Healthcare

SUPPORTING TOMORROW'S HEALTH PROVIDERS: EXAMINING WORKFORCE PROGRAMS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 September 2017

High School Football Safety Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

High School Football Safety Study Act This bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) conduct a study to more precisely identify the causes of deaths related to high school football, (2) develop recommendations to prevent such deaths, and (3) submit to Congress and publish on the public website of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality a report on the study's results.

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish and implement a strategic action plan and to establish a climate and health program to ensure the public health and health care systems in the United States and other nations are prepared for, and can respond to, the impacts of climate change on health. The bill directs HHS to revise the plan periodically to reflect new scientific developments and information. HHS must establish a permanent science advisory board to provide: (1) scientific and technical recommendations on the impacts of climate change on public health, and (2) advice for purposes of issuing the plan and conducting the program.

Air Ambulance Quality and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Air Ambulance Quality and Accountability Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to modify standards and payment for air-ambulance services under the Medicare Program. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall establish minimum standards that must be met by air-ambulance suppliers and providers as a condition of their participation in Medicare. These standards must address: (1) scope of practice, training, and clinical capability; (2) medical equipment and vehicle attributes; (3) documentation; (4) medical direction and oversight; (5) reporting of specified events; (6) patient safety and infection control; (7) clinical quality-management and performance-improvement programs; and (8) particular populations. An air-ambulance provider or supplier that is accredited by an HHS-approved organization shall be deemed to be in compliance with these standards. HHS must establish an air-ambulance quality-reporting and performance program under which Medicare payment is determined according to a specified performance-based formula. Performance measures shall address patient safety, clinical quality, and over-triage. An air-ambulance provider or supplier must, subject to suspension of payment under Medicare, annually submit specified cost data to HHS. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall report to Congress on whether changes should be made with regard to reimbursement of air-ambulance providers and suppliers under Medicare.

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 18, 2017, through September 24, 2017, as "Balance Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

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

Save American Workers Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Save American Workers Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from an employee who is employed on average at least 30 hours of service a week to an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week.

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2017 This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for the establishment and governance of small business health plans where multiple small business employers pool their employees for the purpose of creating a large group market for health insurance coverage. The small business health plan must have a plan sponsor who, among other requirements, is established for a purpose other than providing health benefits to its members, such as a trade association, and does not condition membership on the basis of a minimum group size. The bill establishes requirements for certification, plan administrators, boards of trustees, participation, nondiscrimination, and voluntary termination.

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish and implement a strategic action plan and to establish a climate and health program to ensure the public health and health care systems in the United States and other nations are prepared for, and can respond to, the impacts of climate change on health. The bill directs HHS to revise the plan periodically to reflect new scientific developments and information. HHS must establish a permanent science advisory board to provide: (1) scientific and technical recommendations on the impacts of climate change on public health, and (2) advice for purposes of issuing the plan and conducting the program.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 10, 2017, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Designates the week beginning September 10, 2017, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Commends direct support professionals for being integral to long-term support and services for individuals with disabilities. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the successful implementation of the public policies affecting individuals with disabilities depends on the dedication of direct support professionals.

RAISE Family Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act of 2017 or the RAISE Family Caregivers Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and make publicly available a National Family Caregiving Strategy that identifies recommended actions for recognizing and supporting family caregivers in a manner that reflects their diverse needs. HHS shall convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to advise the department on recognizing and supporting family caregivers. The council shall terminate after five years.

Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2017 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to extend through FY2022 and make appropriations for enhanced funding for the community health centers program.

Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Ensuring Children’s Access to Specialty Care Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to include pediatric subspecialties in primary health services for purposes of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Psychiatrists who are pediatric subspecialists are included in behavioral and mental health professionals. (These amendments make pediatric subspecialists, including psychiatrists, eligible for the NHSC fellowship program for the delivery of primary health services in health professional shortage areas, the NHSC Scholarship Program, and the NHSC Loan Repayment Program.) “Health professional shortage area” can mean an underserved population of children and adolescents.

Medicare Advantage Quality Expansion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Medicare Advantage Quality Expansion Act of 2017 This bill, with respect to determining the benchmark amount applicable to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, excludes certain percentage quality increases for specified new-entrant MA plans.

Medicare for All Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Medicare for All Act of 2017 This bill establishes a national health insurance program that is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Among other things, the program must: (1) cover all U.S. residents; (2) cover specified items and services, including hospital services, prescription drugs, and dental and vision services; and (3) be fully implemented four years after enactment of this bill.

A resolution designating September 2017 as "National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017

Designates September 2017 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Expresses support for: (1) research to find better treatments and a cure for spinal cord injuries, and (2) clinical trials for new therapies for individuals living with paralysis. Commends the dedication of organizations, researchers, doctors, and others that are working to improve the quality of life of individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their families.

HEALTH CARE: ISSUES IMPACTING COST AND COVERAGE

United States · United States Senate · 12 September 2017

Medicare Buy-In and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2017

Medicare Buy-In and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2017 This bill makes a series of changes relating to health insurance options and costs. Among other things, the bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for individuals aged 50 to 64, requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to negotiate drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries, and establishes an individual market reinsurance fund.

Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2017

Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to expand coverage for former foster care youth. Specifically, state Medicaid programs must cover individuals who were in foster care at 14 years of age but who subsequently left foster care due to a kinship guardianship. In addition, states must provide such coverage regardless of whether individuals were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care.

EMPOWER Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2017

Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness Act of 2017 or the EMPOWER Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize several Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs that provide education and training for health-related professions. The bill also reauthorizes and modifies several HHS grant programs for geriatrics education and training.

Comprehensive Operations, Sustainability, and Transport Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2017

Comprehensive Operations, Sustainability, and Transport Act of 2017 This bill modifies Medicare payment rules and reporting requirements with respect to ground-ambulance services.

ITAM Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2017

This bill allows Medicare Advantage organizations to include additional telehealth services as basic benefits in their annual bids beginning in plan year 2020. The bill also permits payment under Medicare for chronic care management services that use specified telecommunication technologies.

Stark Administrative Simplification Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2017

Stark Administrative Simplification Act of 2017 This bill establishes alternative protocols and sanctions for inadvertent technical noncompliance with the Stark Rule against self-referral under Medicare. "Technical noncompliance" means, with respect to a compensation arrangement, that: (1) the agreement is not signed by one or more parties to the arrangement, (2) the arrangement was a holdover arrangement for a period longer than is allowed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or (3) documentation of the arrangement contains specified identifying information but is otherwise insufficient to satisfy the writing requirement of an applicable exception.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative manual wheelchairs and accessories.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2017

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex, rehabilitative, manual wheelchairs and accessories. (A competitive bidding program has replaced the use of established fee schedule amounts to determine payments under Medicare for certain durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs.)

Geriatrics Workforce and Caregiver Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2017

Geriatrics Workforce and Caregiver Enhancement Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and modify Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant programs for geriatrics education and training, including the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program and the Geriatric Academic Career Awards Program. Among other modifications, the bill directs HHS to award grants to health professional schools or programs for the establishment or operation of geriatric workforce enhancement programs that meet certain requirements. The programs must support the development of a health care workforce that maximizes patient and family engagement and improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics with primary care and other appropriate specialties. Special emphasis must be placed on providing the primary care workforce with the knowledge and skills to care for older adults and collaborating with community partners to address gaps in health care for older adults. The bill also reauthorizes and modifies the Geriatric Academic Career Awards program to provide awards to promote the career development of individuals such as academic geriatricians or other academic geriatrics health professionals.

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2017

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

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the individual health insurance mandate.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2017

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, after 2017, the requirement that individuals maintain minimum essential health care coverage (commonly referred to as the individual mandate).

Forty Hours Is Full Time Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Forty Hours is Full Time Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the employer mandate to provide health care coverage, to: (1) modify the formula for calculating the number of full-time employees employed by an applicable large employer subject to the mandate; and (2) define a "full-time employee" as an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours per week (currently, 30 hours).

Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit equal to 10% of up to $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. The bill sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) provides employees with paid sick leave or paid family and medical leave, (4) compensates at least 90% of its employees at an hourly rate that is at least 218% of the federal poverty level for an individual for the calendar year divided by 1,750 and provides at least 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (5) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, (6) has a written policy in place for the recruitment of employees who have served in the Uniformed Services or who are disabled, and (7) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for: the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for: the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and the Office of the Secretary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides appropriations to the Department of Education for: Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; English Language Acquisition; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. Provides appropriations to Related Agencies, including: the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Native Health Access Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Native Health Access Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Indian Health Service (IHS) to award grants to Indian health facilities for the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. The IHS must establish a technical assistance center for grantees. In addition, this bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to define “Indian” for purposes of health insurance reform, exchanges, and subsidies. The definition includes individuals of Indian descent who are members of an Indian community served by the IHS and individuals considered by the Department of Health and Human Services to be Indian for purposes of eligibility for Indian health care services. Individuals included in the definition are eligible for special monthly enrollment periods on health insurance exchanges and elimination of cost sharing under individual health coverage for those whose income is not more than 300% of the poverty line. Under current law, only members of Indian tribes are eligible for these benefits. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt Indians, as defined by this bill, from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health coverage.

Native Health and Wellness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Native Health and Wellness Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants to Indian tribes or tribal organizations for promoting health, preventing disease, and reducing health disparities among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Specifically, grants may be used to: establish or support preventive health service programs that facilitate the achievement of health-status goals; establish or support public health services that reduce the prevalence of chronic disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives, or strengthen public health infrastructure to facilitate the surveillance and response to infectious disease and foodborne illness outbreaks. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must make grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations for recruiting and mentoring American Indian and Alaska Native youth and young adults in health professions.

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for up to $5,000 for the training of a qualified individual in a qualified apprenticeship program or multi-employer apprenticeship program. A "qualified individual" is an individual who: (1) is an apprentice participating in a qualified apprenticeship program or multi-employer apprenticeship program, (2) has been employed in either program for a period of at least seven months that ends within the taxable year, and (3) is not a highly compensated employee or a seasonal worker. A "qualified apprenticeship program" is a program that: (1) provides qualified individuals with on-the-job training and instruction for a qualified occupation (i.e., a skilled trade occupation in a high-demand mechanical, technical, health care, or technology field); (2) is registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the office; and (3) maintains records relating to the qualified individual. A "qualified multi-employer apprenticeship program" is a program in which multiple employers are required to contribute and that is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements. The bill also allows certain distributions, without penalty, from retirement and pension plans to an employee who is serving as a mentor. A "mentor" is a working individual who: (1) has attained age 55; (2) works reduced hours and engages in mentoring activities for at least 20% of such hours; and (3) is responsible for the training and education of employees or students in an area of expertise for which such individual has a professional credential, certificate, or degree.

THE HISTORY AND CURRENT REALITY OF THE U.S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

United States · United States Senate · 6 September 2017

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as "Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month", in recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the quality care provided by trained rheumatologists.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2017

Expresses support for the designation of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month in recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the care provided by rheumatologists. Encourages people to celebrate the contributions of researchers and health care providers in serving those living with rheumatic diseases and to support efforts to find a cure.

Recognizing the importance of cancer program accreditation in ensuring comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2017

Recognizes the importance of accreditation of cancer programs by the American College of Surgeons to ensure patient access to high quality, comprehensive cancer care.

CARERS Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2017

Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act of 2017 or the CARERS Act of 2017 This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that the Act's regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties do not apply to a person who produces, possesses, distributes, dispenses, administers, tests, recommends, or delivers medical marijuana in compliance with state law. The bill also: excludes "cannabidiol" (CBD) from the definition of "marijuana"; limits the concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in CBD to 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis; and deems marijuana grown or processed to make CBD, in accordance with state law, to comply with the THC concentration limit unless the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determines state law to be unreasonable. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to terminate the Public Health Service's interdisciplinary review process that is used to evaluate applications for medical marijuana research. The DEA must license manufacturers and distributors of marijuana for medical research; HHS must register practitioners to conduct research; and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must authorize VA health care providers to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans regarding participation in their states' marijuana programs.

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a feasibility study on renovating or replacing the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center with a new or updated facility.

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2017

This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the feasibility and costs of renovating or replacing the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center, which is in American Samoa. The report must include specified information, including: (1) the cost to equip the facility to meet the care standards of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services; (2) the feasibility of making the center a teaching hospital; and (3) the ability to include a tropical disease research center at the facility.

Military SAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2017

Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act or the Military SAVE Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the Office of Community Care, to carry out a three-year pilot program of hospital care and medical services for eligible veterans at non-VA health care providers to treat physical and psychological injuries or illnesses that, in the judgment of a VA mental health professional, resulted from sexual assault or battery or sexual harassment while the veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. The program shall be carried out at not more than five locations, at least one of which shall be a rural location, based upon criteria including: (1) distance from a military installation, (2) city size, and (3) rates of sexual assault and rape. An eligible veteran may elect to participate in the pilot program. The VA may not restrict a participant's ability to choose the non-VA health care provider. The bill: (1) sets forth payment provisions for current and new non-VA providers, and (2) provides for program data collection and analysis.

Improving Access to Behavioral Health Information Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Improving Access to Behavioral Health Information Technology Act This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to specify that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may test models to provide incentive payments to behavioral health providers for: (1) adopting electronic health records technology, and (2) using that technology to improve the quality and coordination of care.

Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and expand funding through FY2020 for graduate medical education programs at teaching centers (which train medical residents in primary care specialties). The bill allows funds to be used for maintaining, expanding, and establishing graduate medical residency programs.

Medicare at 55 Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Medicare at 55 Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow individuals aged 55 to 64 to buy into Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Such enrollees shall be entitled to Medicare hospital, medical, and prescription-drug benefits. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish enrollment periods and determine monthly premiums with respect to such enrollees, as specified by the bill. Premium amounts collected by HHS shall be deposited in the Hospital Insurance and Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds. Such enrollees shall not be eligible for Medicare cost-sharing assistance but may be eligible for premium assistance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Access Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Access Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to temporarily provide for transitional Medicare payment with respect to certain home infusion services furnished on or after January 1, 2019. Under current law, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is required to establish a permanent payment system with respect to such services furnished on or after January 1, 2021.

Regulatory Improvement and Transparency Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Regulatory Improvement and Transparency Act of 2017 Administrative Procedures Improvement Act of 2017 The bill revises the process that governs the way in which executive agencies may propose and issue regulations, including by establishing requirements that agencies must follow when proposing or issuing a major rule. A major rule is defined as one that is likely to cause an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, public health and safety, or the environment. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) must provide guidance on, and oversight of, agencies' assessments of their proposed major rules. Pilot Retrospective Review Commission Act of 2017 The bill establishes in the legislative branch a Pilot Regulatory Review Commission to evaluate and provide recommendations for modifying, consolidating, or repealing certain regulations that impact the transportation sector. Plain Writing Act for Regulations Act of 2017 When issuing or revising regulations, executive agencies must use plain writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized if feasible. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Transparency Act of 2017 OIRA must ensure greater openness, accessibility, and accountability in the regulatory review process. Cost-Benefit Analysis Improvement Act of 2017 The General Services Administration must contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to publish a study on the costs and benefits associated with major rules.

A resolution designating the first week in August 2017 as "World Breastfeeding Week", and designating August 2017 as "National Breastfeeding Month".

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Designates the first week of August 2017 as World Breastfeeding Week and designates August 2017 as National Breastfeeding Month. Expresses support for policies and funding to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of support.

Dialysis Access Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Dialysis Access Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow renal dialysis facilities to be accredited by an approved accreditation body for participation in the Medicare program. The bill also establishes a time frame with respect to initial surveys of renal dialysis facilities.

Strengthening Veterans Health Care Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Strengthening Veterans Health Care Act of 2017 This bill authorizes and appropriates funds to increase veterans access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, including by: (1) hiring primary and specialty care physicians and other medical staff, (2) establishing medical residency programs and increasing residency positions, and (3) improving VA health facility infrastructure.

HOPE Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile Act or the HOPE Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to parole into the United States an alien veteran who: (1) is seeking temporary admission to receive health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) is outside the United States after having been ordered removed or voluntarily departed from the United States. Such parole shall not be available for an alien who is inadmissible due to a criminal conviction for a crime of violence, excluding a purely political offense, or a crime that endangers U.S. national security, for which the alien has served at least five years in prison.

Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. (MACs are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic areas.) Before such an LCD may take effect, the MAC issuing the determination must, with respect to each geographic area to which the determination applies: publish online a proposed version of the determination and other specified, related information; convene one or more public meetings to review the draft determination, receive comments, and secure the advice of an expert panel; post online a record of the minutes from each such meeting; provide a period for submission of written public comments; and post online specified information related to the rationale for the final determination. Upon the filing of an applicable request by an interested party with regard to the reconsideration of a specified LCD, the MAC that issued the determination shall: provide specified information related to whether the determination failed to correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence, exceeds the scope of its intended purpose, fails to apply as intended, or is otherwise erroneous; preserve the determination, modify the determination, or rescind the determination in part; and make publicly available a written description of such action. An interested party may appeal a reconsideration decision to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman to carry out specified duties with regard to LCDs.

Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to: (1) negotiate drug prices under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, and (2) institute a price structure for the reimbursement of drugs covered under the benefit.

AIRWAVES Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum Act or the AIRWAVES Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete auctions during each of the next three calendar years that will grant new broadcast licenses for specified frequency spectrum bands. The FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are directed to identify frequencies in specified spectrum bands that may be utilized for: (1) non-federal unlicensed use; and (2) commercial licensed use. The FCC must allocate 10% of proceeds from each of the spectrum band auctions specified in the bill to expand wireless infrastructure in rural areas that are underserved or unserved. The FCC shall conduct a study on how unlicensed frequency spectrum bands can be utilized for: (1) the provision of healthcare in rural areas, (2) distance learning, and (3) facilitating innovations in agriculture.