Healthcare

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct an outreach program to identify and provide information to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom and who reside in rural communities in order to enroll those veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system; (2) expand access to Vet Centers in rural areas; (3) develop and implement a plan for improving veterans access to health care in rural areas; (4) establish a health information technology pilot program to ensure quality care for rural veterans through VA facilities; (5) establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans; (6) designate at least four VA health care facilities as centers of rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (7) include rural veterans in a current VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (8) enhance the education, training, retention, and recruitment of health professionals in rural areas; and (9) expand VA health care presence in Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Native Alaskan rural communities.

Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make public a strategic plan to integrate biodefense and emerging infectious disease requirements with the advanced research and development, strategic initiatives for innovation, and the procurement of qualified countermeasures and qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Establishes the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary to: (1) coordinate and oversee the acceleration of countermeasure and product advanced research and development; and (2) delegate to the Director of BARDA any necessary functions and authorities. Establishes the Biodefense Medical Countermeasure Development Fund. Requires the Secretary to establish the National Biodefense Science Board to provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to current and future chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological agents. Prohibits payment on a security countermeasure procurement contract until the delivery of an acceptable portion of such product to the Secretary unless advance payment is necessary to ensure the success of the project. Requires the Secretary, where possible, to enter into multiple transactions for the procurement of multiple technologies and products from manufacturers of security countermeasures and qualified countermeasures.

Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop techniques for the isolation, derivation, production, or testing of stem cells that are capable of producing all or almost all of the cell types of the developing body and may result in improved understanding of treatments for diseases and other adverse health conditions, but are not derived from a human embryo. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide guidance concerning the next steps required for additional research; (2) prioritize research with the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefit; and (3) take into account techniques outlined by the President's Council on Bioethics and any other appropriate techniques and research.

U.S. General Population Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

U.S. General Population Act - Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement or promote measures to: (1) influence population dynamics through education systems, public health systems, professional and technical training systems, and child protection systems, and encourage the participation of the collective populace in solving the problems that affect it; (2) regulate immigration and ensure immigrant assimilation and distribution into the national environment; (3) restrict U.S. emigration when national interests so require; and (4) stimulate the establishment of strong population cores of U.S. citizens and nationals in low population density border areas. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) migration; (2) immigration; (3) a national population registry; and (4) immigration-related penalties.

National Uniformity for Food Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

National Uniformity for Food Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit any state or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect for any food in interstate commerce any requirement that is not identical to specified FFDCA provisions (that would result in materially different requirements), including those related to adulterated foods, unsafe food additives, new animal drugs, and warnings concerning food safety. Allows state enforcement of identical provisions unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services has determined that such state provisions should not be enforced. Allows a state to petition for an exemption or to establish a national standard regarding any requirement under FFDCA or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows the Secretary to provide such an exemption if the requirement: (1) protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected; (2) would not cause any food to be in violation of any federal law; and (3) would not unduly burden interstate commerce. Allows a state to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FFDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this Act if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met. Declares that this Act does not preempt certain state and local laws relating to labeling or a consumer advisory relating to food sanitation imposed on a food establishment or recommended by the Secretary. Declares that the Act takes effect only if the Secretary certifies to Congress that implementation will pose no additional risk to the public health or safety from terrorist acts relating to the food supply.

Life-Saving Medicines Export Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Life-Saving Medicines Export Act of 2006 - Allows the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to issue a compulsory license to a generic manufacturer of a pharmaceutical product or a patented product needed to prevent or treat potentially life threatening public health problems for the purposes of manufacturing and exporting such pharmaceutical products to an eligible country. Allows exportation to a country that is a least developed country as designated by the United Nations (U.N.) or a country that lacks sufficient manufacturing capacities to produce the pharmaceutical product. Sets forth application requirements for compulsory licenses, including that the manufacturer sought a voluntary license from the patent holder. Requires the Director to establish an office within USPTO to assist applicants and eligible counties, nongovernmental organizations, or nations likely to become eligible countries in identifying companies in the United States which could provide pharmaceutical products under this Act. Sets forth formulas for calculating the royalty amount that the holder of a compulsory license must pay to the patent holder. Allows the Director to grant a compulsory license to a generic manufacturer on an expedited basis for a limited period for a pharmaceutical product to address a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency. Declares that it is not patent infringement to manufacture and export a pharmaceutical product in accordance with this Act. Requires the Director to establish the National Advisory Board on Implementation of the General Council Decision to provide advice and guidance regarding the implementation and administration of the compulsory licensing program established under this Act.

All-Hazards Public Health Emergency and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

All-Hazards Public Health Emergency and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish guidelines for preparedness grantees to conduct assessments of public health capacities; (2) dispense only 50% of a preparedness grant unless the entity has an approved preparedness and response plan; (3) establish measurable performance standards with respect to basic preparedness for identified public health threats; and (4) study the size and scope of the health care and public health workforces necessary to respond to common public health issues and emergencies. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health to carry out the public health preparedness functions of HHS. Conditions the receipt of grant funds on an entity having a plan for operational continuity in the event of bioterrorism or another public health emergency. Establishes a fund to provide short-term assistance to health care providers and members of the public health workforce in the event of bioterrorism or another public health emergency. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to offer scholarships in return for working at federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies; (2) establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans in exchange for working at such agencies; and (3) award grants to public health agencies for workforce loan repayment programs.

Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the grant program to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women to include: (1) parenting women substance abuse treatment (including treatment for addiction to methamphetamine); and (2) outpatient treatment services. Requires that such treatment programs be accessible to pregnant and parenting women in health disparity populations. Gives priority in awarding grants to any entity that agrees to use the award for programs serving: (1) an area that is a rural area, an area with a shortage of mental health professionals, or an area with a shortage of family-based substance abuse treatment options; or (2) an area that has high rates of addiction to methamphetamine or other drugs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts for the purpose of assisting local jails and detention facilities in providing comprehensive, family-based substance abuse treatment services to pregnant and parenting adults who are considered nonviolent offenders. Sets forth criteria that must be met if such a grant is used for a family drug treatment program that is an alternative to incarceration.

Medicare Lung Cancer Screening Benefit Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Medicare Lung Cancer Screening Benefit Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of lung cancer screening tests for high-risk individuals.

To repeal the Medicare cost containment provisions contained in subtitle A of title VIII of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Repeals the Medicare cost containment provisions of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

District of Columbia Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

District of Columbia Medicaid Reimbursement Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for the District of Columbia from 70% to 75%.

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment that existed prior to the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Repeals: (1) the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use; and (2) the requirement that the equipment supplier transfer title to the individual at the end of such period, with payments continuing at specified monthly rates.

Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the grant program to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women to include: (1) parenting women substance abuse treatment (including treatment for addiction to methamphetamine); and (2) outpatient treatment services. Requires that such treatment programs be accessible to pregnant and parenting women in health disparity populations. Gives priority in awarding grants to any entity that agrees to use the award for programs serving: (1) an area that is a rural area, an area with a shortage of mental health professionals, or an area with a shortage of family-based substance abuse treatment options; or (2) an area that has high rates of addiction to methamphetamine or other drugs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts for the purpose of assisting local jails and detention facilities in providing comprehensive, family-based substance abuse treatment services to pregnant and parenting adults who are considered nonviolent offenders. Sets forth criteria that must be met if such a grant is used for a family drug treatment program that is an alternative to incarceration.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide special treatment of certain cancer hospitals under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to inpatient hospital service payments to certain hospitals (subsection (d) hospitals) on the basis of prospective rates, to exclude certain cancer hospitals from the meaning of subsection (d) hospital.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive, for two-year periods, requirements for awarding breast and cervical cancer grants to states if certain conditions are met, including that granting such a waiver will not reduce the number of women in the state receiving examinations and screening for breast or cervical cancer or the quality of such services. Requires the Secretary to review performance under the waiver and allows the Secretary to extend such waivers. Authorizes appropriations for breast and cervical cancer grants through FY2012.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a two-year demonstration project for Medicare payment for comprehensive cancer care symptom management services furnished by an eligible entity in accordance with a described plan. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for establishing a new, or expanding an existing, palliative care and symptom management program for cancer patients. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to improve the quality of graduate and postgraduate training of physicians, nurses, and other health care providers, as well as continuing professional education, in palliative care and symptom management for such patients. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to establish a program of grants for research on palliative care, symptom management, communication skills, and other end-of-life topics for such patients.

HSA Accessibility and Portability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

HSA Accessibility and Portability Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize a health insurance issuer to elect, instead of complying with the guaranteed issue requirements (that require a health insurance issuer offering coverage in the small group market in a state to accept every small employer that applies and to accept all eligible individuals without certain restrictions), to: (1) guarantee continuation of coverage through individual health insurance for an individual who no longer qualifies as an eligible individual of the employer at a rate that does not exceed 150% of the standard individual rate applicable to individual coverage in the state; and (2) furnish information for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor the impact of such election on access to, and affordability of, health insurance coverage in the small group market and in the individual market. Requires such an election to apply to all eligible individuals of that small employer at the time of such election, but does not require applicability to an individual who becomes eligible after such election. Allows an election under this Act to be made only with respect to coverage of a small employer under health insurance coverage that consists of a high deductible health plan and a contribution to a health savings account.

Honoring the members of the Armed Forces serving as health care professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Honors the members of the Armed Forces serving as health care professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizes the research and advancements achieved by military health care professionals in the area of battlefield medical care and the direct applications and benefits such research and advancement will have to civilian medical care.

Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006

Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with regard to the importance of National Women's Health Week, which promotes awareness of diseases that affect women and which encourages women to take preventive measures to ensure good health.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006

Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women and highlight racial disparities in the rates of these diseases. Calls for: (1) people to use National Women's Health Week as an opportunity to learn about health issues that face women; and (2) women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings from their health care providers.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate concerning the value of family planning for American women.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006

Calls for Congress to: (1) help women, regardless of income, avoid unintended pregnancy and abortion through access to affordable contraception; and (2) support programs and policies that make it easier for women to obtain contraceptives.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with regard to the importance of Women's Health Week, which promotes awareness of diseases that affect women and which encourages women to take preventive measures to ensure good health.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006

Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women and highlight racial disparities in the rates of these diseases. Calls for: (1) people to use Women's Health Week as an opportunity to learn about health issues that face women; and (2) women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day on May 15, 2006, by receiving preventive screenings from their health care providers.

Public Health and Medical Emergency Coordination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006

Public Health and Medical Emergency Coordination Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to transfer the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the National Disaster Medical System to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Currently, such System is directed by the Secretary of Homeland Security.) Designates HHS as the primary agency for the coordination of federal assistance to supplement state, local, and tribal resources for preparing for or responding to a bioterrorist attack or other public health or medical emergency.

Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit a state from providing for medical assistance through enrollment of an individual with benchmark coverage or benchmark-equivalent coverage unless it includes certain family planning services and supplies; (2 ) include women who are not pregnant but who meet certain income eligibility standards in a mandatory categorically needy group for family planning services purposes; and (3) allow a state Medicaid plan to provide for making medical assistance available to such individuals during a presumptive eligibility period.

Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the eligibility period for a "Welcome to Medicare" physical examination from six months to one year; and (2) eliminate the 20% coinsurance for screening mammography and colorectal cancer screening tests.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Prescription Drug Ombudsman.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of the Medicare Prescription Drug Ombudsman, appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, whose assistance includes registering complaints and helping to resolve disputes about the benefits under prescription drug plans under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the enactment of legislation that provides access to comprehensive health care for all Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Calls for legislation to be enacted by October 1, 2008, to guarantee that every person in the United States is entitled to receive all medically necessary care under a system of care that meets specified requirements, including that: (1) the system provides a single universal standard of excellence in care; (2) such care is affordable to all and there are no financial barriers to needed care; (3) the system provides comprehensive benefits and promotes prevention and early intervention; and (4) the system maximizes consumer choice of health care providers.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of oral health, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Declares that access to oral health care services and the prevention of oral health care disease is integral to achieving and maintaining good health. Recognizes the Academy of General Dentistry for promoting high standards of training and professionalism in the field of primary dental care and helping to address the treatment and prevention of oral health disease.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress with regard to the importance of Women's Health Week, which promotes awareness of diseases that affect women and which encourages women to take preventive measures to ensure good health.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women and highlight racial disparities in the rates of these diseases. Calls for: (1) people to use Women's Health Week as an opportunity to learn about health issues that face women; and (2) women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day on May 15, 2006, by receiving preventive screenings from their health care providers.

Valley Fever Vaccine Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Valley Fever Vaccine Development Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants for research toward the development of a vaccine against coccidioidomycosis (commonly known as Valley Fever).

Border Health Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Border Health Security Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, or public health entities for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats or bioterrorism along the border area. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational public health infrastructure and health insurance efforts. Authorizes any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain a metropolitan area's eligibility to receive an AIDS emergency relief grant until such area fails to meet eligibility requirements for three consecutive years. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of HIV/AIDS (currently, AIDS) cases. Requires the return of unexpended grant funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the submission of an application for the use of such funds. Directs grantees to expend not less than 75% of grant funds received on core medical services. Allows the Secretary to grant waivers to such requirement under certain circumstances. Establishes a transitional grant program for metropolitan areas with lower numbers of AIDS cases. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a list of classes of core AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) antiretroviral medications. Requires states to ensure that such medications are the minimum required treatments to be included in any ADAP program. Limits the amount by which a grant to an eligible metropolitan area can decrease each year. Provides for supplemental grants to states that demonstrate a need for supplemental financial assistance. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist states in providing eligible individuals appropriate access to pharmaceutical therapies. Establishes a grant program for the provision of family-centered care involving outpatient or ambulatory care for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV/AIDS. Provides for activities to evaluate and address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and disparities in access, treatment, care, and outcome on racial and ethnic minorities.

Rural Health Services Preservation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Rural Health Services Preservation Act of 2006 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage organizations to provide for a payment rate for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services that is: (1) at least the applicable payment rate established under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for such services; or (2) 103% of the otherwise applicable payment rate, if the critical access hospital or the rural health clinic determines appropriate.

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement for specified emergency care and services of private institutions for mental diseases subject (under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Medicaid (EMTALA) Program) to certain requirements for examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions. Requires the Medicaid program to reimburse such institutions for care and services required to stabilize an emergency medical condition of an individual between ages 21 and 65, if the treatment is within the range of services that such institution typically provides.

Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalty for months during calendar year 2006. Amends SSA title XVIII to set additional limitations on the total amount of expenditures from the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund for periods prior to October 1, 2007, and during the period from October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2011.

Border Health Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Border Health Security Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, or public health entities for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats or bioterrorism along the border area. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational public health infrastructure and health insurance efforts. Authorizes any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.

Expressing the sense of the Congress concerning contraceptives for women.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Expresses supports for: (1) a national campaign to help all women, regardless of income, avoid unintended pregnancy and abortion through access to contraception; and (2) programs and policies that make it easier for women to obtain contraceptives and use them consistently and correctly.

Expressing the sense of Congress with regard to the importance of Women's Health Week, which promotes awareness of diseases that affect women and which encourages women to take preventive measures to ensure good health.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women and highlight racial disparities in the rates of these diseases. Calls for: (1) people to use Women's Health Week as an opportunity to learn about health issues that face women; and (2) women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings from their health care providers.

Medicare Late Enrollment Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Medicare Late Enrollment Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate months in 2006 from the calculation of any late enrollment penalty under Medicare part D. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY2007 to: (1) make grants to states for state health insurance counseling programs receiving assistance under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990; and (2) enable the Assistant Secretary on Aging to provide grants to states for area agencies on aging to provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare benefits information. Amends SSA title XVIII to set additional limitations on the total amount of expenditures from the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund for periods prior to October 1, 2007, and between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2011.

Medicare Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Medicare Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the annual, coordinated election period, without any late enrollment penalty, for an additional seven months until the end of calendar 2006 for enrollments in Medicare Advantage plans and in the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Permits a one-time change of plan enrollment for the Medicare prescription drug benefit during all of 2006 (currently, only during the first six months of 2006). Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award health insurance information, counseling, and assistance grants to states under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.

Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)) to establish and support demonstration, education, and other programs for cancer survivorship. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) expand and coordinate NIH cancer survivorship research activities; (2) establish a Division of Cancer Survivorship within NCI; and (3) provide for the expansion of cancer survivorship research activities at NCI-designated cancer centers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) expand the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program; (2) study the unique health challenges associated with cancer survivorship; and (3) carry out projects and interventions to improve the long-term health status of cancer survivors. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish programs that demonstrate how to prevent and control cancer and improve access to quality cancer care among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations with disproportionate incidence of, or death from, cancer; (2) promote cancer education, prevention, and early detection of cancer; (3) award grants for cancer control and prevention; and (4) establish the National Commission on Cancer Survivorship. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC and NCI, to make grants to monitor and evaluate the quality of cancer care, develop information concerning the quality of care, and monitor cancer survivorship.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to awards grants to eligible entities to: (1) provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel; (2) develop educational programs about newborn screening for parents, families, and patient advocacy and support groups; and (3) establish, maintain, and operate a system to assess and coordinate treatment relating to congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders. Requires the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to: (1) recommend a uniform screening panel for newborn screening programs that includes the heritable disorders for which all newborns should be screened; and (2) develop a model decision-matrix for newborn screening program expansion. Directs the Secretary to adopt or reject any new or pending recommendations by the Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) provide for quality assurance for screening laboratories; (2) provide for population-based pilot testing for evaluating use of new screening tools on a mass scale; (3) collect, analyze, and make available data on certain heritable disorders; and (4) operate regional centers for the conduct of applied epidemiological research on the prevention of such disorders.

One More Chance to Sign Up Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

One More Chance to Sign Up Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an additional two-month period from June 15 through August 15, 2006, for enrollments in Medicare Advantage plans and in the Medicare prescription drug benefit without any late enrollment penalty.

Veterans Mental Health Care Access Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Veterans Mental Health Care Access Improvement Act of 2006 - Modifies requirements for appointment to positions in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by establishing eligibility requirements for licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

HEALTH CARE LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES CURRENTLY PENDING BEFORE THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2006

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006

Emergency Preparedness and Response Security, Accountability, and Flexibility Enhancement Act or the SAFE ACT - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions relating to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies preparedness grants, including to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop measurable critical benchmarks and performance standards. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a real-time surveillance program for collecting and reporting information on notifiable diseases and conditions (infectious diseases, environmental exposures or poisons, and other conditions, the real-time surveillance and control of which in the United States constitute a critical public health need). Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a national electronic surveillance program for such diseases. Provides for a health alert in the case of a public health emergency or other circumstance requiring active surveillance. Requires the Secretary to award grants to enable states to conduct surveillance and report with respect to notifiable diseases. Makes ineligible for certain funding states or health care providers that do not report notifiable diseases. Allows grantees to use grant funds to develop benchmarks for meeting critical capacity for food or water borne disease detection and response. Requires the Director to provide for the evaluation of the progress made by state and local governments in meeting the benchmarks established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for the inspection, screening, and quarantine of live animals entering the United States for commercial purposes. Requires the federal agency partners of the National Disaster Medical System to conduct a review of the National Disaster Medical System infrastructure.

Pharmaceutical Technology and Education Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006

Pharmaceutical Technology and Education Enhancement Act - Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to expand and intensify certain research and education programs regarding pharmaceutical science and engineering through the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE) and its member institutions. Requires such programs to focus on medical therapy development and manufacturing, analytical technologies, modeling, and informatics. Requires the Commissioner to establish a Coordinating Committee to: (1) assist with and coordinate research and develop strategies for the rapid design, enhanced manufacturing process, and improved quality of new medical technology; and (2) develop a plan for supporting, through NIPTE and federal agency participants, research and education relating to medical technology development and manufacturing.

Rural Physicians Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006

Rural Physicians Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain primary health services providers (i.e., physicians and licensed mental health care practitioners) a tax credit of $1,000 for each month such providers provide medical care to rural patients in certain sparsely populated areas of the United States.

Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006

Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) correction of erroneous determinations and other changes in fee schedule and national limitation amounts for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (2) issuance of regulations on gap-filling methodology in determining the Medicare fee schedule for such tests; (3) increased transparency of process for determining fee schedule amounts for new tests; and (4) mandatory advance notice of clinical diagnostic laboratory test amounts being considered for adjustment under inherent reasonableness authority. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a demonstration project to evaluate new approaches to coding and payment under the Medicare program for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; and (2) appoint a standing panel to determine tests to be included in the project and make recommendations derived from project results to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Medicare Anesthesiology Teaching Funding Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006

Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.