Healthcare

Alzheimer's Beneficiary and Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Alzheimer's Beneficiary and Caregiver Support Act This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the efficacy of coverage and payment for Alzheimer's Disease caregiver support services in delaying or reducing the use of institutionalized care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall establish payment amounts for such services.

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2016 This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for: (1) national security reviews of transactions involving the construction of a new facility in the United States by any foreign person (currently, national security reviews are conducted only for certain mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person); and (2) net benefit reviews of new construction, mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person to determine whether the transaction is of net benefit to the United States. The bill makes net benefit reviews mandatory for transactions that meet specified requirements under the Clayton Act. The bill requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, to consider the effect of the transaction on: (1) employment, resource processing, the utilization of parts and services produced in or imported into the United States, and exports; (2) industrial efficiency, technological development, technology transfers, and product innovation; (3) competition within any U.S. industry or with other countries; (4) compatibility with national industrial, economic, and cultural policies; and (5) public health, safety, and well-being of U.S. consumers. In the case of a net benefit determination concerning a foreign government-influenced transaction, CFIUS must consider additional factors including: the governance and commercial orientation of the foreign person engaging in such transaction; the extent to which the foreign person is owned, controlled, or influenced by the foreign government; and adherence to U.S. law and corporate governance standards, engagement of the foreign country with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the likelihood of operation on a commercial basis. The bill also revises the composition of CFIUS, for the purpose of carrying out net benefit determinations. The bill requires final CFIUS determinations to be certified to Congress and referred to the President if a transaction will not be of net benefit to the United States. The bill prohibits transactions that the President determines are not of net benefit to the United States and bars judicial review of such determinations.

Expressing support for the designation of September 2016 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Expresses support for the designation of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Mental Health Care Provider Retention Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

Mental Health Care Provider Retention Act of 2016 This bill allows an individual who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and who is transitioning from receiving treatment from the Department of Defense to receiving treatment from in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to elect to continue receiving treatment from such individual's DOD mental health provider. Such individual shall receive the same level of priority as members of the Armed Forces at the facility at which the individual has elected to continue treatment. The VA shall reimburse DOD for rendered services that otherwise would have been furnished by the VA. If the DOD mental health care provider departs the facility at which the covered individual is receiving treatment, such individual may elect to obtain the services of: (1) a different mental health care provider at the same facility, or (2) a VA mental health care provider.

Independence at Home Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

Independence at Home Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a permanent Independence at Home Medical Practice Program, under which a primary care practice shall be accountable for: (1) providing comprehensive, coordinated, continuous, and accessible care to applicable Medicare beneficiaries at home; and (2) coordinating health care across all treatment settings. Subject to meeting specified quality performance standards, a participating practice is eligible to receive an incentive payment under the program if actual expenditures for applicable beneficiaries are less than the estimated spending target established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS shall terminate a program agreement with a participating practice if the practice: (1) for the third of three consecutive years under the program, will not receive an incentive payment; or (2) fails to meet a minimum number of quality performance standards established by CMS. The bill extends the existing Independence at Home Medical Practice Demonstration Program pending implementation of the permanent program. In addition, the bill removes the limit on the number of beneficiaries that may participate in the demonstration program.

A bill to provide for the extension of the enforcement instruction on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to continue to instruct Medicare contractors not to enforce requirements for direct physician supervision of outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2016.

United States-Israel Alzheimer's Disease Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

United States-Israel Alzheimer's Disease Cooperation Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to support research on the development and commercialization of tools, treatments, and cures for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Supported projects must be joint ventures between U.S. and Israeli non-governmental entities or the U.S. and Israeli governments. HHS must establish an advisory board to monitor the method by which grants are awarded and to provide performance reviews of actions taken to carry out this bill.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement for 3 months of retroactive coverage under the Medicaid program.

United States · United States Congress · 5 July 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement for up to three months of retroactive coverage under Medicaid. Under current law, a state Medicaid program must provide coverage for up to three months prior to an individual's application for benefits if the individual would have been eligible for benefits during that period. The bill eliminates this requirement and instead specifies that coverage begins in the month during which the individual applies for benefits.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Latino AIDS Awareness Day" on October 15, 2016, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 July 2016

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day; (2) the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy; (3) effective and comprehensive HIV prevention education programs; (4) appropriate funding of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, research, and housing; and (5) a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy that empowers stakeholders to engage their communities to help decrease violence, discrimination, and stigma towards individuals who disclose their sexual orientation or HIV status and to normalize voluntary testing practices. Encourages individuals, especially Latinos, to get tested for HIV. Commends the work of organizations providing services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

CAH Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2016

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to continue to instruct Medicare contractors not to enforce requirements for direct physician supervision of outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2016.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a change in Medicare classification for certain hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove certain hospitals specializing in neoplastic disease from their classification as long-term care hospitals for purposes of Medicare payment. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall make payments to these hospitals under reasonable cost-based reimbursement rules rather than under the prospective payment system.

A bill to apply the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Congressional members and members of the executive branch.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

This bill requires Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President to purchase health insurance through a health insurance exchange. These officials may receive a federal subsidy or contribution to the costs of coverage through congressional disbursing offices, the Office of Personnel Management, or tax credits only if the subsidy or contribution is otherwise available to individuals at a similar income level.

Pediatric Research Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

Pediatric Research Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the Pediatric Research Initiative to require collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and require establishment of a National Pediatric Research Network comprised of pediatric research consortia. The National Institutes of Health must award funding to entities supporting pediatric research consortia. Supported consortia must, upon request, provide assistance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for patient registries and other surveillance systems.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a temporary exception to the application of the Medicare long-term care hospital site neutral provisions for certain spinal cord specialty hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish, with respect to certain spinal cord specialty hospitals, a temporary exemption from specified Medicare payment limits applicable to long-term care hospital (LTCH) inpatient services. Current law generally applies payment limits to inpatient services for LTCHs that do not meet certain discharge requirements.

A resolution designating September 2016 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

Designates September 2016 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness of prostate cancer, (2) encourage prostate cancer research, and (3) improve access to care for prostate cancer.

SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH CARE: COSTS AND OPTIONS

United States · United States Senate · 28 June 2016

Carl's Law

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2016

Carl's Law This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the label of a drug containing an opioid to prominently state that the drug contains an opioid and addiction to the drug is possible. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.)

Plan Verification and Fairness Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2016

Plan Verification and Fairness Act of 2016 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require health insurance exchanges to verify an individual's eligibility for a special enrollment period before coverage is made effective. Individuals seeking coverage through an exchange during a special enrollment period must submit to the exchange the documents necessary to verify their eligibility for the special enrollment period. The Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services must report on enrollment during special enrollment periods for plan year 2015. The report must include the number of individuals who: (1) sought to enroll during a special enrollment period but were prohibited, (2) were prohibited because they did not provide documentation supporting eligibility, and (3) were prohibited because they provided invalid documentation.

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2016

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to shield a health care professional from liability under federal or state law for harm caused by any act or omission if: (1) the professional is serving as a volunteer in response to a disaster; and (2) the act or omission occurs during the period of the disaster, in the professional's capacity as a volunteer, and in a good faith belief that the individual being treated is in need of health care services. This protection from liability does not apply if: (1) the harm was caused by an act or omission constituting willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed; or (2) the professional rendered the health care services under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug.

Customer Non-Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2016

Customer Non-Discrimination Act This bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation. It defines: "sex" to include a sex stereotype, sexual orientation or gender identity, and pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; "sexual orientation" as homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality; and "gender identity" as gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or characteristics, regardless of the individual's designated sex at birth. The bill expands the categories of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide: exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; goods, services, or programs, including a store, a shopping center, an online retailer or service provider, a salon, a bank, a gas station, a food bank, a service or care center, a shelter, a travel agency, a funeral parlor, or a health care, accounting, or legal service; or transportation services. "Establishment" shall not be construed to be limited to a physical facility or place. Protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin must include protections against discrimination based on: (1) an association with another person who is a member of such a protected class; or (2) a perception or belief, even if inaccurate, that an individual is a member of such a protected class. The bill prohibits the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 from providing a claim, defense, or basis for challenging such protections. The bill prohibits denial of an individual's access to a shared facility (including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room) that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2016

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Encourages people to: (1) educate themselves about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; (2) advocate for Alzheimer's research, care, and support services; and (3) offer their support to individuals living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers.

Removing Barriers to Person-Centered Care Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016

Removing Barriers to Person-Centered Care Act of 2016 This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to establish an alternative payment model for patient-centered care with respect to Medicare beneficiaries with advanced illnesses. Through the voluntary pilot program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall enter into demonstration project agreements with advance care collaboratives to provide Medicare services in a manner that promotes accountability, coordinates services, and encourages investment in infrastructure and redesigned care processes. An "advance care collaborative" is an affiliated group of providers, physicians, or practitioners. Under the program, a participating advance care collaborative may use a pre-implementation grant to: (1) conduct a needs assessment; (2) modify, upgrade, or purchase health information technology; (3) conduct education and training; (4) hire staff to conduct care management and coordination activities; and (5) conduct other appropriate activities.  With respect to coverage and payment for services provided to a target Medicare beneficiary by a participating collaborative, CMS shall waive specified requirements related to: (1) coverage of curative care with respect to individuals receiving hospice care, (2) alternative certification for home care and hospice care, (3) coverage of skilled nursing services without an inpatient stay, and (4) coverage of home health care without homebound status. Under the program, a participating collaborative may receive payment for furnishing target Medicare beneficiaries with: (1) inpatient care as an alternative to routine hospice care, and (2) home-based respite care as an alternative to inpatient respite care. A participating collaborative shall be eligible for shared savings payments. CMS shall identify and develop a recommended set of advance care quality measures that may be tested in the pilot program.

PRICED Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016

Price Relief, Innovation, and Competition for Essential Drugs Act or the PRICED Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow biosimilars to be marketed seven years after the reference brand name biological product is licensed. Currently, brand name biological products are provided a 12-year marketing exclusivity period. This shortened marketing exclusivity period applies only to biological products licensed by the Food and Drug Administration after enactment of this bill.

Dialysis PATIENT Demonstration Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016

Dialysis PATIENT Demonstration Act of 2016 or the Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists and Treatment Demonstration Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program for the provision of integrated care to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the voluntary program, eligible participating providers may form organizations to offer ESRD integrated care models and serve as medical homes for program-eligible beneficiaries. Such a model: (1) shall cover medical and hospital services, other than hospice care, under Medicare; (2) must include benefits for transition into palliative care; and (3) may cover prescription drug benefits. An organization must offer at least one open network model but may also offer one or more preferred network models. An organization shall return savings achieved under the models to program-eligible beneficiaries. A beneficiary shall have the opportunity to: (1) opt out of the program, (2) make an assignment change into an open network model offered by a different organization, or (3) elect a preferred network model. The bill establishes requirements regarding: (1) benefits for program-eligible beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid benefits, (2) program quality and reporting, (2) ESRD integrated care strategy, (3) program operation and scope, (4) beneficiary notification, and (5) payment.

PRICED Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016

Price Relief, Innovation, and Competition for Essential Drugs Act or the PRICED Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow biosimilars to be marketed seven years after the reference brand name biological product is licensed. Currently, brand name biological products are provided a 12-year marketing exclusivity period. This shortened marketing exclusivity period applies only to biological products licensed by the Food and Drug Administration after enactment of this bill.

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to beneficiaries with pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.

To amend section 1206 of the Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013 to clarify the application of rules on the calculation of hospital length of stay to certain moratorium-excepted long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

This bill amends the Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013 to specify that certain provisions of current law regarding the calculation of hospital length of stay apply to certain long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) that are permitted, under Medicare, to establish new LTCHs or increase LTCH beds. Specifically, with respect to such LTCHs, two types of patients shall be excluded from the calculation of LTCH length of stay under Medicare: (1) those for whom payment is made under a Medicare Advantage plan, and (2) those for whom payment is made at the site-neutral payment rate.

Personalize Your Care Act 2.0

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

Personalize Your Care Act 2.0 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish several new programs and requirements related to end-of-life care and advance care planning. The bill establishes a demonstration program to test the use of advanced illness management and early use of palliative care under Medicare. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of developing, expanding, and enhancing programs for orders for life-sustaining treatment. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall adopt standards for electronic health records with respect to providing one-click access to specified advance care planning documentation. Under Medicare, an advance directive shall be portable across state lines and may be presumed valid regardless of where it was executed. In the absence of a validly executed advance directive, any authentic expression of a person's wishes with regard to health care shall be honored. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on the portability, electronic storage, use, and barriers to use of advance directives. The bill applies specified quality measures to end-of-life care under Medicare. CMS must report annually on specified information related to Medicare decedents. HHS shall award grants to increase public awareness of advance care planning. In addition, HHS shall award grants to eligible entities for the development and implementation of training and education programs related to advance care planning, hospice care, and palliative care. HHS must establish an advisory committee on advance care planning.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for Congressional appointment of members of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment Advisory Commission (MACPAC).

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements related to the appointment of, and application of ethics rules to, members of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission.

Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2016

Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop model standards and guidelines for credentialing environmental health professionals. Additionally, HHS must develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan for the environmental health workforce that: (1) includes performance measures, (2) identifies any gaps between existing programs and future environmental health workforce needs, and (3) identifies actions needed to address any identified gaps. The Government Accountability Office must identify the best practices related to training and credentialing environmental health professionals in six states. The bill also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make environmental health professionals eligible for loan forgiveness programs from the Department of Education.

Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2016

Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2016 This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to: modify requirements regarding the production of marijuana through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program; establish, with respect to marijuana research, a new federal registration process that is separate from the process for research involving other schedule I drugs; establish a process for registering persons to manufacture or distribute marijuana for medical research purposes; and modify other requirements related to marijuana research and production.

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2016

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2016 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to: (1) require disclosure of information on hospital charges, (2) make such information available to the public, and (3) provide individuals with information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

Medicaid and CHIP Quality Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2016

Medicaid and Chip Quality Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements with respect to the quality of care provided under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Current law requires a state that contracts with a Medicaid managed organization to develop and implement a quality assessment and improvement strategy. The bill extends this requirement to state contracts with providers of comparable primary care case management services and other health care services under Medicaid. With respect to adults eligible for Medicaid and children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, a state must report annually on quality measures identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Such reporting shall be stratified by service delivery system. CMS shall establish a Medicaid Quality Performance Bonus fund to award states for high attainment and improvement on a core set of quality measures. A state must designate at least 75% of any bonus funds for the development and operation of quality-related initiatives that will directly benefit providers or managed care entities participating in, or under a waiver of, the state plan for medical assistance. A state may use the remainder of such funds for activities related to the goals and purposes of the state plan.

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2016

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act This bill amends title V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand grant activities under the Hispanic Serving Institutions program to include: (1) support programs that facilitate student advancement to doctoral degree programs in health care occupations, and (2) developing or expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.

Addiction Prevention and Responsible Opioid Practices Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Addiction Prevention and Responsible Opioid Practices Act This bill addresses prescription opioid misuse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must: (1) seek recommendations concerning opioid drugs from an FDA advisory committee relating to the approval of a new drug that is an opioid, and the labeling of opioid drugs for pediatric prescriptions; (2) develop recommendations for education programs for prescribers of opioids; and (3) issue guidance for labeling that deters opioid abuse. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by requiring manufacturers of opioid drugs to ensure that certain information about the risk factors associated with opioid drugs are included on the drug labels. The bill amends the Controlled Substances Act by: (1) addressing annual narcotic manufacturing quotas with respect to fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone; and (2) directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to require medical practitioners to complete a training program on prescribing opioids for chronic pain before they are certified to prescribe controlled substances in schedule II, III, or IV. The bill establishes requirements for prescription drug monitoring systems to prevent over-prescribing controlled substances. The Department of Health and Human Services must: (1) submit a plan of action for addressing outliers in opioid prescribing practices and ensuring an adequate response to protect the public health, and (2) study the expansion of Medicare coverage for alternatives to opioid treatments. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on manufacturers or producers of opioid pain relievers. A portion of the amount generated from the tax must be used for substance abuse treatment programs. DOJ must establish a take-back program for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of controlled substances.

Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to certain entities for demonstration projects that can help low-income families address the diapering supply needs of their children.

Deliver for Our Nation At Times of Emergency Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Deliver for Our Nation At Times of Emergency Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for increased flexibility in blood donor screening, while maintaining a safe blood donor pool, during times of national or local need.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program to provide integrated care for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Dialysis PATIENT Demonstration Act of 2016 or the Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists and Treatment Demonstration Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program for the provision of integrated care to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the voluntary program, eligible participating providers may form organizations to offer ESRD integrated care models and serve as medical homes for program-eligible beneficiaries. Such a model: (1) shall cover medical and hospital services, other than hospice care, under Medicare; (2) must include benefits for transition into palliative care; and (3) may cover prescription drug benefits. An organization must offer at least one open network model but may also offer one or more preferred network models. An organization shall return savings achieved under the models to program-eligible beneficiaries. A beneficiary shall have the opportunity to: (1) opt out of the program, (2) make an assignment change into an open network model offered by a different organization, or (3) elect a preferred network model. The bill establishes requirements regarding: (1) benefits for program-eligible beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid benefits, (2) program quality and reporting, (2) ESRD integrated care strategy, (3) program operation and scope, (4) beneficiary notification, and (5) payment.

Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): (1) the frequency of certain treatment episodes for the most frequently treated conditions in each setting, (2) the total number of such treatment episodes, and (3) the average charge for the insured and uninsured for such a treatment episode.  HHS must publish on its website: (1) such information in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and among ambulatory surgical centers, and (2) a link to other consumer quality information maintained on an HHS or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers must post prominently at each admission site a notice of the availability of such data. Civil penalties are authorized for violations of this bill.

Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2016

Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and other laws to exempt qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) from certain requirements that apply to group health plans. A qualified small employer HRA is offered by employers that have fewer than 50 full-time employees and do not offer group health plans to any of their employees. A qualified small employer HRA must: be provided on the same terms to all eligible employees of the employer; be funded solely by the employer without salary reduction contributions; provide, after an employee provides proof of coverage, for the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses of the employee and family members; and limit annual payments and reimbursements to specified dollar amounts. HRAs that meet these requirements are not considered group health plans and are exempt from various requirements that apply to group health plans, including coverage and cost-sharing requirements. (Under current law, employers that sponsor group health plans that do not meet specified requirements are subject to an excise tax.) Coverage and payments under a qualified HRA are excluded from gross income, unless the employee does not have minimum essential coverage for the month in which the medical care was provided. Employers offering a qualified HRA must notify employees in advance regarding permitted benefits and report benefit information on W-2 forms and to health exchanges. The bill sets forth requirements for determining whether an employee covered under an HRA is also eligible for premium subsidies under PPACA.

SMASH Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2016

Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act or the SMASH Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend through FY2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants for mosquito control programs. The grant program is expanded so that grants may be used to address emerging, infectious mosquito-borne diseases and to improve existing control programs. The CDC must give preference to applicants that have: (1) a public health emergency due to a mosquito-borne disease, or (2) a control program that is consistent with existing state preparedness plans. The requirement for matching funds may be waived if the area covered by a grant applicant has an extreme need due to the size or density of the human population, the size or density of the mosquito population, or the severity of the mosquito-borne disease.

Supporting National Men's Health Week.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2016

Expresses support for National Men's Health Week.

COMBATING SUPERBUGS: U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSES TO ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 June 2016

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act (SSAct) to expand the collection and analysis of data in programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill sets forth provisions regarding cultural competence in federal health care programs and services, including provisions establishing the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care. HHS must engage in activities regarding health workforce diversity, including: (1) establishing a working group and a technical clearinghouse; (2) awarding grants to academic institutions; (3) establishing a health and health care disparities education program; and (4) providing for scholarships, student loan repayment and loan forgiveness, and research fellowships. Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2016 HHS may designate areas as health empowerment zones in communities that experience disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. HHS must engage in activities regarding the quality of and access to health care, including expanding access to health care and health care insurance for immigrants, designating centers of excellence at public hospitals and other health systems serving minority patients, increasing Medicaid payments to territories and to Native Hawaiian health centers, and providing for border health grants. The bill establishes: (1) programs to reduce health disparities affecting minorities and rural residents, and (2) an Office of Minority Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to revise requirements for qualified health plans, including to require plans to provide information on the availability of care in languages other than English. (Qualified health plans are sold on health insurance exchanges, are the only plans eligible for premium subsidies, and fulfill an individual's requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage.) The bill sets forth provisions regarding the health of women and children, including provisions to expand access to federal programs for immigrant women and children, eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, and establish programs to reduce teenage pregnancies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must develop a multisite gestational diabetes research project. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct to expand coverage of marriage and family therapist services, mental health counselor services, and substance abuse counselor services. Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2016 HHS must implement the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program to achieve a reduction of at least 25% in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2020. Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness Act of 2016 or the PROSTATE Act The VA must take action to address prostate cancer, including by establishing the Interagency Prostate Cancer Coordination and Education Task Force. Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2016 HHS must implement programs to address hepatitis B and C. Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act of 2016 The CDC must establish the National Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Disease Registry. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must develop guidelines to screen minority patient populations which have a higher than average risk for many chronic diseases and cancers. This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the SSAct, including to expand coverage to include routine medical costs when a beneficiary is in an approved clinical trial. HHS must expand HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention activities, including: (1) identification of issues that impede disease status awareness and retention in appropriate care, (2) research into treatment adherence strategies, (3) grants to public health agencies and faith-based organizations, (4) the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, and (5) health workforce training for culturally competent care. HHS must award grants for comprehensive sex education programs for adolescents. A program that supports abstinence education is eliminated. Community organizations may distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and engage in sexually transmitted infection counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Stop AIDS in Prison Act The Bureau of Prisons must develop a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders Health Disparities Act The National Institutes of Health must expand research addressing sleep health disparities. The CDC must expand activities regarding sleep disorders. The bill sets forth provisions regarding the use of health information technology to reduce health disparities, particularly in racial and ethnic minority communities. The bill prohibits discrimination in federal health care programs and research activities. HHS must establish: (1) the Office of Health Disparities in the Office for Civil Rights, (2) civil rights compliance offices in each HHS agency that administers health programs, and (3) a program at the National Center for Environmental Health on health impact assessment, which is the process of determining the potential effects of a policy, program, or project on health.

CREATES Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016

Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples Act of 2016 or the CREATES Act of 2016 This bill permits the developer of a drug or biological product to bring a civil action against the license holder of an approved medication alleging that the license holder: (1) declined to make available sufficient quantities of the approved medication for the developer's testing; or (2) failed to agree on, or refused to allow the developer to join, a single, shared system of elements to assure safe use (ETASU) of the medication. (Under current law, a generic version of a medication with ETASU must join the brand name medication's system of ETASU unless the developer of the generic has a waiver from the Food and Drug Administration.) The bill does not apply to medications for which there is a shortage, unless the shortage will not be promptly resolved. In a civil action regarding the availability of sufficient quantities of a medication, it is an affirmative defense that the license holder: (1) is not manufacturing or marketing the medication and does not have access to a supply of the medication to make available, or (2) sells the medication without restrictions through other entities and the developer can purchase sufficient quantities of the medication from those entities.

CRIB Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016

Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act or the CRIB Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow a state Medicaid program to cover inpatient or outpatient services at a residential pediatric recovery center for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (a postnatal drug withdrawal syndrome) and their families.

SHINE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016

Screening Hearts in Newborns for Early Detection of Congenital Heart Defect Act or the SHINE Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants or cooperative agreements to states for: (1) developing and improving statewide newborn critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) screening, evaluation, diagnosis, results reporting, data collection and surveillance, and intervention programs and systems; and (2) assisting in the recruitment, retention, education, and training of qualified personnel for related purposes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must award grants or cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance to states in order to support programs and research concerning newborn CCHD screening, evaluation and intervention, and data collection and information systems. The National Institutes of Health must: (1) conduct a CCHD research and development program on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology, and (2) assist HHS in developing and deploying expanded coding terminology for pulse oximetry screening for CCHD and related evaluation and data collection. The Health Resources and Services Administration must: (1) guide the assessment and improvement of screening standards and infrastructure needed for the implementation of a public health approach to point of care screening for congenital heart defects, and (2) develop a CCHD data collection system. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health must provide guidance to health care providers, industry, and staff of the Food and Drug Administration on pulse oximeters and the unique role of pulse oximetry in screening neonatal patients.

Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2016

Veterans TRICARE Choice Act This bill allows, as of January 1, 2017, an individual who is eligible to be a covered beneficiary entitled to health care benefits under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) and who is not serving on active duty in the uniformed services to: (1) elect to be ineligible to enroll in TRICARE, (2) make tax deductible contributions to a health savings account during the period such individual elects to be ineligible for TRICARE coverage, and (3) enroll in the TRICARE program at a later date during a special enrollment period. DOD shall submit to the Internal Revenue Service information on each TRICARE-eligible individual who makes such election for purposes of determining such individual's eligibility for a health savings account. DOD shall provide to each TRICARE-eligible individual who seeks to make such election information regarding: (1) health savings accounts, and (2) changing an election.

Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2016

Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide for an operation on a live donor to carry out a transplant procedure for an eligible veteran notwithstanding that the live donor may not be eligible for VA health care. The VA shall furnish to such a donor any care or services that may be required before and after conducting such procedure.