Healthcare

Prevent Prematurity and Improve Child Health Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Prevent Prematurity and Improve Child Health Act of 2006 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give states a new option to cover low-income pregnant women. Extends coverage under Medicaid of prescription drugs and counseling services to tobacco cessation medications to help pregnant women enrolled in the program quit using tobacco. Requires coverage of tobacco cessation counseling services for pregnant women, and exempts such services from cost-sharing charges. Covers tobacco cessation medications and counseling for pregnant women, also, under the Maternal and Child Health Services program under SSA title V. Gives states the option under Medicaid to: (1) provide family planning services and supplies to individuals with incomes that do not exceed a state's income eligibility level for medical assistance; and (2) extend the postpartum period for provision of family planning services and supplies. Gives states the option to provide wrap-around SCHIP coverage to children who have other health coverage.

Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity involved in interstate commerce from: (1) soliciting or knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting a donation of human fetal tissue knowing that a human pregnancy was deliberately initiated to provide such tissue; or (2) knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting tissue or cells obtained from a human embryo or fetus that was gestated in the uterus of a nonhuman animal. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for violations of this Act.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to delay the effective date of the amendments made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requiring documentation evidencing citizenship or nationality as a condition for receipt of medical assistance under the Medicaid program.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to delay from July 1, 2006, until January 31, 2007, the effective date of the amendments made by such Act requiring documentation evidencing citizenship or nationality as a condition for receipt of medical assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award a grant to each eligible school of nursing to increase the number of nursing faculty and students. Requires such schools to formulate and implement a plan to accomplish at least two of specified goals, which include: (1) establishing or significantly expanding an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program designed to graduate new nurses in 12 to 18 months; (2) establishing cooperative interdisciplinary training between schools of nursing and other specified health related fields; (3) increasing admissions, enrollment, and retention of qualified individuals who are financially disadvantaged; (4) increasing enrollment of minority and diverse student populations; (5) increasing enrollment of new graduate baccalaureate nursing students in graduate programs that educate nurse faculty members; (6) developing post-baccalaureate residency programs to prepare nurses for practice in specialty areas where nursing shortages are more severe; and (7) increasing integration of geriatric content into the core curriculum. Requires the Comptroller General to study ways to increase participation in the nurse faculty profession and to submit a report to Congress that includes: (1) a discussion of the master's degree and doctoral degree programs that are successful in placing graduates as faculty in schools of nursing; and (2) an examination of compensation disparities throughout the nursing profession and between higher education instructional faculty generally and higher education instructional nursing faculty.

Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a budget-neutral two-year moratorium on certain Medicare physician payment reductions for imaging services.

IMPACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act or the IMPACT Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand an existing grant program for training for health profession students to include the treatment of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the training of primary care physicians and other health professions on how to identify, treat, and prevent obesity or eating disorders and aid individuals who are overweight or obese or who suffer from eating disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting though the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants for the planning and implementation of programs that promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity. Allows the Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to provide for the collection and analysis of data for determining the fitness levels and energy expenditures of children and data collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to review the research to determine if the information might be important for the health disparities report. Permits states to use preventive health and health services block grants for activities and community education programs designed to address and prevent obesity and eating disorders. Requires the Secretary to report to the relevant congressional committees on: (1) the causes and health implications of being overweight, obese, or having an eating disorder; and (2) the effectiveness of campaigns to change children's behaviors and reduce obesity.

VA'S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY HEALTH CARE OF VETERANS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 June 2006

THE GLOBALIZATION OF HEALTH CARE: CAN MEDICAL TOURISM REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS?

United States · United States Senate · 27 June 2006

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare prescription drug special enrollment period in 2006 for all part D eligible individuals and to waive the late enrollment penalty for low-income individuals who enroll during such period.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare prescription drug special enrollment period between the date of enactment of this Act and November 14, 2006, for all part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) eligible individuals. Waives the late enrollment penalty for low-income individuals who enroll during such period.

Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006

Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person who is a licensed health care service provider but who is not a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine, dental surgery, or dental medicine from making any statement or engaging in any act that deceives or misleads the public or a prospective or current patient into believing that such person is a doctor or has the same or equivalent education, skills, or training. Treats such statements or acts as unfair or deceptive acts or practices prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct an investigation of health care providers engaging in such acts to: (1) identify specific acts and practices constituting a violation of this Act; (2) determine the frequency of such acts and practices; (3) identify instances of harm or injury resulting from such acts and practices; and (4) identify instances where any state public policy has permitted such acts and practices.

Medicaid Prostate Cancer Coverage Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006

Medicaid Prostate Cancer Coverage Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for optional Medicaid coverage of certain prostate cancer patients.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act of 1990 should not impose catastrophic losses in funding for States with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006

Calls for: (1) full federal funding to be authorized and appropriated for all states to continue the battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic; and (2) any reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act of 1990 to not impose catastrophic losses in funding for states with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

National Hepatitis B Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the success of such integration. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the establishment of a national hepatitis B surveillance program; and (2) report on population-based seroprevalence studies and hepatitis B's economic and clinical impact and its impact on quality of life. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary to give priority in carrying out this Act to individuals with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services and groups that may be disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.

Drug Overdose Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Drug Overdose Reduction Act - Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants or cooperative agreements to enable public health agencies or community-based organizations to reduce deaths occurring from overdoses of drugs or controlled substances, including by: (1) providing training on the effective response to individuals who have overdosed; or (2) providing overdose prevention, recognition, treatment, or response to individuals in need of such services. Requires the Director to: (1) annually compile and publish data on the deaths occurring from overdoses of drugs or controlled substances for the preceding year; and (2) develop a plan to reduce the number of such deaths.

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. Encourages the use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV testing. Recognizes the need to: (1) promptly reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act; and (2) authorize and provide all necessary funding to prevent the spread of HIV and to provide care and treatment to those who are already infected and living with HIV/AIDS.

Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label of a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement marketed in the United States to: (1) submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 15 business days any report received of a serious adverse event associated with such drug or supplement when used in the United States; (2) submit within 15 business days any related medical information that is received within one year of the initial report; (3) maintain records related to each report for six years; and (4) permit inspection of such records. Requires the Secretary to develop systems to ensure that duplicate reports of a serious adverse event are consolidated into a single report. Allows the Secretary to establish an exemption from such reporting that would have no adverse effect on public health. Prohibits any state or local government from establishing or continuing any requirement related to a mandatory system for adverse event reports for nonprescription drugs or dietary supplements that is not identical to this Act. Prohibits the responsible person from: (1) refusing to permit access to any required record; or (2) failing to establish or maintain any record, or make any report, required under this Act. Deems a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement that is marketed in the United States to be misbranded, unless its label includes an address or phone number for the reporting of a serious adverse event.

Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay up to $20,000 of the medical education loans incurred by any physician who receives board certification in preventive medicine from FY2007-FY2011. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a wellness program tax credit for employers that develop and implement a program that provides: (1) at least two preventive health screenings for employees; and (2) counseling, seminars, self-help materials, and other resources related to preventive health. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to carry out a national education campaign to encourage the use of preventive health screenings.

Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the National Center for Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness to address mental health concerns and coordinate and implement the development and delivery of mental health services in the event of bioterrorism or other public health emergency. Requires the Director of the Center to: (1) develop a mechanism to appoint a panel of experts for the Center; (2) convene a Training Curricula Working Group to review and approve training curricula for emergency health professionals; (3) develop a mechanism through which individuals trained through approved curricula return to their communities to recruit and train others and provide expertise to state and local government agencies; (4) coordinate the use of existing emergency registries established to track medical and mental health volunteers for use by the Secretary, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Governor of each state to recruit and deploy trained emergency health professionals; (5) establish and maintain a central clearinghouse of educational materials, guidelines, information, strategies, resources, and research on public mental health emergency preparedness and service delivery; (6) convene a Clearinghouse Working Group; (7) organize an annual national forum to address public mental health emergency preparedness and service delivery; and (8) convene an Assessment Working Group to evaluate the effectiveness of the Center's efforts and those across the federal government in building the nation's public mental health emergency preparedness and service delivery capacity.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2007. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; and (19) the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to states for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and program management; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to states for child support enforcement and family support programs; (10) low-income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to states for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs, including amounts for disabled voter services; (15) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (16) payments to states for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals for administrative law judges for Medicare appeals; (20) the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; (21) the Office of Inspector General; (22) the Office for Civil Rights; (23) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (24) the public health and social services emergency fund, for activities related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, and other public health emergencies. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as federal administrative expenses for such programs (setting a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (14) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.

A bill to appropriate $430,000,000 for medical care for veterans and $70,000,000 to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY2006 for: (1) medical services, specifically to address servicemember needs for mental health care, including post-traumatic stress disorder; and (2) general operating expenses, specifically to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the Department.

Social Security Number Privacy and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Social Security Number Privacy and Protection Act - Directs the Director of Selective Service to alter the form of the Selective Service reminder mailback card, or the method by which the card is submitted to the Selective Service System, to reduce the risk of theft of Social Security account numbers included as part of the identifying information required from persons presenting themselves for registration under the Military Selective Service Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the Social Security account number from Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and SCHIP (SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) identification cards. Amends federal veterans' benefits law to eliminate the Social Security account number from veterans health care identification cards issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that health insurers should not use Social Security account numbers on insurance identification or claims cards issued to beneficiaries, but should substitute another identification code or number instead.

Expressing that the House of Representatives recognizes the rising cost of health care and encourages greater patient empowerment, choice, and responsibility in health care decisions.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Recognizes the increasing cost of the current health care system. Expresses understanding that any reforms in the health care system that provide for greater patient empowerment, choice, and responsibility are positive reforms for all Americans.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations (Indian health programs) eligible for payments under their respective programs. Amends SSA title XI to: (1) eliminate the National Commission on Children; and (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage states to increase enrollment in Medicaid and SCHIP programs on or near Indian reservations. Amends SSA title XIX to: (1) prohibit premiums or cost sharing for Indians furnished items or services directly by Indian health programs or through referral under the contract health service; and (2) require a state to disregard certain property for purposes of determining eligibility for Medicaid or SCHIP assistance. Amends SSA title XI to require nondiscrimination in qualifications for services provided by an Indian health program under a federal health care program. Directs the Secretary to maintain within the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services a Tribal Technical Advisory Group. Grants the Secretary additional authority to waive the exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participation in affected Indian health programs. Sets forth rules applicable under Medicaid and SCHIP to managed care entities with respect to Indian enrollees, Indian health care providers, and Indian managed care entities.

Rural Equity Payment Index Reform Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Rural Equity Payment Index Reform Extension Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend permanently the floor (at 1.00) on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the fee schedule for physicians' services. (The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required, after calculating the work geographic index for payment for physicians' services furnished on or after January 1, 2004, to increase the work geographic index to 1.00 for any locality for which the calculated index is less than 1.00.)

MOTHERS Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act or the MOTHERS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) states to provide to women who have recently given birth and their families, before such women leave their birthing centers, education concerning postpartum depression, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis and to screen new mothers for such postpartum conditions during their first year of postnatal checkup visits; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities to provide for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such postpartum conditions and their families. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the heads of other federal agencies that administer federal health programs, to organize a series of national meetings that are designed to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to expand and intensify research relating to postpartum conditions to carry out such plan.

Men's Health Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Men's Health Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Men's Health to coordinate and promote the status of men's health in the United States.

Medicare Part D Deadline Equality Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Medicare Part D Deadline Equality Act of 2006 - Provides that any special enrollment period for 2006 established under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for subsidy-eligible individuals, and any waiver of a late enrollment penalty applicable to such individuals, shall apply to all notified part D eligible individuals without regard to whether or not they are subsidy-eligible individuals.

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support national education campaigns focusing on reducing falls among older adults, on preventing repeat falls, and on educating health professionals about falls risk, assessment, and prevention; and (2) award grants for local and state education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention and medication management interventions; (4) tailor strategies to reduce falls to specific populations of older adults; (5) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (6) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and (7) assess the risks of falls occurring in various settings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct research concerning barriers to the adoption of proven interventions, approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities, and strategies in home modifications; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide for a website to serve as an information clearinghouse; (4) oversee and support demonstration projects designed to reduce the risk of falls in frail older adults emphasizing projects that foster collaboration between health care providers and the aging services network or residential and institutional settings; and (5) report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing associated health care costs.

10,000 Trained by 2010 Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

10,000 Trained by 2010 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve health care information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in the health care information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in health care information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree health care information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.

Dean Gallo Cancer Patient Compassion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

The Dean Gallo Cancer Patient Compassion Act of 2006 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to waive the 24 month waiting period for Medicare coverage of certain individuals with distant stage cancer.

Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity involved in interstate commerce from: (1) soliciting or knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting a donation of human fetal tissue knowing that a human pregnancy was deliberately initiated to provide such tissue; or (2) knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting tissue or cells obtained from a human embryo or fetus that was gestated in the uterus of a nonhuman animal. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for violations of this Act.

Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (HoPE) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (HoPE) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) extension of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision) under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; (3) the definition of low-volume hospital for purposes of the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment; (4) critical access hospitals; (5) extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas; (6) extension of the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services; (7) Medicare home health care planning; (8) rural health clinics; (9) use of medical conditions for coding ambulance services; (10) extension of increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services in rural areas; and (11) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 with respect to the extension of: (1) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals; and (2) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program; and (2) community health center collaborative access. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct pilot projects to provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize remote home monitoring and communications technologies; and (2) facilitate the provision of telehealth services across state lines.

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act - Prohibits a federal agency from providing funds or assistance to an entity for the development of course material or the provision of instruction on human development and sexuality if such material or instruction will include medically inaccurate information. Directs such an agency to require a sufficient assurance that such material or instruction will not include medically inaccurate information. Defines "medically inaccurate information" as information related to medical, psychiatric, psychological, empirical, or statistical statements that is unsupported or contradicted by peer-reviewed research by leading medical, psychological, psychiatric, and public health organizations and agencies.

Truth In Medicare Enrollment (TIME) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Truth in Medicare Enrollment (TIME) Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a special enrollment period for all part D eligible individuals not enrolled in a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act as of the date of enactment of this Act, which shall begin on such date of enactment and end on November 14, 2006. Applies the late enrollment penalty to any individuals who enroll during such period.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be an increased Federal commitment to supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006

Urges Congress and the executive branch to: (1) recognize the successful use of advanced imaging technologies in the fight against breast cancer; and (2) provide additional support for the research and development of technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment comparable to mammograms.

Recognizing the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Food and Drugs Act for the important service it provides to the Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006

Recognizes the Food and Drug Administration for: (1) 100 years of service in ensuring the safety of food and medical products; (2) providing leadership to the world in the regulatory sciences; and (3) its hard work and extraordinary dedication to the protection and promotion of the Nation's public health.

Tax-Free Healthcare Savings, Access, and Portability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Tax-Free Healthcare Savings, Access, and Portability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow premiums for high deductible health insurance coverage to be paid from health savings accounts; (2) increase the contribution limits for such accounts; (3) permit rollovers to health savings accounts from health reimbursement arrangements; (4) exempt employers from health savings account contribution requirements in the case of certain acutely or chronically ill employees; (5) allow a new tax deduction for premiums paid for high deductible health insurance coverage; (6) allow a tax credit for employment taxes paid with respect to premiums for high deductible health plans and contributions to health savings accounts; and (7) provide tax incentives for health saving account insurance portability.

Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish programs of direct loans and grants for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Gives priority to grant applications that demonstrate a need or hardship.

Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments for FY2007-FY2011 (currently, through FY2005) to children's hospitals for expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs. Requires a 25% reduction in the amount payable for residency training programs for children's hospitals that do not provide an annual report to the Secretary for the previous fiscal year or that do not provide an annual report that includes all of the required information. Requires the Secretary to provide notice and an opportunity for a hospital to provide additional information before imposing the reduction.

Protection for Participants in Research Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Protection for Participants in Research Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require all human subject research conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to federal regulation, to be conducted in accordance with the Common Rule and the vulnerable-population rules, as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and harmonize such regulations. Requires informed consent before an individual may be a subject of human research. Requires an Institutional Review Board to approve all human subject research proposals. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for identifying and monitoring high-risk human subject research projects. Prohibits grants or awards to a public entity or private academic institution that does not have a program to educate investigators and Board members on the protection of human research subjects. Prohibits the use of federal funds for classified human subject research if: (1) the Board has waived the informed consent requirement; or (2) the research is exempt from Board review. Establishes the Office of Human Research Protections within the Office of the Secretary. Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) provide for the protection of human research subjects; (2) establish criteria regarding assurance of compliance with Common Rule requirements; and (3) coordinate federal activities with respect to the protection of human research subjects. Authorizes the Director to make grants for a model education program. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations enhancing the protection of people with diminished decisionmaking capacity participating in human subject research.

Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.

Volunteer Vaccine and Countermeasure Corps Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Volunteer Vaccine and Countermeasure Corps Development Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Volunteer Vaccine and Countermeasures Corps to facilitate the distribution and provision of vaccines or other countermeasures to individuals under an influenza vaccination program or a countermeasure distribution program established by the Secretary or a state or local entity. Directs that the members of the Corps shall be activated by the declaration of a public health emergency. Allows members of the Corps to be used by qualified entities to carry out activities under a national, state, or local influenza vaccination program or other countermeasure distribution program. Allows the Secretary or a state governor to request assignment of Corps members from a state or territory to participate in a vaccination program or countermeasure distribution program of another state or territory. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Identification Card that describes the health-related licensure and certification information of Corps members; and (2) award grants for Corps training, recruitment and retention, and capacity building activities. Deems a member of the Corps, when performing duties under an activation and assignment by the Secretary upon a declaration of a public health emergency, to be a federal employee for liability purposes.

Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to promote the collection and categorization of trauma data in a consistent and standardized manner. Removes authorization for the National Clearinghouse on Trauma Care and Emergency Medical Services. Allows the Secretary to make grants to entities to carry out demonstration projects to improve emergency medical services in rural areas by increasing communication and coordination with state trauma systems. Revises the matching requirements for states to be eligible for grants to improve emergency medical services in rural areas. Prohibits the Secretary from making trauma care grants to a state unless the state's emergency medical services plan coordinates planning for trauma systems with state disaster emergency planning and bioterrorism hospital preparedness planning. Requires the Secretary to update the model plan for the designation of trauma centers and for triage, transfer, and transportation policies. Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine or another appropriate entity to conduct a study on trauma care and trauma systems research.

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require the owner or operator of any point source to provide information necessary to address an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment. Requires the Administrator to provide an operator a reasonable opportunity to correct a violation of a permit condition for a site with residential construction activity before initiation of an enforcement action, if such violation has not resulted in a discharge of stormwater. Prohibits more than one opportunity to correct violations of the same condition. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a permit for stormwater runoff from such a site if: (1) the runoff enters a municipal separate storm sewer system that is covered by a permit and the operator is in compliance with runoff requirements; and (2) such site has minimal potential for soil erosion. Prohibits the Administrator from exercising enforcement authority with respect to a state permit that authorizes stormwater discharge from such a site unless: (1) such a discharge flows across a state line or onto a federal facility or Indian tribal lands; (2) such permit was issued under a state program that the Administrator has suspended or withdrawn; or (3) a discharge results in imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from paying any state penalty for a violation of a permit for such a discharge. Requires the Administrator to establish a program that will develop and distribute to site operators a pamphlet that explains permitting requirements for stormwater discharges. Authorizes the Administrator or the state to issue a general permit for no more than five years on a state, regional, or nationwide basis to cover any category of discharges, sludge use, disposal practices, or facilities. Declares that the Administrator or state is not required to review, approve, or provide an opportunity for public comment on any application for a discharge under a general permit.

Independent Health Record Bank Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Independent Health Record Bank Act of 2006 - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe standards for the establishment and certification of independent health record banks to store individual electronic health records. Gives an individual ownership over his/her entire health record with the right to review its contents at any time during normal business hours. Allows a bank to generate revenue through the sale of nonidentifiable and partially identifiable health information contained in the bank for research purposes, but requires that such revenue be shared with account holders and allows such revenue to be shared with health care providers and payers. Excludes any such revenue from the gross income of the bank, account holder, or health care provider or payer. Requires prior authorization by an individual before access can be given to his/her electronic health record. Permits access to a limited, authenticated information set concerning an individual for emergency response purposes without the individual's prior consent. Requires the Board of Governors, acting through the Under Secretary for Technology or other appropriate official, to: (1) develop a program to certify entities to operate independent health record banks; and (2) establish an interagency council to develop standards for federal security auditing for entities operating banks. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for the wrongful disclosure of information collected, maintained, or made available by a record bank. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the cost paid by a taxpayer to maintain an independent health record bank account.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that projects funded through the National Institutes of Health comply with wage rate requirements commonly referred to as the "Davis-Bacon Act", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require that applications for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) loan, grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for any project include reasonable assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction or modernization on the project will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor.

Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006 - Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) establish a fund to assist women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter. Directs that the fund: (1) provide direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs to strengthen the Ministry as the government of Iraq transitions to a long-term government structure; and (2) collaborate with the Iraq Ministry of Education to construct women's educational facilities and promote the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school. Obligates specified economic and humanitarian assistance to Iraq for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and children.

Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects in FY2006. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts before September 30, 2009, to carry out certain major medical facility projects previously authorized under the Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases in each of FY2006 and FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for: (1) major medical facility projects; (2) major medical facility projects under the Capital Asset Realignment Initiative; and (3) major medical facility leases.

Independent Health Record Bank Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Independent Health Record Bank Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe standards for the establishment and certification of independent health record banks to store individual electronic health records. Gives an individual ownership over his/her entire health record with the right to review its contents at any time during normal business hours. Allows a bank to generate revenue through the sale of nonidentifiable and partially identifiable health information contained in the bank for research purposes, but requires that such revenue be shared with account holders and allows such revenue to be shared with health care providers and payers. Excludes any such revenue from the gross income of the bank, account holder, or health care provider or payer. Requires prior authorization by an individual before access can be given to his/her electronic health record. Permits access to a limited, authenticated data set concerning an individual for emergency response purposes without the individual's prior consent. Requires each state with a record bank operating in the state to designate a state agency to be responsible for addressing complaints. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Technology or other appropriate official, to: (1) develop a program to certify entities to operate independent health record banks; and (2) establish an interagency council to develop standards for federal security auditing for entities operating banks. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for the wrongful disclosure of information collected, maintained, or made available by a record bank. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an independent health record bank account investment credit for amounts paid by an employer towards the maintenance of an employee's record bank account.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resiliency Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resiliency Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the Center for Mental Health Services, to provide for comprehensive state mental health plans that exclusively meet the mental health needs of children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary to provide for child and adolescent mental health early intervention and prevention services. Requires the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide for access to mental health and case management services in educational settings; and (2) develop guidelines that encourage schools to provide counseling and positive behavioral supports. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act to provide for appropriate mental health promotion and mental health services to at-risk mothers, grandmothers who are legal guardians, and their children. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to foster the ability of local case managers to work across the mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, education, and juvenile justice systems in a state; (2) provide for the development and implementation of three technical assistance centers to support full consumer and family participation in decision-making about mental health services for children and adolescents; (3) establish an interagency coordinating committee to develop policy across the federal government with respect to child and adolescent mental health; and (4) provide for the development of child and adolescent mental health services and support systems that address gaps in mental health service delivery.