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Bill· SS. 2515 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2003 for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds; (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (5) active and reserve military personnel, including authorized end strengths. Increases as of January 1, 2003, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes: (1) the payment of assignment incentive pay; and (2) certain travel and transportation allowances. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military decorations, awards, and commendations; (4) a national call to service program; (5) retirement and survivor benefits; (6) military health care; (7) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (8) general contracting procedures and limitations; (9) DOD organization and management; (10) homeland defense activities; (11) DOD civilian personnel policy; and (12) matters relating to other nations, including cooperative threat reduction programs.
Bill· SS. 2525 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2002 - Requires the President to establish a comprehensive, integrated, five-year strategy to combat the global spread of HIV and AIDS. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a comprehensive plan to empower women to protect themselves against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Establishes within the Department of State a presidentially appointed Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally. Authorizes the United States to participate in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and increases financial assistance for vaccine contributions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to conclude an agreement with the Paris Club of Official Creditors and other specified multilateral development institutions to modify the Enhanced HIPC Initiative with respect to debt cancellation for eligible countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance and coordination between international organizations for the global prevention, treatment, monitoring, and control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the President to establish a program to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating services of American health care professionals in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world severely affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the Secretary of Defense to expand the Department of Defense program of HIV/AIDS prevention educational activities in sub-Saharan African countries. Requires the Administrator of USAID to establish a program of assistance that would demonstrate the feasibility of providing care and treatment to orphans, other children, and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in foreign countries. Sets forth principles for U.S. firms operating in countries affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Bill· HRH.R. 4741 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Medicare Pharmacy Benefit Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish the Medicare Pharmacy Benefit Program to provide drug discounts, catastrophic benefits, and medication review and medication therapy management. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services establish an open enrollment process for eligible beneficiaries and provide that applications to enroll under the Program may be collected by pharmacy providers, manufacturers, or their agents. Requires that Pharmacy Benefit Administrators process applications for enrollment. Requires the Secretary to provide for the broad dissemination of information to eligible beneficiaries regarding enrollment. Requires the Secretary to establish a process to accept bids and award contracts to administer benefits. Establishes within the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund a Pharmacy Benefit Fund to reimburse the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator and participating pharmacy providers, and to pay for cost of providing benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 4745 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Deems Porter County, Indiana, to be located in the Chicago, Illinois, Metropolitan Statistical Area for purposes of reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) of disproportionate share hospitals in Porter County, Indiana, with respect to the operating costs of inpatient hospital services.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 37 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services relating to modification of the Medicaid upper payment limit for non-State government owned or operated hospitals. Declares such rule shall have no force or effect.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 269 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Senate should consider legislation to comprehensively modernize the Medicare Program under which beneficiaries will be offered more choices including outpatient prescription drug coverage; and (2) this legislation should ensure that the Medicare Program's financial solvency is preserved and protected, and permit beneficiaries to choose from a variety of coverage options (including multiple competing, private insurance plans).
Bill· HRH.R. 4730 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require license applications for new drug and biological product to assess such drug's or product's safety and effectiveness for relevant pediatric subpopulations, including dosage. Permits extrapolation from adult studies where the course of the disease and the effects of the drug are sufficiently similar in all populations. Permits deferral of such assessments if adult studies are completed earlier and the applicant submits a plan for or a description of planned or ongoing pediatric studies. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a date for submission of pediatric assessments if a drug's or product's use or need in the pediatric populations so dictates. States that drugs or products with delayed assessments will be deemed misbranded and subject to seizure and injunctive proceedings, though not penalties. Permits full waiver of such assessments if: (1) studies are highly impracticable or impossible and the evidence suggests that the drug or product would be ineffective or unsafe in all pediatric age groups; or (2) there is no meaningful therapeutic advantage or benefit in the pediatric population and little risk if used as labeled. Permits partial waivers at the request of an applicant for a specific pediatric subpopulation if any of the full waiver grounds apply to that subpopulation or reasonable attempts for a pediatric formulation for that subpopulation have failed. Requires labels of these drugs or products to reflect such waivers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4729 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Medicare Chronic Kidney Disease Management Act of 2002 - Entitles qualified chronic kidney disease patients to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits enrollment of chronic kidney disease patients in part C (Medicare+Choice) of the Social Security Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4715 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Nursing Home Staffing Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for minimum nurse staffing levels in nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments. Reinstitutes (Boren amendment) payment methodology, providing for payment of Medicaid services through the use of rates determined pursuant to the criteria under State Medicaid plan provisions as in effect on August 1, 1997. Establishes safe harbor rates. Provides a permanent 1.50 percent increase of the Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage for a State beginning with FY 2003. Authorizes inclusion of financial accountability requirements in the survey and certification process with respect to facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 92 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Disapproves the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services relating to modification of the Medicaid upper payment limit for non-State government-owned or operated hospitals published on January 18, 2002.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 402 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that improving the Nation's mental health service delivery system for individuals with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance is a national priority and commends the establishment of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.
Bill· SS. 2508 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Preservation of Antibiotics for Human Treatment Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem unsafe animal feed containing a new animal drug which is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antimicrobial drugs, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services receives information from the drug's sponsor that there exists a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the use of such drug in animal feed. Requires the Secretary to withdraw or rescind approval of previously approved drugs that are either critical antimicrobial drugs or in the same chemical class as critical antimicrobial drugs, unless the Secretary receives information from the drug's sponsor that there exists a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the use of such drug in animal feed. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to producers of livestock or poultry who have reduced or are substantially reducing the nontherapeutic use of critical antimicrobial drugs.
Bill· SS. 2487 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2002 - Provides for: (1) the establishment of a fellowship program to award fellowships to eligible nationals of developing countries to pursue in the United States a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology, advanced public health training in epidemiology for public health professionals from such countries, and courses on diagnosis and containment of likely bioterrorism agents; and (2) short courses in-country (not the United States) to train laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from developing countries in laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to eligible developing countries (with priority to certain countries) to purchase and maintain certain public health laboratory equipment, including communications equipment and information technology and supporting equipment to effectively collect, analyze, and transmit public health information. Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to assign to a U.S. mission or organization a public health employee to enhance disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Provides for: (1) a laboratory-to-laboratory exchange program between the United States and a eligible developing country; and (2) the expansion of the number of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense personnel assigned to laboratories in eligible developing countries that conduct research with respect to infectious diseases, including the operations of those laboratories, especially with respect to the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and activities affecting neighboring countries. Provides assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for the World Health Organization and regional health networks and for the expansion of foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries.
Bill· SS. 2489 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop State-wide lifespan respite care programs. Defines "lifespan respite care" to mean a coordinated system of accessible community-based respite care services for family caregivers regardless of the individual's age, race, ethnicity, or special need. Requires the Administrator to establish a review panel to make recommendations on applicants. Permits the use of funds for respite care services and training programs. Limits grants to five years. Directs the Associate Administrator to provide for the establishment of a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care to maintain a national database and provide training, technical assistance, and information.
Bill· SS. 2502 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Improving Our Well-Being Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the Medicare payment rate for hospitals in areas other than large urban areas to reflect the full market basket increase without the 0.55 percentage point reduction currently required. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to: (1) equalize urban and rural standardized payments under the Medicare Inpatient Hospital Prospective Payment System; and (2) increase payments for certain services furnished by small rural hospitals and services that benefit low-volume hospitals. Revises provisions, reimbursement procedures, payments, and ambulance services for specified hospitals. Requires the Secretary to pay the reasonable cost of home health services expended by certain home health agencies and increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for rural health clinics. Extends an increase for medicare home health services furnished in rural areas and the availability of medicare cost contracts for medicare beneficiaries. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) or title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program for eligible entities and individuals (including Indian tribes) to expand the availability of primary dental care services where necessary. Revises the process for designating dental health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas.
Bill· SS. 2490 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facility services for determining updates for FY 2003 and for FY 2004 and subsequent fiscal years.
Bill· HRH.R. 4691 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government, and any State or local government that receives Federal financial assistance, from discriminating against any health care entity because (in addition to current prohibited reasons) the entity refuses to provide coverage of, or pay for, induced abortions. Expands the definition of "health care entity" to include (in addition to physicians) other health professionals, a hospital, a provider sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, and any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 4702 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.
Bill· HRH.R. 4697 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Human Research Subject Protections Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require all human subject research conducted, supported or otherwise subject to Federal regulation to be conducted in accordance with the common rule and the vulnerable-population rules, as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Defines such terms according to different regulations for human subject research subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review all such regulations to harmonize them where feasible with a subsequent proposed rule, explaining remaining differences. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to modify regulations. Requires informed consent, as specified. Requires an Institutional Review Board to approve all human subject research proposals. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for identifying and monitoring high risk clinical trials. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for classified human subject research, as specified. Requires the Secretary to determine whether an entity has violated these requirements, as specified. Establishes an Office of Human Research Protections within the Office of the Secretary to make grants, conduct research and Institutional Review Board audits (requiring corrective action if necessary), and coordinate Federal efforts. Requires the Director to notify the relevant regulatory agency if deficiencies are found. Authorizes the Director of such Office to make grants for the development of a model education program. Requires coordination with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Continues the National Research Protections Act Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations addressing the participation of people with diminished decisionmaking capacity in human subject research.
Bill· HRH.R. 4690 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Methamphetamine Elimination Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat pseudoephedrine as a drug that, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, may only be dispensed by a written prescription of a licensed practitioner.
Bill· HRH.R. 4709 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive research program on the impact and occurrence of hormone disrupting chemicals as they affect human, ecological, and wildlife health. Requires the program to: (1) compile scientifically valid information, with an emphasis on the effect of low doses during critical life stages and the extent of human and wildlife exposure; (2) research the mechanisms by which such chemicals interact with biological systems as well as their screening and tracking; and (3) include the participation of the U.S. Geological Survey. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel within the Institute.
Bill· HRH.R. 4684 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Early Medicare Access and Affordability Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age) (Medicare buy-in) entitling to the same Medicare benefits as an individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) an enrolled individual age 62 to 65 who: (1) would be eligible for such benefits if 65; but (2) is not eligible for benefits under a Federal health insurance program or a group health plan. Provides for monthly premiums, and creates the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold them. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide access to Medicare benefits to displaced workers age 55-to-62 and their spouses. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation benefits for certain retired workers who lose retiree health coverage. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require State Medicaid plans to provide for Federal Medicare-cost sharing premium assistance for certain low-income individuals enrolled under the part D program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4673 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Medication Error Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make medication error information privileged for Federal and State administrative and civil judicial proceedings if the information is voluntarily submitted by a health care provider to a program, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the purpose of developing and disseminating recommendations and information regarding preventing such errors.
Bill· HRH.R. 4665 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Nurse Education Promotion Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to: (1) associate degree schools of nursing for nursing student recruitment and scholarships and for nursing faculty hiring; and (2) professional nursing organizations, including nursing union chapters, for cooperative programs of continuing education for nurses with associate degrees to pursue baccalaureate degrees or receive training in understaffed and critical specialties.
Bill· SS. 2447 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Teaching Hospital Preservation Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to maintain the indirect medical education adjustment percentage at 6.5 percent.
Bill· SS. 2448 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Broadband Telecommunications Deployment Act of 2002 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish the Broadband Deployment and Demand Trust Fund to fund programs established in this Act. Directs the Rural Utilities Service to make loans to fund the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural areas and under served communities. Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to: (1) make grants for planning and feasibility studies on the deployment of broadband services in different geographic areas; and (2) support up to seven pilot programs for conducting innovative applications of wireless, satellite, and other non-wireline technologies capable of delivering broadband service to an eligible rural or under served community. Requires a current Federal-State Joint Board and the National Exchange Carriers Association to report to the Federal Communications Commission and specified congressional committees on universal service and competition. Directs the: (1) Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program for the deployment of broadband technologies and services, particularly in rural and under served communities; (2) Comptroller General to study the facilitation of broadband deployment in other countries; and (3) NTIA to assess the role of broadband in rural and under served areas in addressing homeland security and public safety needs. Provides for: (1) research by the National Science Board and the Director of the Institute of Telecommunications Sciences of NTIA on faster broadband services; (2) grants to colleges and universities for such research; (3) grants to libraries and museums to digitalize collections; and (4) grants for digital television conversion and programming. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a digital network technologies program to strengthen the capacity of eligible institutions to provide instruction in digital network technologies; and (2) a community networking program to enable under served communities to deploy broadband capable networks, as well as broadband access for economic development, public safety, health care, and educational needs.
Bill· SS. 2449 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Federal Responsibility for Immigrant Health Act of 2002 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow Federal Medicaid payments to States for providing pregnancy-related services or services for the testing or treatment for communicable diseases of aliens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law. Gives States the option to eliminate the residency requirement for certain aliens. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to increase the total amount available for allotments for payments to certain States for FY 2003 through 2007, requiring the use of funds from such allotments to assist hospitals and related providers of emergency health services to undocumented aliens that are located in areas that the Secretary of Health and Human Services or a State determines to be substantially impacted by health costs related to undocumented aliens. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to exclude health benefits from the list of State and local public benefits for which certain aliens who are not qualified aliens or nonimmigrants are ineligible (thus permits States and localities to provide health care to all individuals.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4654 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible health care facilities to carry out demonstrations of models and best practices in nursing care in order to develop strategies for nurse retention. Requires such demonstrations to promote nurse satisfaction, communication, collaboration in decision-making, professional advancement, high quality care, and a balanced work-life environment.
Bill· HRH.R. 4644 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Women and Children's HIV Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit making a grant to a State under the care grant program unless the State demonstrates that the law or regulations of the State require specified testing and services for pregnant women and newborn infants regarding HIV disease.
Bill· HRH.R. 4659 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Home Health Nurse and Patient Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Task Force to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the comprehensive assessment of patients to determine whether: (1) the number of assessments required during an episode of care or the number of questions asked during each assessment should be decreased to eliminate redundant and uninformative clinical information; (2) a uniform data collection standard is needed to ensure that patients who are not Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) or Medicaid (SSA title XIX) beneficiaries receive the same quality of care as Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries; and (3) OASIS data should be collected from Medicaid beneficiaries who are not Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a regulation revising the data collection requirements under the OASIS standard used as part of the comprehensive assessment of patients to: (1) make use of such requirements optional for patients of home health agencies who are not Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries; and (2) eliminate such requirements for any home health agency patient to whom only personal care services are furnished. Requires the Secretary to review each regulation relating to the demand billing process for individuals who are both Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to determine whether it may be conducted in a manner that is efficient, allows for determination of Medicare coverage of home health services and expedient claims submission, and does not adversely affect Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries or home health agencies in determination of whether Medicare payment may be made for an item or service. Directs the Secretary to establish the Claims Review and Audit Task Force to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the processes and policies used to review medical claims submitted by home health agencies and on other specified matters. Provides for the implementation of Task Force recommendations.
Bill· SS. 2439 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; or (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of human cloning. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict practices not expressly prohibited. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations and subjects any real or personal property derived from or used to commit a violation to forfeiture. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance with certain Federal standards for the protection of human subjects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4631 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Amends titles XI and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide American Samoa with treatment under Medicaid similar to that provided to States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4634 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
National Capital Area Physician Emergency Assistance Act - Permits physicians licensed in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia to provide services to victims of emergencies in any of such jurisdictions regardless of the jurisdiction of their licensure whenever and wherever a public health emergency is declared by the relevant Governor or Mayor or by the President for the entire National Capital Area. Protects physicians from liability for all but willful, criminal, or reckless misconduct, gross negligence, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others while performing such volunteer emergency service. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide an advance registration system for physician volunteers which verifies their credentials, licences, and hospital privileges.
Bill· SS. 2427 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Preventing Depression in Preadolescent and Adolescent Girls and Women Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions to prevent and treat depression in preadolescent and adolescent girls and in women at-risk for depression in diverse populations. Permits grant funds to be used to: (1) develop screening measures for use in community centers; (2) train educational and health professionals; and (3) develop educational, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 103 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Supports the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month. Commends the 41 States that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn before they leave the hospital. Supports the efforts of speech and hearing professionals in their efforts to improve the speech and hearing development of children. Encourages the U.S. people to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.
Bill· SS. 2394 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require license applications for new drug and biological product to assess such drug's or product's safety and effectiveness for relevant pediatric subpopulations, including dosage. Permits extrapolation from adult studies where the course of the disease and the effects of the drug are sufficiently similar in all populations. Permits deferral of such assessments if adult studies are completed earlier and the applicant submits a plan for or a description of planned or ongoing pediatric studies. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a date for submission of pediatric assessments if a drug's or product's use or need in the pediatric populations so dictates. States that drugs or products with delayed assessments will be deemed misbranded and subject to seizure and injunctive proceedings, though not penalties. Permits full waiver of such assessments if: (1) studies are highly impracticable or impossible and the evidence suggests that the drug or product would be ineffective or unsafe in all pediatric age groups; or (2) there is no meaningful therapeutic advantage or benefit in the pediatric population and little risk if used as labeled. Permits partial waivers at the request of an applicant for a specific pediatric subpopulation if any of the full waiver grounds apply to that subpopulation or reasonable attempts for a pediatric formulation for that subpopulation have failed. Requires labels of these drugs or products to reflect such waivers.
Bill· SS. 2393 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Mental Health Patients' Rights Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health insurance issuer to impose a preexisting condition exclusion relating to a preexisting mental condition only if: (1) such exclusion relates to a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within the six-month period ending on the enrollment date; (2) such exclusion extends for no more than 12 months after the enrollment date; and (3) the exclusion period is reduced by the aggregate periods of creditable coverage applicable to the individual or dependent as of the enrollment date. Prohibits any such issuer from requiring an individual or dependent with a preexisting mental health condition to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than that charged to an individual without such condition when the additional charge is based solely on such preexisting condition. Defines `preexisting mental health condition' to mean a mental health condition, including all categories of mental health conditions listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM IV-TR), or the most recent edition if different than the Fourth Edition, that was present before the date of enrollment of such coverage, whether or not any medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before such date.
Bill· SS. 2391 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Medicaid DSH Equity Act of 2002 - Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to make the Medicaid DSH (disproportionate share hospitals) transition rule for payment to public hospitals permanent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to credit certain paid but unexpended Medicaid funds against future expenditures.
Bill· SS. 2390 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Preserving Health Care in Rural America Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; and (2) revision in the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment for rural hospitals equalizing DSH payment amounts. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make described loans to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements from the loan and loan guarantee fund under PHSA; and (2) a high technology acquisition grant and loan program under which the Secretary may award grants and make loans to any eligible entity for any costs incurred by the entity in acquiring eligible equipment and services for improving the quality of health care in rural areas.
Bill· SS. 2386 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.
Bill· SS. 2328 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Safe Motherhood Act for Research and Treatment or SMART Mom Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Office of Woman's Health, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the Centers for Disease Control, to address the health issues of pregnant women. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Safe Motherhood to evaluate and coordinate Federal research and information efforts and establish and implement the national Safe Motherhood Campaign. Requires the development and maintenance of a single Internet website. Requires expanded and intensified research activities concerning pregnancy-related illness, injury, and death and the impact of chronic conditions, physical impairments, and mental health problems on the health of women during pregnancy. Requires the establishment of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit Network. Awards research and demonstration project grants to address racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Requires: (1) studies of the quality of maternal health care (from a patient's perspective) and the effects of pregnancy on women's health; and (2) surveillance of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity data. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to address issues concerning certain drugs and medical devices and their appropriate use by or effects on pregnant or lactating women and/or fetuses, through: (1) identification and study; (2) pharmacoepidemiological data bases; (3) biennial review and prioritization (drugs); (4) labeling; and (5) the Women's Health: Take Time to Care (or a new) program.
Bill· SS. 2271 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Post-Abortion Support and Services Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (Institute), to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion psychosis. Requires the Director of NIH to also address the physical side effects of having an abortion, including infertility, excessive bleeding, cervical tearing, infection, and death. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) coordinate NIH activities related to post-abortion conditions; (2) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, post-abortion conditions; and (3) conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions, and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques. Requires the Secretary to make grants of up to $100,000 per fiscal year to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion depression or post-abortion psychosis.
Bill· HRH.R. 4600 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2002 - Makes changes to the health care liability system, including compensation for injured patients and other issues arising out of health care law suits. Requires a suit to be brought within three years of the date of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs first. Sets forth requirements and permissible recovery amounts for compensating patient injury, including: (1) the full amount of economic loss without limitation; (2) noneconomic damages as specified; and (3) a fair share rule. Requires the court to supervise payment-of-damage arrangements, limiting contingency fees. Permits the introduction of evidence of collateral source benefits. Limits the availability of punitive damages, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malicious intent to injure or a deliberate failure to avoid substantially certain, unnecessary injury. Prohibits their award for products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, absent material and knowing misrepresentation by those submitting required approval or clearance information to the FDA. Authorizes periodic payment of future damages to claimants. Excludes suits for vaccine-related death or injury from the requirements of this Act if otherwise covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Preempts State law unless such law imposes greater protections for health care providers and organizations from liability, loss, or damages. .
Bill· HRH.R. 4596 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
National Cancer Act of 2002 - Provides a comprehensive Federal effort relating to treatments for and the prevention of cancer. Amends the Public Health Service Act to fund prevention and treatment programs of the National Cancer Institute, including translational cancer research (research needed to transform scientific discoveries into approaches and products to treat and cure cancer). Addresses issues of cancer care, including: (1) clinical trial participation; (2) workforce needs; (3) Medicare coverage; (4) protocols and guidelines; (5) National Program of Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans; (5) the supply of researchers; (6) environmental risk factors research; and (7) a colorectal cancer screening demonstration program. Requires health insurance plans covered by the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide: (1) coverage for clinical trials; (2) coverage of cancer screening, including tobacco and nutrition counseling and genetic testing; and (3) patient access to benefit information. Addresses issues of managing physicians and quality of care for cancer patients covered by such plans, including designating a lead managing physician. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regulate tobacco products. Sets forth requirements pertaining to: (1) adulteration; (2) misbranding; (3) the submission of health information; (4) annual registration and biennial inspection of processors; (5) biannual reporting of product list changes; (6) good manufacturing practices; (7) product performance standards; (8) information, notification, and other remedies; (9) records and reports; (10) premarket review; (11) judicial review; (12) postmarket surveillance; (13) reduced risk tobacco products; (14) preservation of State and local authority; and (15) equal treatment of retail outlets. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to: (1) revise cigarette labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements; and (2) authorize the Secretary to require disclosure of tar, nicotine, and other smoke constituents on package labels and/or advertisements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to revise smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4614 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Amends provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act set forth in the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drugs from Canada (currently, from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, or other countries designated by the Secretary); and (2) exclude an infused or intravenously injected drug or a drug that is inhaled during surgery. Prohibits discrimination in the sale of prescription drugs by manufacturers to pharmacists or wholesalers, requiring: (1) terms as favorable as those provided to foreign purchasers; and (2) full access to drugs permitted to be imported. Continues the requirement that exported donated prescription drugs may only be reimported by the manufacturer. Permits the Secretary to waive the prohibition against importing a prescription drug or device on a case-by-case basis, particularly those from Canada that are FDA-approved and for limited personal use. Requires a study and report by the: (1) Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences on the regulatory compliance of importers of drugs; and (2) Comptroller General on how drug prices were affected.
Bill· HRH.R. 4602 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Safe Motherhood Act for Research and Treatment or SMART Mom Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Office of Woman's Health, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the Centers for Disease Control, to address the health issues of pregnant women. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Safe Motherhood to evaluate and coordinate Federal research and information efforts and establish and implement the national Safe Motherhood Campaign. Requires the development and maintenance of a single Internet website. Requires expanded and intensified research activities concerning pregnancy-related illness, injury, and death and the impact of chronic conditions, physical impairments, and mental health problems on the health of women during pregnancy. Requires the establishment of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit Network. Awards research and demonstration project grants to address racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Requires: (1) studies of the quality of maternal health care (from a patient's perspective) and the effects of pregnancy on women's health; and (2) surveillance of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity data. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to address issues concerning certain drugs and medical devices and their appropriate use by or effects on pregnant or lactating women and/or fetuses, through: (1) identification and study; (2) pharmacoepidemiological data bases; (3) biennial review and prioritization (drugs); (4) labeling; and (5) the Women's Health: Take Time to Care (or a new) program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4604 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Securing Access, Value, and Equality in Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a tax credit in an amount equal to the amount paid for qualified health insurance, subject to stated limitations. Requires persons who receive payments for health insurance coverage of an individual to make certain information returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments to the provider of an individual's qualified health insurance equal to the Secretary's estimate of the amount of credit allowable for the eligible individual.
Bill· HRH.R. 4606 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Alzheimer's Disease Research, Prevention, and Care Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the purposes of the National Institute on Aging to include conducting programs regarding Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative, including accelerating the discovery of new risk and protective factors, rapidly identifying therapies and preventive interventions, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) establish and support a national consortium for cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct, or make grants to conduct, research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 398 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Recognizes the devastating impact of fragile X on thousands of people in the United States and their families. Calls for increased research. Supports National Fragile X Research Day and associated activities.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 400 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Expresses support for the goals of: (1) Autism Awareness Month; (2) increased Federal funding of autism research; and (3) early intervention services. Commends: (1) parents and relatives of autistic children for their sacrifice and dedication; and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services for swift implementation of the Children's Health Act of 2000, particularly for establishing Centers of Excellence for autism research.