Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Subjects · United States

Healthcare

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

351 records in US in 1975

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 7050 (94th)referred

Control Program Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975

Control Programs Amendments - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall require reports with respect to and shall be allowed to examine and audit disease control programs funded through the Department and operated by the States. Requires recipients of grants for control programs to keep full and accurate records to facilitate effective audits. Provides that information received from a patient under such a program shall not be disclosed without his consent except as may be necessary to provide service to him, or for program-related purposes if his identity is not disclosed. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress on the extent of controllable diseases and the effectiveness of and plans for programs to control such diseases. Authorizes $34,000,000 for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for disease control programs and the control of lead-based paint poisoning and infestation by rats.

Bill· HRH.R. 7048 (94th)referred

National Health Service Corps Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975

National Health Service Corps Amendments - Extends the appropriation authorization for the National Health Service Corps for an additional four fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to award grants of up to $10,000 to facilitate the provision of health services in areas determined to have critical health manpower shortages.

Bill· HRH.R. 7030 (94th)referred

Food Supplement Amendment

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975

Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meet specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses, if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health. Provides that no regulations issued pursuant to the requirements for branding of foods for special dietary uses shall exempt any food from the provisions of such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 7039 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the programs under the National Heart and Lung Institute, to revise and extend the program of National Research Service Awards, to control disclosure of research information, and to establish a national program with respect to genetic diseases.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975

Title I: Revision of National Heart and Lung Institute Programs - Authorizes research and training in the use of blood products and the management of blood resources under the National Heart and Lung Institute programs. Authorizes the use of funds under such programs for the prevention and control of blood diseases. Title II: National Research Service Awards - Makes such awards available under Federal programs and extends the authorize for them through fiscal year 1977. Title III: Disclosure of Research Information - Provides that, subject to specified exceptions, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not disclose any information contained in a research protocol, research hypothesis, or research design obtained by him in connection with an application or proposal for a grant, fellowship, or contract under the Public Health Service Act.

Bill· SS. 1737 (94th)referred

Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975

Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act - Requires the licensing of all clinical laboratories, as defined by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate licensing authority to the States, providing the Secretary determines that State standards meet or exceed Federal standards. Sets forth the standards that must be met by clinical laboratories in order to receive and maintain the license required by this Act. Provides that such standards shall be designed to assure consistently accurate laboratory procedures and service. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Clinical Laboratories. Declares that the purpose of such Office shall be to centralize the laboratory regulatory functions authorized by this Act and to assume responsibility for the laboratory component of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Creates an advisory council to advise the Office with respect to guidelines for laboratory licensing, personnel, and performance standards. Provides that no grant or reimbursement which the Secretary is authorized to make, or contract which he is authorized to award, whether to or for any health care facility, including but not limited to health maintenance organizations, hospitals, skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services shall be entered into unless the laboratory meets the standards established by the Secretary. Provides for grants and technical assistance to those States which desire to establish State licensing procedures and regulations for development, administration, and enforcement purposes. Provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

Bill· HRH.R. 6977 (94th)referred

A bill to amend titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act to include qualified drugs, requiring a physician's prescription or certification and approved by a formulary committee, among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975

Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.

Bill· HRH.R. 7000 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the continued application of the nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975

Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.

Bill· HRH.R. 6978 (94th)referred

A bill to establish a program of comprehensive medical, hospital, and dental care as protection against the cost of ordinary and catastrophic illness by requiring employers to make insurance available to each employee and his family, by Federal financing of insurance for persons of low income, in whole or in part according to ability to pay, and by assuring the availability of insurance to all persons regardless of medical history and on a guaranteed renewable basis.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975

Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.

Bill· SS. 1720 (94th)referred

Social Security Cost Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975

Social Security Cost Control Act - Eliminates specified optional payment provisions under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Revises the qualifications for retirement under such program. States that the first $60 of earned income per month plus an amount equal to dependent child care expenses shall be disregarded in determining need under the aid to families with dependent children program of the Social Security Act. Modifies the rate of Federal financial participation state programs of aid to needy families with children and aged, blind, or disabled individuals. Provides that the amount payable for inpatient hospital services under title XVIII (Medicare) during any spell of illness shall be reduced by a deduction equal to the inpatient hospital deduction, or, if less, the charges for such services imposed with respect to such indivdiual for such services, and by a coinsurance amount equal to one-tenth of the charges imposed. Sets forth provisions regulating the amount of Medicare supplementary medical insurance coinsurance available under specified instances. Provides for the automatic adjustment of the medicare supplementary medical insurance deductible, according to whether or not the primary insurance amount exceeds or is less than $354.50. Authorizes the establishment of limits on the rate of increase of costs recognized as reasonable under the medicare program. Reduces from 75 to 65 percent the share of Federal financial participation in State services and training expenditures under the Social Security Act.

Bill· SS. 1711 (94th)passed

Veterans' Administration Physician Pay Comparability Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975

Veterans' Administration Physician Pay Comparability Act - Provides salary increases for executive medical officers of the Veterans Administration. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide special pay, in the nature of a variable incentive bonus, to any full or part-time physician employed in the Department of Medicine and Surgery in order to obtain and retain highly qualified physicians. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress annually regarding the special pay program authorized by this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, after consultation with the heads of relevant specified Federal departments and agencies, to submit a report by March 1, 1976, proposing a permanent legislative solution to the problem of attracting and retaining the services of highly qualified physicians and other health care personnel in the uniformed and nonuniformed Federal service. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint physicians' assistants and dental therapists as he finds necessary for the medical care of veterans. Authorizes the Administrator to increase the rates of pay for medical personnel to provide compensation commensurate with competitive pay practices or to meet staffing requirements in geographically remote areas.

Bill· SS. 1714 (94th)referred

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.

Bill· SS. 1715 (94th)referred

National Genetic Diseases Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975

National Genetic Diseases Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program to provide for basic and applied research, research training, testing, counseling, information, and education programs with respect to genetic diseases, including, but not limited to, sickle cell anemia, Cooley's anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, dysautonomia, hemophilia, retinitis pigmentosa, Huntington's chorea, and muscular dystrophy. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and private nonprofit entities for the establishment and operation of: (1) genetic counseling and testing programs; (2) a genetic disease information and education program; and (3) a genetic disease research, development and diagnosis and treatment demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for such programs. Sets forth grant application requirements and procedures. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects of Genetic Diseases. Makes it the duty of the Commission to undertake a comprehensive investigation and study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of genetics research.

Bill· SS. 1708 (94th)referred

Health Education and Preventive Health Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975

Health Education and Preventive Health Services Act - Establishes an Office of Health Education and Preventive Health Services Programs within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to be directed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Education. States that it shall be the function of the Office to coordinate, administer, develop and recommend priorities for, and provide information with respect to, health education and preventive health services programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop a program for the extension of health education and preventive health services programs over a three-year period. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 150 (94th)referred

A resolution urging a White House conference on Medical Malpractice Insurance.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President shall call a White House Conference on Medical Malpractice Insurance. Calls upon the President to extend invitations to health care providers, the insurance industry, State and local governments and other appropriate individuals and groups to discuss the scope and nature of the medical malpractice insurance crisis, and to determine possible solutions to that crisis.

Bill· HRH.R. 6840 (94th)referred

National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975

National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.

Bill· HRH.R. 6822 (94th)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975

Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 6766 (94th)referred

Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975

Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.

Bill· HRH.R. 6700 (94th)referred

A bill to establish a program of comprehensive medical, hospital, and dental care as protection against the cost of ordinary and catastrophic illness by requiring employers to make insurance available to each employee and his family, by Federal financing of insurance for persons of low income, in whole or in part according to ability to pay, and by assuring the availability of insurance to all persons regardless of medical history, and on a guaranteed renewable basis.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975

Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6691 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance shall be eligible as a disabled person (even though employable) for the services of a home health aide under the applicable State plan approved under such title.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975

Provides under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act that a person is "disabled" for purposes of determining his or her eligibility for the services of a home health aide or similar attendant if such individual is unable without the assistance of such home health aide to get in or out of bed or otherwise care for his or her personal needs.

Bill· HRH.R. 6549 (94th)referred

National Health Education and Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975

National Health Education and Promotion Act - Title I: National Center for Health Education and Promotion - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center for Health Education and Promotion to consist of not less than the following four divisions: the division for research in health education and preventive medicine; the division for community health education programs; the division for communications in health education; and the division of Federal programs. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Center, to develop a national health policy, including (1) formulation of a national strategy and national goals with respect to health education, health promotion, and preventive medicine; (2) incorporation of appropriate health education components into every facet of our society, especially into all aspects of health care and educational programming; and (3) increasing the application of health knowledge, skills, and practices by the general population in their patterns of daily living. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct specific programs consonant with the purposes of this Act upon determination of relative research needs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for continuing surveys of such needs. Specifies application requirements for health care facilties for grants, contracts, or payments under the Public Health Service Act, the Community Health Centers Act, and the Social Security Act to insure that programs under such Acts provide consumer health education. Provides for dissemination of data on health information and education programs through the division for communications in health education. Establishes an interdepartmental committee on health education and promotion to coordinate Federal activities relating to health education and promotion. Establishes the Health Education and Promotion Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters of general policy with respect to the functions of the Center. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the activities and policy recommendations of the divisions of the Center. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to carry out this title. Title II: Institution for Health Education and Promotion - Authorizes to be established a nonprofit corporation to be known as the Institution for Health Education and Promotion with the following functions the purposes of which are to facilitate the development of a health education and promotion strategy for the Nation: (1) consensus building and policy determination; (2) national strategy design; (3) health education advocacy; (4) technical assistance to national, state, and local health education groups; and (5) evaluation, testing, and demonstration of health education programs and technologies. Directs the Institution to report annually to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the expenses of the Institution for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.

Bill· HRH.R. 6540 (94th)referred

A bill to amend part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States, to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975

Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.

Bill· SS. 1585 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the making of grants to appropriate colleges and universities to assist them in establishing graduate programs for nurses in geriatrics and gerontology.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Provides for the making of grants under the Public Health Service Act to public or nonprofit colleges and universities to assist them in establishing graduate programs for nurses in geriatrics and gerontology.

Bill· SS. 1581 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Social Security Act to improve the survey and certification process, rate-setting and fiscal audit methods, and general regulation of nursing homes and intermediate care facilities under the medicaid program, and to provide for medical, psychological, and social assessment of long-term care patients under both the medicare and medicaid programs.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Title I: Survey and Certification, Ratesetting and Audit, and General Regulation of Long-Term Care Facilities Under Medicaid Programs - Requires that a State plan for medical assistance must provide that no skilled nursing facility may receive payments under such plan unless and until it is approved to receive payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Provides that such State plan require that the State agency shall have the power to terminate reimbursement to a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility which violates its provider agreement. Requires such State plan to include that the inspection and medical review shall serve as the basis for determining the overpayment to such facility, and the amount such agency must refund. Requires such State plan to provide that any skilled nursing facility receiving payments under the plan be required to maintain with the State agency a bond to anitcipate any and all claims for overpayment. Title II: Medical, Psychological, and Social Assessment of Patients in Need of Long-Term Care Under Medicare And Medicaid Programs - Requires that for payment of services furnished an individual under the Medicare and Medicaid programs physician's certification be based on such patient assessment criteria as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may require. Provides that a State plan must include a regular program of medical review utilizing such criteria as are required by the Secretary, and a plan for periodic inspections of all nursing homes to find the feasibilities, determined by reference to the criteria and methods required by the Secretary of meeting their health care needs through alternative institutional or noninstitutional services.

Bill· SS. 1573 (94th)referred

A bill to make unlawful the solicitation or acceptance of any gift, money or consideration over and above the rates established by the States and to make unlawful the solicitation or acceptance of any gift, money or donation as a precondition of admitting a patient to a long-term care facility.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Provides criminal penalties under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for: (1) the solicitation or acceptance of any gift, money, or consideration over and above the rates established by the States; or (2) the acceptance of any gift, money, or donation, as a precondition of admitting a patient to a long-term care facility.

Bill· SS. 1565 (94th)referred

A bill to require the immediate reporting of epidemic diseases or accidents in nursing homes participating in Federal programs.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Requires nursing homes participating in Federal programs pursuant to title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to have in effect procedures to prevent epidemic diseases and accidents and for reporting them immediately to appropriate authority and next of kin of patients involved in any untoward incident affecting health and safety.

Bill· SS. 1582 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title VI of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the making of direct loans for the construction and rehabilitation of nursing homes owned and operated by churches and other nonprofit organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Provides for the making of direct loans at 4 percent or the current market interest rate, whichever is lower, under the Public Health Service Act, for the construction and rehabilitation of nursing homes owned and operated by churches and other nonprofit organizations. Authorizes to be appropriated such as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1578 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide for a system of inspections of State inspection and enforcement mechanisms with regard to facilities receiving payments under titles XVIII and XIX.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under title XX of the Social Security Act, to provide for a system of inspections of State inspection and enforcement mechanisms with regard to facilities receiving payments under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Bill· SS. 1574 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title 19 of the Social Security Act to make certain requirements with respect to long-term care facility personnel compensated with Federal funds who are responsible for determining whether such institutions comply with health and safety standards required under such act.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Provides educational and performance requirements for long-term care facility personnel compensated with Federal funds who are responsible for determining whether such institutions comply with health and safety standards required under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

Bill· SS. 1570 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of an inspector general for health administration.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Provides, under the Social Security Act, for the establishment of an Inspector General for health administration. Authorizes the Inspector General to suspend any regulation, practice, or procedure found not to be in compliance with the provisions or purposes of the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Authorizes the Inspector General to make confidential expenditures of up to $50,000 in any fiscal year to make inspections, audit, or reviews in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1566 (94th)referred

A bill to amend title 19 of the Social Security Act to require State inspection of public and private skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities at least once every 90 days and to require State enforcement of the rights of patients in such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Requires under the Social Security Act that in order for States to be eligible for payments pursuant to title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act, that they must have in effect an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in which the State agrees to carry out a specified inspection program. Directs the Secretary to prescribe such inspection program with respect to public and private nursing and intermediate care facilities to determine if such facilities meet standards affecting the well-being of the patients. Stipulates that the inspection program will include: (1) inspections at least once every three months; (2) making the results of such inspection public; and (3) notification to the facility of any noncompliance with applicable standards. Requires in such agreement with the Secretary that such State undertake to enforce the rights enumerated by this Act.

Bill· SS. 1583 (94th)referred

A bill to authorize the Secretary of HEW to provide grants for the planning, development, construction and rehabilitation of nursing homes in black and minority communities.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide grants for the planning, development, construction, and rehabilitation of nursing homes in black and minority communities under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1579 (94th)referred

A bill to authorize medicare or medicaid patients individually or as a class to bring suit for specific performance in Federal district court against a long-term care facility which is in violation of its provider agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Authorizes medicare or medicaid patients individually or as a class to bring suit under the Social Security Act for specific performance without regard to the $10,000 jurisdictional amount, in Federal district court aginst a long-term care facility which is in violation of its provider agreement.

Bill· SS. 1575 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Social Security Act to require that payment forms submitted from nursing homes contain warnings with respect to penalties imposed under sections 1877 and 1909.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975

Requires that payment forms submitted from nursing homes for reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act contain warnings with regard to penalties imposed for misrepresentation of the amounts due under such Act.

PreviousPage 7 of 8Next