for the allocation of assistance provided under this Act and the Arms Export Control Act to each foreign country or international organization. Requires the President, as part of such documents, to estimate the year in which each country will no longer receive bilateral development assistance. (Sec. 302) Prohibits U.S. assistance to countries that consistently oppose the U.S. position in the UN General Assembly. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition if it is determined that the provision of assistance is necessary to promote U.S. foreign policy objectives. (Sec. 303) Urges the President for FY 1998 and 1999 to allocate foreign assistance funds to private and voluntary organizations and cooperatives in a manner that reflects the increase in the funding of such entities since FY 1995. (Sec. 304) Replaces the Private Sector Revolving Fund with a program of assistance (including loans, guarantees, and training) to increase the availability of credit to micro- and small enterprises. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Administrator of USAID to provide grant assistance for programs of credit and other assistance for microenterprises in developing countries. Urges the Administrator to establish a monitoring system establishing performance goals for such assistance. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the President to provide funds and support to private sector Enterprise Funds for countries eligible to receive development assistance on the same basis as such funds and support are provided to Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the President to use certain Development Credit Authority to promote: (1) micro- and small enterprise development; and (2) certain urban and environmental activities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires, to the maximum extent practicable, the use of U.S. technology, firms, and equipment with respect to such activities. (Sec. 308) Withholds from obligation an amount equivalent to 110 percent of the total unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines owed to the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and New York City by the government of a foreign country in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such fines are fully paid. Title IV: Defense and Security Assistance - Chapter 1: Narcotics Control Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for U.S. antinarcotics assistance to foreign countries. Chapter 2: Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to establish the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund to promote bilateral and multilateral nonproliferation and disarmament activities with specified goals. Prohibits the use of the Fund to implement U.S. obligations under bilateral or multilateral arms control treaties or nonproliferation accords. (Sec. 411) Earmarks specified amounts of U.S. military assistance funds for: (1) nonproliferation and disarmament activities; (2) demining activities; and (3) voluntary contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. Chapter 3: Foreign Military Financing Program - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for grant assistance and direct loans for the procurement of defense articles and services by countries and international organizations friendly to the United States. (Sec. 422) Earmarks specified amounts of military assistance for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) Israel and Egypt; (2) assistance for the transition of countries to NATO membership; (3) direct loans for Greece and Turkey; and (4) administrative expenses. Chapter 4: International Military Education and Training - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for military education and training for civilian personnel in foreign countries. (Sec. 432) Makes Panama and Haiti eligible for assistance under the international military education and training (IMET) program. Chapter 5: Transfer of Naval Vessels to Certain Foreign Countries - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer certain naval class vessels to: (1) Brazil; (2) Chile; (3) Egypt; (4) Israel; (5) Malaysia; (6) Mexico; (7) Taiwan; and (8) Thailand. (Sec. 444) Directs the Secretary to encourage recipient countries to have such vessels repaired or refurbished at U.S. shipyards. Chapter 6: Other Provisions - Amends Federal law to authorize for FY 1998 and 1999 the transfer of excess defense articles to countries eligible to participate in the Partnership for Peace program and eligible for assistance under the SEED Act of 1989. (Sec. 452) Authorizes the President, in return for specified concessions, to transfer to the Republic of Korea certain obsolete or surplus defense articles in the war reserve allies stockpile. (Sec. 453) Limits to no more than $60 million for FY 1998 the value of additions to the stockpiles of defense articles in foreign countries. Sets forth limits on stockpiles in the Republic of Korea and Thailand. Title V: Economic Assistance - Chapter 1: Economic Support Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for economic support funds (ESF) assistance. (Sec. 502) Earmarks amounts for Israel, Egypt, the International Fund for Ireland, and assistance and training for civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defense of the Government of Nicaragua. Chapter 2: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for specified development assistance, including: (1) the Development Fund for Africa; (2) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union (independent states); (3) assistance for Eastern Europe; (4) the Inter-American Foundation; and (5) the African Development Foundation. (Sec. 512) Earmarks certain foreign assistance funds for specified child survival, health, basic education for children, and disease prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 513) Limits the amount of foreign assistance funds available to the Russian Federation unless the President determines and reports to the Congress that the Government of the Russian Federation has terminated assistance to the ballistic missile or nuclear programs of Iran and Cuba. (Sec. 521) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for operating expenses of USAID and its Office of the Inspector General. Chapter 3: Urban and Environmental Credit Program - Revises the authority for the urban and environmental credit program to repeal: (1) minimum annual program levels; (2) authority for agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development programs; and (3) certain requirements for guaranties for housing projects (including face amounts for Egypt and Israel). Chapter 4: The Peace Corps - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for the Peace Corps. (Sec. 542) Earmarks certain foreign assistance funds for Peace Corps activities in the independent states of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. Prohibits the use of funds to pay for abortions. Chapter 5: International Disaster Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise congressional policy to affirm U.S. willingness to provide international disaster assistance for the reconstruction of foreign countries. (Sec. 522) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for international disaster assistance. Chapter 6: Debt Relief - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to replace the Central America Democracy, Peace, and Development Initiative with a program of special debt relief for poor countries. Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the U.S. Government as a result of loans or guarantees issued under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or credits or guarantees extended under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 561) Makes eligible for such debt reduction countries with a heavy debt burden that: (1) are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and (2) meet other specified conditions concerning military expenditures, terrorism, narcotics control, and human rights. Limits such authority only to implement multilateral official debt relief ad referendum agreements (the Paris Club Agreed Minutes), and only to the extent that appropriations for the modifications are made in advance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 562) Authorizes the President, subject to certain conditions, to sell to an eligible purchaser concessional loans made before January 1, 1995, to the government of an eligible country or reduce or cancel such loans on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser for purposes of facilitating debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps or debt buybacks by eligible countries to support specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. Chapter 7: Other Assistance Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that restrictions on assistance for a country shall not be construed to restrict support of programs of nongovernmental organizations. (Sec. 571) Repeals authority to waive the requirement that U.S. private and voluntary organizations to which assistance is made available obtain at least 20 percent of their total annual financial support for international activities from sources other than the U.S. Government. (Sec. 573) Prohibits the availability of foreign assistance funds to private and voluntary organizations which: (1) fail to provide documents to meet auditing requirements of the USAID; or (2) are not registered with such agency. Title VI: Trade and Development Agency - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for the Trade and Development Agency. Title VII: Special Authorities and Other Provisions - Chapter 1: Special Authorities - Increases from ten to 20 percent the amount authorized to be transferred between specified accounts under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 702) Increases the amount of emergency assistance the President is authorized to use in any fiscal year for unanticipated contingencies. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the President to provide assistance, sales, or other action under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Arms Export Control Act, or any annual (or periodic) foreign assistance authorization or appropriations legislation, notwithstanding laws restricting such assistance, if the Speaker of the House and a specified congressional committee are notified that to do so is vital to national interests. Increases annual ceilings with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 704) Authorizes the President, to make an equitable settlement of termination claims under extraordinary contractual relief standards, to adopt as a contract or other U.S. obligation and assume any liabilities under it, any contract with a U.S. or third-country contractor to carry out any program of foreign assistance that was subsequently terminated. (Sec. 705) Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to authorize the use of foreign assistance provided to independent nongovernmental human rights organizations and individuals in Cuba for local costs in delivering such assistance. Chapter 2: Repeals - Repeals specified foreign assistance laws. Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations Act - Title X: (sic) General Provisions - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 - Sets forth general provisions and definitions. Title XI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) contributions to international organizations and international peacekeeping activities; (3) international conferences and contingencies; (4) offset of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (5) international commissions; (6) migration and refugee assistance; (7) the Asia Foundation; (8) international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs; and (9) purposes of carrying out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Earmarks funds for specified organizations and activities. (Sec. 1102) Withholds certain amounts of funds from the United Nations Development Program unless the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that the Program's activities in Burma: (1) are focused on eliminating human suffering and addressing the needs of the poor; (2) are undertaken only through international or private voluntary organizations that are independent of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); (3) provide no financial, political, or military support to SLORC; and (4) are supported by the leadership of the National League for Democracy and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma. Title XII: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Chapter 1: Authorities and Activities - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of aiders or abettors of acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property or in certain narcotics-related offenses. Makes the resources of the rewards program available, at the Secretary's discretion, for the publication of rewards offered by foreign governments about acts of terrorism not involving the United States. Directs the President, in carrying out the rewards program, to take possession and exercise full control of up to two percent of earnings accruing on all assets of foreign governments blocked under the International Emergency Powers Act. (Sec. 1202) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit amounts contained in the Foreign Service national separation liability trust fund in interest-bearing accounts. (Sec. 1203) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to make one of the purposes of the Capital Investment Fund the enhancement of information technology and other related capital investments for the Department of State. (Sec. 1204) Amends the International Center Act to authorize the deposit of amounts contained in the International Center Reserve Fund in interest-bearing accounts. Authorizes the Secretary to retain, and expend without further appropriation, the interest earned on such deposits. (Sec. 1205) Amends the Foreign Service Buildings Act, 1926 to authorize the deposit of proceeds from the sale of foreign properties into interest-bearing accounts. Authorizes the Secretary to retain, and expend without further appropriation, the interest earned on such deposits. (Sec. 1208) Amends the International Claims Settlement Act to grant jurisdiction to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to adjudicate claims included in a category of claims against a foreign government which is referred to it by the Secretary. (Sec. 1210) Establishes a special fee account for use in paying certain expenses of the Department of State and the Foreign Service. Earmarks funds for the provision, without charge, of passport information services to U.S. citizens. (Sec. 1211) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to require deposit in a special fund of the Treasury of a certain amount of fees collected from processing machine readable visas. Makes funds available for certain costs of the Department's border security program. Repeals the prohibition against the charging of fees to citizens of countries that are signatories to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 1212) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to change from $700,000 to all the amount of registration fees collected by the Office of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State which shall be credited for each fiscal year to a Department of State account, without limitation. Adds to the permissible expenses payable from such account the enhancement of defense trade export compliance and enforcement activities to include compliance audits of U.S. and foreign parties, the conduct of administrative proceedings, end-use monitoring of direct commercial arms sales and transfers, and cooperation in criminal proceedings related to defense trade export controls. (Sec. 1213) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary to provide training through the Foreign Service Institute to U.S. company employees engaged in business abroad, and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such training on a reimbursable basis to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the judiciary, and their employees. Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for use of the National Foreign Affairs Training Center Facility of the Department. (Sec. 1214) Declares that the United States, in cases where a covered beneficiary is provided health care by the Department and is enrolled in a covered health benefits plan of a third-party payer, shall have the right to collect from such third-party payer a reasonable charge for the care to the extent that the payment would be made under such plan for such care if a claim were submitted by or on behalf of the covered beneficiary. (Sec. 1215) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to charge a fee for use of the Department's diplomatic reception rooms. (Sec. 1217) Bars the use of funds to further normalize diplomatic relations with Vietnam unless the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that Vietnam: (1) accounts for American prisoners-of-war and missing in action from the Vietnam war; (2) has made substantial progress toward the release of all political and religious prisoners; and (3) is cooperating with U.S. requests to obtain access to persons of humanitarian interest there and in providing exit visas to such persons. Requires certification also that the U.S. Government is making vigorous efforts to interview and resettle former re-education camp victims, their immediate families, former U.S. Government employees, and certain other persons. (Sec. 1218) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 1999 the authorization for admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution owing to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes September 30, 1999, the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status. (Sec. 1219) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize a Federal agency to make grants to the Department, or otherwise reimburse or credit it with advance payment, for funds used in providing assistance to overseas educational facilities attended by children of agency employees. (Sec. 1220) Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act to authorize the U.S. Central Authority to make grants to, or enter into contracts or agreements with, any individual, corporation, or other Federal, State, or local agency, or U.S. private organization for the purpose of helping it remedy international child abductions (returning wrongfully removed children, as well as securing the exercise of visitation rights). Chapter 2: Consular Authorities of the Department of State - Makes 30 percent of the fees collected in FY 1998 and 1999 for expedited passport processing available only for enhancing passport services, investigating passport fraud, and deterring entry into the United States by terrorists and other criminals. Chapter 3: Refugees and Migration - Directs the Secretary to include in the monthly report to the Congress entitled "Update on Monitoring of Cuban Migrant Returnees" information on: (1) the methods employed by the Cuban Government to enforce the United States-Cuba Immigration Agreement of September 1994 to restrict the emigration of Cuban people to the United States; and (2) their treatment of persons who have returned to Cuba pursuant to the United States-Cuba Agreement of May 1995. (Sec. 1262) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to waive certain congressional notification requirements with respect to the reprogramming of Department funds if failure to do so would pose a substantial risk to human health or welfare. Requires such notification to specified congressional committees, with an explanation of the emergency circumstances, not later than three days after taking the action to which notification is required. Title XIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; the Foreign Service - Chapter 1: Organization of the Department of State - Establishes a Coordinator for Counterterrorism within the office of the Secretary. (Sec. 1302) Repeals the statutory establishment of: (1) an Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs; (2) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Burdensharing; and (3) a Bureau and Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. (Sec. 1303) Establishes within the Department of State: (1) an Assistant Secretary for Human Resources; (2) an Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security; and (3) a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet. (Sec. 1306) Declares that the Bureau of Migration and Refugee Assistance: (1) shall be the State Department bureau charged with principal responsibility for carrying out the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962; and (2) shall not be charged with responsibility for assisting the Secretary in matters relating to family planning or population policy. Chapter 2: Personnel of the Department of State; the Foreign Service - Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel in the Department of State, the United States Information Agency (USIA), and the Agency for International Development (AID) during FY 1998 and 1999. Allows a waiver of such limitations as necessary to carry out foreign affairs functions. (Sec. 1323) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary to separate from the Foreign Service without a hearing a member of the Service convicted of a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year may be imposed. (Currently, a Foreign Service member can be separated without a hearing only if convicted of a crime related to the cause of separation). (Sec. 1325) Directs the Secretary report annually to the Congress on minorities and the Foreign Service officer corps. (Sec. 1326) Provides for certain retirement benefits under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System and the Foreign Service Pension System for employees who are involuntarily separated from the Foreign Service. (Sec. 1327) Makes qualified criminal investigators within the Diplomatic Security Service eligible for availability pay. Title XIV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to decrease the fiscal year authorization of appropriations for the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between North and South. (Sec. 1405) Revises the Muskie Fellowship Program for graduate students from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to require selection of participants on the basis of academic and leadership potential in the additional fields of journalism and communications, education administration, public policy, and library and information science. (Sec. 1406) Establishes within USIA, in order to improve the coordination and effectiveness of U.S. Government sponsored international exchanges and training, a senior-level interagency Working Group on United States Government Sponsored International Exchanges and Training. (Sec. 1407) Requires the USIA Director to establish programs of educational and cultural exchange between the United States and the people of Tibet, including scholarships to Tibetan and Burmese students and professionals who are outside their countries. (Sec. 1408) Requires transfer from USAID to USIA of funds appropriated or allocated for the ATLAS and Mandela Fellows programs. Requires USIA to enter agreements with the J. William Fulbright Commission in South Africa to provide for oversight and management of such programs. (Sec. 1409) Urges the USIA and the Board of Broadcasting Governors to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the appropriateness, feasibility, and projected costs of: (1) providing surrogate broadcasting service to Africa; and (2) a Radio Free Europe- Radio Liberty broadcasting service to Iran. (Sec. 1410) Authorizes the Director of USIA to administer summer travel-work programs without regard to preplacement requirements. (Sec. 1411) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to make permanent certain administrative authorities regarding appropriations for the USIA. (Sec. 1412) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to revise the authorities of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Director of the Board. (Sec. 1413) Amends the Japan-United States Friendship Act to authorize the investment of amounts from the United States-Japan Trust Fund, as redesignated, in interest-bearing obligations of Japan, or in obligations guaranteed by Japan. Renames: (1) the Japan-United States Friendship Commission as the United States-Japan Commission; and (2) the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund as the United States-Japan Trust Fund. Title XV: International Organizations; United Nations and Related Agencies - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing employment benefits due to Federal employees who are reemployed after having served in an international organization. Chapter 2: United Nations and Related Agencies - Authorizes the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decisionmaking procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. Title XVI: Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to repeal the mandate for the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to report annually to the Congress a comprehensive compilation of studies relating to arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament issues concluded during the previous calendar year. Title XVII: Foreign Policy Provisions - Bars the use of funds for the involuntary return by the United States of a person to a country in which the person has a well founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, except on grounds recognized as precluding protection as a refugee under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of refugees of July 28, 1951, and the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees of January 31, 1967. (Sec. 1701) Bars the use of migration and refugee assistance funds for the involuntary return of a person to any country unless the Secretary first notifies the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 1702) Prohibits the United States from expelling, extraditing, or otherwise effecting the involuntary return of a person to a country in which there are reasonable grounds for believing the person would be in danger of subjection to torture. (Sec. 1703) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on specific actions taken by the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Commerce in resolving certain commercial disputes between U.S. firms and the Saudi Arabia Government. (Sec. 1705) Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) UNFPA has terminated all activities in China; or (2) during the 12 months preceding such certification, there have been no forced abortions associated with family planning policies in China. (Sec. 1706) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the number of persons and aliens residing in the United States entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution, including each case involving such an alien whom appropriate law enforcement authorities reasonably believe to have committed a serious crime within the United States; and (2) the number of U.S. citizens residing in a receiving state who are entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution there, including each case in which the United States has been requested by the government of the state to waive immunity. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should explore, in appropriate fora, whether states should enter into agreements and adopt legislation to provide: (1) jurisdiction in the sending state to prosecute crimes committed in the receiving state by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity; and (2) that where there is probable cause to believe that an individual with such immunity committed a serious crime, the sending state will waive immunity or will prosecute the individual. (Sec. 1707) Declares the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should submit to the Congress a plan to consolidate some or all of the functions currently performed by the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, in order to increase efficiency and accountability in the conduct of the foreign policy of the United States. (Sec. 1708) Expresses the sense of the Congress that Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty should continue surrogate broadcasting beyond the year 2000 to countries (including Serbia, Belarus, Slovakia, and other countries) whose people do not yet fully enjoy freedom of expression. (Sec. 1709) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold the U.S. share of assistance for IAEA projects in Cuba, except those for the discontinuation, dismantling, or safety inspection of nuclear facilities or related materials. Declares that such exception shall not apply to the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant near Cienfuegos, or the Pedro Pi Nuclear Research Center, unless Cuba: (1) ratifies the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America (commonly known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco); and (2) incorporates internationally accepted nuclear safety standards. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. representative to the IAEA to use the U.S. vote to oppose IAEA projects at: (1) the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant, Cuba; and (2) any other IAEA project there that is, or could become, a threat to the security of the United States. (Sec. 1710) Earmarks specified funds for construction of a U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. Bars use of funds for the publication of any official government document which lists countries and their capitals unless it identifies Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. (Sec. 1711) Directs the Secretary to report semi-annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the compliance of its signatories with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 1472 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997
Health Insurance Claim Prompt Payment Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 and the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, to: (1) require group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage to pay interest on clean provider claims that are not paid within 30 days; and (2) establish standards relating to prompt payment of such claims.
Bill· HRH.R. 1464 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1997
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for the receipt of Medicare benefits through enrollment in a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) program for certain eligible individuals; and (2) establish PACE as a Medicaid State option. Provides for demonstration projects under Medicare allowing PACE providers to be for-profit private entities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the quality and cost of providing PACE program services under Medicare and Medicaid under the amendments made by this Act. Directs the Physician Payment Review Commission and the Prospective Payment Review Commission to make annual recommendations on the methodology and level of payments made to PACE providers and on the treatment of private, for-profit entities as PACE providers.
Bill· HRH.R. 1466 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1997
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer specified land within the Fort Howard Division of the Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System to Baltimore County, Maryland, to be used for public purposes.
Bill· SS. 653 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual an income tax deduction for qualified home health care and adult day and respite care expenses with respect to a dependent who: (1) resides with the taxpayer; (2) is a dependent of the taxpayer; and (3) suffers from Alzheimer's disease (or a related organic brain disorder) and is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
Bill· SS. 655 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1997
Guardianship Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to reduce the Federal share of Medicaid payments available to States which fail to adopt the rights, standards, and duties in this Act concerning guardianship. Requires that an individual subject to a guardianship petition: (1) be provided with notice of all pending guardianship proceedings, rights afforded during a proceeding, and the possible consequences of a determination of incapacity; and (2) have the right to counsel, to have the question of incapacity heard by a jury, and to file an appeal against a determination of incapacity and a guardianship order. Requires that determinations of incapacity be made only under certain circumstances. Sets forth requirements of training for court personnel in guardianship hearings. Requires that: (1) personal preferences of wards in the selection of guardians be taken into account; and (2) a guardianship be imposed on a ward in the least restrictive manner commensurate with the ward's functional limitations. Sets forth requirements for the appointment of a person as a guardian. Requires a guardian to keep the court which issued the guardianship order informed of the ward's affairs and whereabouts and use of the ward's funds only for the administration of the guardianship and the ward's benefit. Provides that a court in a State into which a ward moves shall be notified of the existence of a guardianship and receive information on, and assume jurisdiction over, such guardianship. Requires annual court reviews of guardianship orders. Requires private professional guardians to meet certain certification requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to eligible States for guardianship advocate programs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 644 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Patient Access to Responsible Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a health insurance issuer to: (1) assure that covered items and services are available and accessible to each enrollee; (2) assure the availability and accessibility of emergency services and urgent care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (3) not require prior authorization for emergency services; and (4) cover emergency and urgent (and related ancillary) services. Requires an issuer offering network coverage to show that enrollees have access to specialized treatment. Regulates network incentive plans. Requires an issuer to: (1) permit each network enrollee to select a personal health professional from participating professionals; (2) cover nonparticipating providers, regulating premiums and cost sharing; (3) avoid undue enrollee burden from care coordination and cost control processes; (4) ensure direct specialist access; (5) provide for continuity of care for those with special needs or a chronic condition; and (6) provide for continued coverage in certain circumstances. Prohibits issuer discrimination on the basis of specified factors against individuals or providers. Prohibits any issuer-professional agreement from restricting the professional from engaging in medical communications with the professional's patient. Sets forth requirements regarding utilization review, an appeals process, and the process by which health professionals and providers become participants. Requires issuers to: (1) disclose certain information to enrollees and prospective enrollees; (2) comply with Federal and State confidentiality laws; (3) meet State solvency-related requirements; and (4) establish a quality improvement program. Requires issuers to comply with this Act regarding group and individual coverage. Declares that the requirements of this Act do not preempt any State law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan and an issuer offering coverage under such a plan to comply with the requirements of this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt any State: (1) law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals; or (2) cause of action for personal injury or wrongful death damages that provides insurance or administrative services to or for an employee welfare benefit plan maintained to provide health benefits.
Bill· SS. 649 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for standard national Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements (for early detection of potential osteoporosis).
Bill· HRH.R. 1456 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Enrollment of Retirees in TRICARE Prime and Medicare Reimbursement Title II: FEHBP Option for Retirees Uniformed Services Retiree and Dependents Health Care Availability Act - Title I: Enrollment of Retirees in TRICARE Prime and Medicare Reimbursement - States that the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) may not prohibit the enrollment of Medicare-eligible military retirees in the managed care option of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) solely on account of age or entitlement to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare part A. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to jointly establish a program (subvention program) that, beginning October 1, 1997, provides DOD with reimbursement from the Medicare program for health care services provided to Medicare-eligible retirees through the TRICARE program. Allows such reimbursement only if such retirees are also enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program under Medicare part B. Requires program enrollment to be voluntary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive enrollment fees; (2) modify existing TRICARE program contracts to incorporate enrollment provisions; and (3) establish cost-sharing requirements for enrollees. (Sec. 104) Provides for the determination of DOD reimbursement amounts, requiring the HHS Secretary to make such payments from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to maintain current DOD health-care efforts for Medicare-eligible retirees in order to avoid imposing added costs to the Medicare program. Requires specified estimates of prior efforts and future targets with respect to DOD health care provided under the subvention program. Directs the Comptroller General to determine and report to the two Secretaries and the Congress annually on the extent, if any, to which costs of the Secretary under the TRICARE program and the HHS Secretary under the Medicare program have increased as a result of the subvention program. Requires the Secretaries to take necessary action to offset any added costs. (Sec. 106) Requires the Secretary to reimburse subvention program participants for any late enrollment penalties imposed under the Medicare program. (Sec. 107) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare-eligible retiree who seeks to enroll in a Medicare supplemental policy, the issuer of such policy may not: (1) deny the issuance or effectiveness of such policy; or (2) discriminate in the policy's price. Makes eligible for both the subvention program and the Medicare supplemental program a Medicare-eligible retiree who: (1) is at least 65 years old and was eligible to enroll in Medicare part B; and (2) did not enroll in the Medicare program during his or her initial enrollment period. Title II: FEHBP Option for Retirees - Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management under which a Medicare-eligible military retiree will be offered an opportunity to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) as an additional option for receiving health care services. Makes eligible under such agreement: (1) a Medicare-eligible retiree who is entitled to retired or retainer pay; and (2) a dependent of such individual who is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare part A. Allows a retiree who enrolls in the FEHBP to continue to receive health care services through a military medical treatment facility. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) contribution requirements; (2) management of participation; and (3) reporting requirements concerning plan enrollment, costs and effectiveness. Requires the Secretary to begin offering the FEHBP option no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 202) Requires the health and dental care benefits provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and TRICARE Standard to be the same as those provided for the highest level of benefits under the service benefit plan of the FEHBP.
Bill· HRH.R. 1433 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Multifamily Restructuring Subtitle A: Housing Provisions Subtitle B: Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Attributable to FHA Portfolio Restructuring Title II: Housing Enforcement Subtitle A: Single Family and Multifamily Housing Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing Subtitle C: FHA Single Family Housing Title III: Exemption of HUD and USDA Multifamily Loan Foreclosures and Related Actions from the Bankruptcy Stay Title IV: FHA Multifamily Housing Consolidation and Reform Subtitle A: FHA Multifamily Housing Subtitle B: Extensions of Existing Authority and Other Provisions Title V: Rehabilitation Grants Housing 2020: Multifamily Management Reform Act - Title I: Multifamily Restructuring - Housing Opportunity Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Housing Provisions - Directs the Secretary (Secretary) of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program of multifamily housing debt restructuring and subsidy reduction that takes into account the goals of: (1) maintaining existing affordable and safe housing; (2) minimizing adverse effects on tenants and neighborhoods; (3) supporting fair housing strategies; and (4) encouraging ownership and property management. Authorizes the Secretary (or specified designee) to take the following actions to make qualifying multifamily projects financially viable at market rates: (1) pay mortgage claims; (2) remove or modify project restrictions; (3) purchase reinsurance or otherwise transfer insurance interests; (4) take actions to induce owner or lender participation; (5)restructure mortgages; and (6) make insurance payments. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the renewal of section 8 contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) tenant-based assistance to certain assisted and very-low-income families affected by such restructuring; and (2) project-based assistance in areas with tight housing markets or with high concentrations of elderly or disabled families. Prohibits owner discrimination with respect to section 8 certificate or voucher holders. Directs the Secretary to facilitate the sale of multifamily projects to tenant and nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 111) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to authorize renewal of expiring section 8 contracts in excess of certain fair market standards at specified rental levels. (Sec. 112) Provides for the reuse and rescission of recaptured budget authority resulting from project restructuring. Subtitle B: Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Attributable to FHA Multifamily Restructuring - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize specified tax payment extensions on debt reduction or gain from a sale attributable to section 8 housing restructuring. Title II: Housing Enforcement - Housing Enforcement Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary to issue implementing regulations. Subtitle A: Single Family and Multifamily Housing - Amends the National Housing Act (Act) to exempt the Mortgage Review Board from certain bankruptcy stay provisions. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Board to immediately suspend a mortgage under specified conditions. (Sec. 212) Extends (and increases) equity skimming penalties to one- to -four family residences. (Sec. 213) Amends Federal criminal law to include equity skimming as a money laundering offense. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to recover mortgage insurance claims against a person convicted of equity skimming. (Sec. 215) Expands the scope of penalties for mortgagees, lenders, and other Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program participants. Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing - Amends the Act to extend certain multifamily mortgagor civil penalties (and the scope of such penalties) to general partners of a partnership mortgagor, or officers or directors of corporate mortgagors. (Sec. 221) Establishes civil money penalties for specified section 8 violations by owners or other liable parties. (Sec. 222) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend the double damages remedy for recovery of assets to specified insured mortgage agreements under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. (Sec. 223) Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the 1994 termination date for HUD access to certain State employment information. (Sec. 224) Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit renewal or extension of certain expiring section 8 contracts unless the owner agrees to comply with any additional HUD conditions. Subtitle C: FHA Single Family Housing - Amends the Act to terminate mortgagee origination approval authority. Title III: Exemption of HUD and USDA Multifamily Loan Foreclosures and Related Actions from the Bankruptcy Stay - Amends Federal law to exempt HUD or Department of Agriculture appointment of receivership or loan foreclosures and related actions from the bankruptcy stay. Title IV: FHA Multifamily Housing Consolidation and Reform - FHA Multifamily Housing Reform Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: FHA Multifamily Housing - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary (or approved mortgagee) to insure first or second mortgages and engage in related credit enhancement for certain multifamily housing projects and health care facilities. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified participating mortgage entities and housing finance agencies in order to provide projects and facilities with first mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) mortgage insurance and reinsurance; (2) risk apportionment and risk-sharing alternatives; (3) reimbursement capacity; (4) underwriting standards; and (5) non-Federal participation. (Sec. 406) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) premiums and fees; (2) contracts; (3) default and contract claims; (4) prepayment charges; (5)environmental review; (6) lead-based paint poisoning prevention; (7) subsidy layering; (8)labor standards; and (9) disclosure of records. Subtitle B: Extensions of Existing Authority and Other Provisions - Amends the Act to extend authorities for: (1) mortgage auctions; and (2) transfer of certain excess receipts to the flexible subsidy program. (Sec. 422) Authorizes the Secretary to regulate rents, sales, charges, and operations with respect to certain multifamily housing projects in order to provide reasonable rentals and a reasonable rate of return. (Sec. 423) Includes health care facilities within the partial payment of claims authority. (Sec. 424) Amends the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide environmental protection under the supportive housing for the elderly program and the supportive housing for persons with disabilities program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 425) Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to assign regulatory agreements in connection with the sale of HUD mortgages. Title V: Rehabilitation Grants - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to make rehabilitation grants to owners of formerly insured or assisted qualifying projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1457 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Medicare Anti-Fraud Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from issuing or renewing the provider number of a durable medical equipment supplier unless the supplier provides information on ownership or control interests and a surety bond of up to $50,000; (2) require home health agencies to provide such a surety bond; and (3) authorize application of such disclosure and surety bond requirements to suppliers of ambulance services and clinics that furnish medical and other health services (other than physicians' services) under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
Bill· HRH.R. 1451 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research Title II: Preventive Health Research Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceutical and Other Therapeutic Agents Title IV: Research on Environmental Risks Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1997 - Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support by the national research institutes of pediatric research. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Pediatric Research. Authorizes appropriations. Requires: (1) guidelines for the inclusion of children as subjects in clinical research projects conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health; and (2) increasing the percentage of child subjects. Title II: Preventive Health Research - Mandates: (1) a program of research (directly or through grants) regarding preventable diseases, disabilities, and injuries in children; (2) an advisory committee; and (3) a comprehensive plan for the research. Establishes the Pediatric Prevention Research Initiative Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to delay for a specified time (after the approval would otherwise be granted) the approval of new drugs for which the application materials refer to a drug whose approval application materials include pediatric clinical investigations. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider pharmacokinetic studies as clinical investigations. Provides for requests for pediatric studies. Title IV: Research on Environmental Risks - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program to conduct and support research regarding environmental factors that affect children differently than adults. Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 131 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Zero to Three Resolution for Early Childhood Development - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that sufficient funding should be provided to meet the needs of infants and toddlers through: (1) the Healthy Start program under the Public Health Service Act; (2) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (3) Head Start programs and programs under the Head Start Act that provide services for families with infants and toddlers; (4) programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (5) programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Declares that legislation should be enacted during the 105th Congress to expand health insurance to provide coverage for all uninsured children.
Bill· SS. 637 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Primary Care Promotion Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to direct graduate medical education for residents enrolled in combined approved primary care medical residency training programs. Provides for full-time-equivalent resident reimbursement for an additional year beyond the minimum number of years of formal training required to satisfy the requirements for initial board eligibility in the longest of the individual programs. Declares that a resident enrolled in a combined medical residency training program that includes an obstetrics and gynecology program qualifies for the period of board eligibility under this Act if the other programs such resident combines with such obstetrics and gynecology program are for training a primary care resident.
Bill· SS. 631 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
New Jersey Women's Environmental Health Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award one or more grants to the University of the Health Sciences of New Jersey to enable the University and its affiliates to conduct research, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, concerning environmental, lifestyle, and genetic susceptibilities for breast cancer in New Jersey. Directs the University to use amounts received under the grant to conduct a study to assess biological markers, exposure to carcinogens, and other potential risk factors contributing to the incidence of breast cancer in New Jersey. Requires the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to be the co-investigator with the University for any population based epidemiologic studies that attempt to explore associations between environmental and other risk factors and breast cancer. Mandates an annual report. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1415 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Patient Access to Responsible Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a health insurance issuer to: (1) assure that covered items and services are available and accessible to each enrollee; (2) assure the availability and accessibility of emergency services and urgent care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (3) not require prior authorization for emergency services; and (4) cover emergency and urgent (and related ancillary) services. Requires an issuer offering network coverage to show that enrollees have access to specialized treatment. Regulates network incentive plans. Requires an issuer to: (1) permit each network enrollee to select a personal health professional from participating professionals; (2) cover nonparticipating providers, regulating premiums and cost sharing; (3) avoid undue enrollee burden from care coordination and cost control processes; (4) ensure direct specialist access; (5) provide for continuity of care for those with special needs or a chronic condition; and (6) provide for continued coverage in certain circumstances. Prohibits issuer discrimination on the basis of specified factors against individuals or providers. Prohibits any issuer-professional agreement from restricting the professional from engaging in medical communications with the professional's patient. Sets forth requirements regarding utilization review, an appeals process, and the process by which health professionals and providers become participants. Requires issuers to: (1) disclose certain information to enrollees and prospective enrollees; (2) comply with Federal and State confidentiality laws; (3) meet State solvency-related requirements; and (4) establish a quality improvement program. Requires issuers to comply with this Act regarding group and individual coverage. Declares that the requirements of this Act do not preempt any State law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan and an issuer offering coverage under such a plan to comply with the requirements of this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt any State: (1) law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals; or (2) cause of action for personal injury or wrongful death damages that provides insurance or administrative services to or for an employee welfare benefit plan maintained to provide health benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 1411 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Drug and Biological Products Modernization Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and mandate annual reports by the FDA and the Comptroller General to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 3) Modifies new drug requirements regarding: (1) clinical investigation commencement; (2) application contents and review; (3) effectiveness determinations; (4) the use of scientific advisory panels; and (5) marketing approval application review by accredited persons. (Sec. 8) Provides for the accreditation of persons to review applications for new drugs or for biological product facilities. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, when there is a scientific controversy between a regulated person and the Secretary regarding certain matters, to refer the issue to an existing scientific advisory panel, a special Government employee, or a non-governmental person for recommendations to the Secretary. (Sec. 10) Deems certain chemistry, manufacturing, and controls to comply with current good manufacturing practice (GMP) and prohibits actions to delay or prevent the manufacture or marketing of a drug for failure to conform to GMP. (Sec. 11) Allows a new drug manufactured in a small facility to be used to show safety and effectiveness. (Sec. 12) Allows changes in the manufacture of a new drug or a new animal drug to be made in accordance with specified validation and reporting requirements. (Sec. 13) Repeals provisions relating to the certification of drugs containing insulin or antibiotics. Allows insulin and antibiotic exports without regard to certain requirements. (Sec. 14) Requires that applications or petitions requesting conversion from prescription to nonprescription status and all matters relating to nonprescription drugs be reviewed by a single office in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Allows a single scientific advisory panel to provide recommendations. (Sec. 15) Mandates an applicant-accessible information system to track applications and submissions to the FDA. (Sec. 16) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment unless the Secretary finds that the proposed action may have a significant effect, directly or cumulatively, on the human environment. (Sec. 17) Regulates drugs compounded by a licensed pharmacist, physician, or other licensed practitioner authorized by State law to prescribe drugs or devices. Declares null and void a proposed rule and guideline concerning GMP exceptions for positron emission tomography drug products. Prohibits proposing another regulation or guideline on the same matters. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to meet with other countries to discuss regulatory requirement harmonization. (Sec. 19) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 20) Mandates training for FDA employees on FDCA regulations and policies. (Sec. 21) Regulates: (1) the delegation of authority under the FDCA; and (2) communication to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of an investigation. (Sec. 23) Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate biological products in interstate commerce, including requiring certain licensing and labeling. Mandates regulations regarding diagnostic testing kits using topically applied allergenic products. Applies specified FDCA provisions to all biological products and deems references in those provisions to new drug applications to include product license applications for biological products. Regulates biological product labeling and advertising. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees regarding a single license for the regulation of blood and blood products covering multiple locations under single management. (Sec. 24) Allows but limits the regulation of human tissue and cord blood. (Sec. 25) Amends the FDCA to provide for expanded access to investigational drugs. (Sec. 26) Regulates the new drug process regarding radiopharmaceuticals. (Sec. 27) Prohibits release to the public of confidential patient and donor identifying information from licensed or registered establishments. (Sec. 28) Prohibits States and subdivisions from regulating food, drugs, or cosmetics, subject to exception. (Sec. 29) Mandates a demonstration program of grants for centers to conduct research regarding specified aspects of drugs, devices, and biological products. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1413 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
New Jersey Women's Environmental Health Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award one or more grants to the University of the Health Sciences of New Jersey to enable the University and its affiliates to conduct research, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, concerning environmental, lifestyle, and genetic susceptibilities for breast cancer in New Jersey. Directs the University to use amounts received under the grant to conduct a study to assess biological markers, exposure to carcinogens, and other potential risk factors contributing to the incidence of breast cancer in New Jersey. Requires the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to be the co-investigator with the University for any population based epidemiologic studies that attempt to explore associations between environmental and other risk factors and breast cancer. Mandates an annual report. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1419 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Child Abuse and Neglect Enforcement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to provide for a ten percent reduction of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to States that do not have in effect throughout the State a law requiring that a designated law enforcement agency make available to child protective and child welfare workers timely criminal conviction information and protection orders based on a claim of domestic or child abuse to the same extent as such information is made available to law enforcement officers in such State. Sets forth provisions regarding redistribution of funds. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations to ensure compliance. (Sec. 3) Amends title XIX of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for FY 1999 and subsequent fiscal years, to make a grant to a State for prevention and treatment of substance abuse only if such State requires by law or regulation that: (1) each newborn infant born in the State be tested for physical dependence on any drug, fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol effects, the presence of alcohol, and the presence of drugs that are associated with substance abuse; and (2) if the newborn tests positive under any such test, the principal State or local agency with responsibility for the protection of children be notified. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) delayed applicability for certain States; and (2) reduction of a State's allotment for noncompliance. (Sec. 4) Amends: (1) the Safe Streets Act to authorize the use of Byrne grants to enforce child abuse and neglect laws and programs; and (2) the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to increase the set aside for child abuse victims. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to the Congress and the Secretary on reporting requirements under Federal laws relating to child abuse and neglect and under provisions of the Social Security Act relating to foster care and adoption assistance. Requires the Secretary to conduct an analysis of such report, including any appropriate recommendations for reducing the number of reporting requirements, and submit such analysis to the Congress within 90 days. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) child advocacy centers play a vital role in interviewing, treating, and assisting victims of child abuse; (2) such centers are often responsible for intervening in a number of potentially dangerous domestic violence situations and thus preventing such violence or other incidents; and (3) it is appropriate to increase funding for such centers under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.
Bill· HRH.R. 1421 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Outpatient Physical Therapy Standards Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to declare that outpatient occupational therapy services and outpatient physical therapy services furnished as an incident to a physician's professional services must meet specified standards and conditions in order for payment to be made.