Healthcare

National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2011

National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; and (2) incorporate information obtained through such activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the System is designed in a manner that facilitates further research on neurological diseases. Requires the Secretary to provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of neurological diseases in the United States and other information on neurological diseases, such as demographics information, risk factors, or diagnosis and progression markers. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on neurological diseases, such as information concerning the epidemiology, natural history, prevention, detection, management, and treatment of the diseases and the development of outcomes measures; and (2) address issues identified through consultations with individuals with appropriate expertise. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities to carry out activities under this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make information and analysis in the System available to federal agencies and to the public, including researchers; and (2) ensure that privacy and security protections applicable to the System are at least as stringent as the protections under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Expressing support for the sixth IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention and the sense of the House of Representatives that continued commitment by the United States to HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs is crucial to protecting global health.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2011

Supports the sixth International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention. Recognizes that continued commitment by the United States to HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs is crucial to protecting global health. Encourages the ongoing development of innovative therapies and advances in clinical treatment for HIV/AIDS. Urges scientists, health care providers, policymakers, community leaders, and all individuals committed to ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic to attend the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012).

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2011

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding the manner in which such officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints are represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Directs the Committee to regularly review published public and private treatment guidelines and evaluate such guidelines for effective representation of a wide variety of views. Requires the Secretary, acting as appropriate through various federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and the conduct or support of specified activities, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) surveillance and reporting of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases; (4) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (5) increasing public education related to such diseases; (6) creating a physician education program to educate health professionals on the latest research and diversity of treatment options for Lyme disease; (7) establishing epidemiological research objectives; and (8) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the calculation of modified adjusted gross income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain healthcare-related programs.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include social security benefits that are excluded from gross income in the calculation of modified adjusted gross income for purposes of determining eligibility for the tax credit for coverage under a qualified health plan.

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2011

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend from July 31, 2011 to July 31, 2016, the exemption for critical access hospitals from the limit on patient days customarily assignable to specified categories of care under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Federal Housing Administration [FHA]) hospital mortgage insurance program.

Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2011

Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011 - Allows grants made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for homeless veterans' comprehensive services programs (outreach, rehabilitation, vocational counseling, and transitional housing assistance) to be used for the construction of new facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from denying applications for such grants solely on the basis that the grant entity proposes to use funding from other private or public sources, as long as such entity demonstrates that a private nonprofit organization will provide project oversight and site control. Revises eligibility: (1) under the grant program for entities serving homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) for treatment and rehabilitation of homeless veterans who are not seriously mentally ill. Includes all individuals caring for minor dependents (current law applies only to women caring for minor dependents) within the definition of "homeless veterans with special needs." Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans. Requires the plan to consider circumstances and requirements unique to veterans located in rural areas. Extends provisions concerning: (1) homeless veterans' health care to December 31, 2012; (2) centers for provision of comprehensive services and property transfers for housing assistance to December 31, 2014; and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans to December 30, 2013.

Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2011

Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and report on a hazard tree and commercial timber evaluation that identifies timber resources appropriate for removal within the Wallow Fire Area in Arizona and New Mexico not later than the date that is the earlier of: (1) 30 days after the completion of the burned area emergency response for the Wallow Fire Area; or (2) 45 days after the date of containment of the Wallow Fire. Requires the Secretary to: (1) exclude from areas identified for tree removal high fire-severity burned areas on steep slopes, slopes with an incline greater than 40%, riparian areas, and fragile erosive sites, unless tree removal in those areas is necessary to address public health and safety concerns; and (2) limit the removal of trees under a timber removal project under this Act to hazard trees and trees that are already down, dead, or severely root-sprung, such that mortality is highly probable. Provides that: (1) nothing in this Act authorizes new permanent road construction for timber removal, and (2) it is the intent of Congress that all timber removal projects carried out under this Act be completed within 18 months of this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary, in the case of a timber removal project to be conducted in a Community Protection Management Area, to prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed agency action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Subjects timber removal projects carried out under this Act to the special administrative process and judicial review process under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. Requires amounts collected from a timber removal project carried out under this Act to be available for expenditure by the Secretary for forest restoration treatments in the Wallow Fire Area.

Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2011

Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of "children's hospital" for purposes of payments associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs to include a psychiatric hospital that has, continuously since enactment of this Act, met the following criteria: (1) the hospital is excluded from the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system, (2) the hospital has 90% or more inpatients under the age of 18, (3) the hospital has a Medicare payment agreement, and (4) the hospital has an accredited residency program.

To provide for the establishment of the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2011

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding the manner in which they can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

VA MENTAL HEALTH CARE: CLOSING THE GAPS

United States · United States Senate · 14 July 2011

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, as part of the National Toxicology Program, to: (1) establish and implement a research program designed to strengthen the scientific basis of information used by federal agencies to understand the effects of, and reduce human exposure to, endocrine-disrupting chemicals; (2) establish an Endocrine Disruption Expert Panel to report to the Director on issues related to identification, classification, or evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals; (3) for each chemical determined by the Director to be a potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemical, identify the level of evidence that such chemical is or may be an endocrine-disrupting chemical, the level of concern that such chemical may disrupt the human endocrine system, and the pathways of exposure to the chemical for humans and animals; and (4) provide to Congress and each relevant federal agency and make publicly available every two years an up-to-date list of potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemicals and a report on the Program's activities and on federal agencies' activities with respect to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Requires the Panel to: (1) report to the Director on issues related to identification, classification, or evaluation of not more than 10 endocrine-disrupting chemicals or groups of chemicals; (2) evaluate existing research aimed at understanding the biological pathways in humans by which such chemicals operate and identify future research priorities; and (3) maintain a list that identifies chemicals of concern for endocrine disruption effects. Authorizes any federal agency, state, local or tribal government, or person to petition the Director to: (1) determine whether a chemical should be identified by the Program as a potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemical and included in the list; or (2) reclassify a chemical, revise a finding, or amend any other determination of the Program based upon new information. Provides that a listing, finding, or other determination shall not be subject to judicial review or to correction under the Information Quality Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director to conduct and support an Endocrine Disruption Research Program. Authorizes the Director to conduct workshops and forums and provide information on the health effects associated with chemicals that may disrupt the endocrine system. Requires each federal agency with regulatory authority over any chemical included on the list to prepare and publish a written response to each biennial list. Specifies actions each such agency must take if: (1) the Director determines there is a minimal level of concern that a chemical may disrupt the human endocrine system (e.g, developing a strategy for reducing human exposure to the chemical, including methods to promote voluntary actions by industry for reducing such exposure), and (2) the Director finds there is a high level of concern (e.g., prohibiting the use of the chemical in a manner in or affecting interstate commerce unless the pathway to human exposure is mitigated before or in conjunction with such use). Provides for citizen suits to restrain the prohibited use of chemicals under this Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include findings and determinations of the Program in the Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource databases to the extent permitted by law, and (2) the Director to establish a program to support graduate and postdoctoral training in fields related to the study and prevention of endocrine disruption.

Affordable Medicines Utilization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Affordable Medicines Utilization Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to FY2012-FY2014, to require an increase in the quarterly Medicaid payment to a state by 50% of the generic drug utilization savings amount if the state's generic substitution rate for the most recent preceding fiscal year for which data is available is greater than its rate for the most recent second preceding fiscal year for which data is available. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine the state's generic substitution rate for such fiscal years. Defines "generic substitution rate" as the share of all drug units for which Medicaid payment is made to a state for the 20 most widely prescribed multiple source drugs under the state program that have a specific National Drug Code.

Nursing Home Patient Protection and Standards Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Nursing Home Patient Protection and Standards Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require testing programs in skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey and certification techniques to be sufficiently rigorous to ensure that surveyors are adequately prepared to survey and certify SNFs in a consistent and accurate manner. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish requirements: (1) for the qualification and compensation of members of a survey team, and (2) that a state employs an adequate number of individuals as members of survey teams to ensure adequate oversight of SNFs. Requires the Secretary, in addition to the training and testing program, to require that state and federal surveyors regularly complete an adequate number of continuing education courses meeting certain requirements for content and rigor of material. Requires covered individuals to report to the Secretary instances where surveys fail to report or under report an issue in a facility that could impact the safety or quality of care of its residents. Adds whistleblower protections for such individuals. Adds penalties for inappropriately influencing a surveyor. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee on surveys. Requires survey team supervisors to review each conducted survey to ensure that any identified issues affecting quality of care are consistently and appropriately described and rated.

Breast Cancer Recovery Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Breast Cancer Recovery Improvement Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to require payment for post-mastectomy external breast prosthesis garments regardless of whether such items are supplied to the beneficiary before or after the mastectomy or other breast cancer surgical procedure. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop policies to ensure appropriate beneficiary access and utilization safeguards for such items.

Physician Availability Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Physician Availability Act of 2011 - Requires each covered hospital to have a qualified physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to the needs of the hospital's inpatients. Defines a "covered hospital" to: (1) include hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid or receiving federal funds, and (2) exclude hospitals in a federal facility or hospitals that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines have fewer than 100 licensed beds. Considers a physician to be available if: (1) the physician is physically present in the hospital; (2) the physician's primary responsibility is to be in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's inpatients without delay; and (3) the physician is not physically present in, assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover the hospital's emergency room or emergency department. Sets forth penalties for violations.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, as part of the National Toxicology Program, to: (1) establish and implement a research program designed to strengthen the scientific basis of information used by federal agencies to understand the effects of, and reduce human exposure to, endocrine-disrupting chemicals; (2) establish an Endocrine Disruption Expert Panel to report to the Director on issues related to identification, classification, or evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals; (3) for each chemical determined by the Director to be a potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemical, identify the level of evidence that such chemical is or may be an endocrine-disrupting chemical, the level of concern that such chemical may disrupt the human endocrine system, and the pathways of exposure to the chemical for humans and animals; and (4) provide to Congress and each relevant federal agency and make publicly available every two years an up-to-date list of potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemicals and a report on the Program's activities and on federal agencies' activities with respect to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Requires the Panel to: (1) report to the Director on issues related to identification, classification, or evaluation of not more than 10 endocrine-disrupting chemicals or groups of chemicals; (2) evaluate existing research aimed at understanding the biological pathways in humans by which such chemicals operate and identify future research priorities; and (3) maintain a list that identifies chemicals of concern for endocrine disruption effects. Authorizes any state, tribe, local government, federal agency, or person to petition the Director to: (1) determine whether a chemical should be identified by the Program as a potential or actual endocrine-disrupting chemical and included in the list; or (2) reclassify a chemical, revise a finding, or amend any other determination of the Program based upon new information. Provides that a listing, finding, or other determination shall not be subject to judicial review or to correction under the Information Quality Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director to conduct and support an Endocrine Disruption Research Program. Authorizes the Director to conduct workshops and fora and provide information on the health effects associated with chemicals that may disrupt the endocrine system. Requires each federal agency with regulatory authority over any chemical included on the list to prepare and publish a written response to each biennial list. Specifies actions each such agency must take if: (1) the Director determines there is a minimal level of concern that a chemical may disrupt the human endocrine system (e.g., developing a strategy for reducing human exposure to the chemical, including methods to promote voluntary actions by industry for reducing such exposure), and (2) the Director determines there is a high level of concern (e.g., prohibiting the use of the chemical in a manner in or affecting interstate commerce unless the pathway to human exposure is mitigated before or in conjunction with such use). Provides for citizen suits to restrain the prohibited use of chemicals under this Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include findings and determinations of the Program in the Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource databases to the extent permitted by law, and (2) the Director to establish a program to support graduate and postdoctoral training in fields related to the study and prevention of endocrine disruption.

To extend for 5 years the authorization of appropriations for the sickle cell disease prevention and treatment demonstration program.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2011

Amends the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 to reauthorize appropriations for FY2013-FY2017 for a demonstration program to develop and establish systemic mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2011

Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) establish the National Pulmonary Fibrosis Advisory Board, (2) develop a system to collect data on pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases, and (3) establish the National PF Registry. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in developing the Registry, to: (1) expand and coordinate existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure; and (2) provide for research access to pulmonary fibrosis data. Directs the Secretary to ensure that epidemiological and other types of information are made available to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Director of CDC to prepare the National Pulmonary Fibrosis Education and Awareness Plan, which shall: (1) focus on strategies to increase public education and awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, (2) address the need for new physician education strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment standards, and (3) assess and monitor the costs of pulmonary fibrosis and its burden on patients and families. Encourages the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate Institute pulmonary fibrosis research activities.

Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2011

Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, to prescribe a special rule for applying Medicare electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote inpatient locations. Prohibits administrative or judicial review of: (1) the methodology and standards for determining a remote inpatient location, a qualified remote inpatient location, a component facility, a qualified component facility, a main provider, and a qualified main provider, and which such locations, facilities, and providers are qualified; and (2) the methodology and standards for the election in connection with such special rule. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to set forth a special rule for applying Medicaid EHR incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote locations.

Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost-Saving Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2011

Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to lymphedema diagnosis and treatment services. including lymphedema compression treatment items.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2011

Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) establish the National Pulmonary Fibrosis Advisory Board, (2) develop a system to collect data on pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases, and (3) establish the National PF Registry. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in developing the Registry, to: (1) expand and coordinate existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure; and (2) provide for research access to pulmonary fibrosis data. Directs the Secretary to ensure that epidemiological and other types of information are made available to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Director of CDC to prepare the National Pulmonary Fibrosis Education and Awareness Plan, which shall: (1) focus on strategies to increase public education and awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, (2) address the need for new physician education strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment standards, and (3) assess and monitor the costs of pulmonary fibrosis and its burden on patients and families. Encourages the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate Institute pulmonary fibrosis research activities.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION, H.R. 1852, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL GME SUPPORT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011, AND H.R. 2005, COMBATING AUTISM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 July 2011

Arizona Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2011

Arizona Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and report on a hazard tree and commercial timber evaluation that identifies timber resources appropriate for removal within the Wallow Fire Area not later than the earlier of: (1) 30 days after the completion of the burned area emergency response for the Wallow Fire Area; or (2) 45 days after the date of containment of the Wallow Fire. Requires the Secretary to: (1) exclude from areas identified for tree removal high fire-severity burned areas on steep slopes, slopes with an incline greater than 40%, riparian areas, and fragile erosive sites, unless tree removal in those areas is necessary to address public health and safety concerns; and (2) limit the removal of trees under a timber removal project under this Act to hazard trees and trees that are already down, dead, or severely root-sprung, such that mortality is highly probable. Provides that: (1) nothing in this Act authorizes new permanent road construction for timber removal, and (2) it is the intent of Congress that all timber removal projects carried out under this Act be completed within 18 months of this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary, in the case of a timber removal project to be conducted in a Community Protection Management Area, to prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed agency action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Subjects timber removal projects carried out under this Act to the special administrative process and judicial review process under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. Requires amounts collected from a timber removal project carried out under this Act to be available for expenditure by the Secretary without further appropriation for forest restoration treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona.

Grid Cyber Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2011

Grid Cyber Security Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) determine whether certain reliability standards are adequate to protect critical electric infrastructure from cyber security vulnerabilities, and (2) order the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to submit a proposed reliability standard or a modification to a reliability standard that will provide adequate protection of critical electric infrastructure from cyber security vulnerabilities if FERC determines that such reliability standards are inadequate to do so. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) require persons subject to FERC jurisdiction to take immediate action that will best avert or mitigate the cyber security threat if necessary to protect critical electric infrastructure, and (2) coordinate with Canadian and Mexican officials responsible for the protection of cyber security of the interconnected North American electricity grid. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to prepare a comprehensive plan that identifies the emergency measures or actions to protect the reliability of the electric power supply of the national defense facilities located in Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. Includes in the bulk-power system any facilities used for the local distribution of electric energy that FERC determines to be critical electric infrastructure. Grants the ERO limited enforcement authority with respect to a facility used in the local distribution of electric energy if the FERC determines that its incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic security, or national public health or safety. Authorizes FERC, if immediate action is necessary to protect critical electric infrastructure for a cyber security vulnerability, to require the ERO to develop, issue, and make effective immediately a temporary emergency order addressing the vulnerability. Directs the Secretary of Energy to assess: (1) the susceptibility of critical electric infrastructure to electromagnetic pulse events and geomagnetic disturbances, and (2) whether and to what extent infrastructure affecting the transmission of electric power in interstate commerce should be hardened against such events and disturbances.

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Data Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2011

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Data Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Center for Health Statistics and other HHS agencies, to develop and implement an ongoing and sustainable national strategy for identifying and evaluating the health status and health care needs of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) populations living in the continental United States, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to conduct a preliminary health survey to identify the major areas and regions in which NHOPI people reside. Requires the survey to include health data and other data the Secretary determines to be: (1) useful in determining health status and health care needs, or (2) required for developing or implementing the national strategy. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on: (1) the standards and definitions of health care applied to health care systems in insular areas; (2) the status and performance of health care systems in such areas; (3) the effectiveness of donor aid in addressing health care needs and priorities in such areas; and (4) progress toward implementing recommendations of the Institute's Committee on Health Care Services in the United States-Associated Pacific Basin that are set forth in the 1998 report, "Pacific Partnerships for Health; Charting a New Course for the 21st Century."

E-SERV Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Ensuring Servicemembers' Electronic Records' Viability Act or the E-SERV Act - Amends the Wounded Warrior Act to make the interagency program office of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established by such Act the single: (1) point of accountability and authority (currently, accountability only) for the DOD and VA in the development and implementation of electronic health record systems or capabilities (including capabilities existing before January 16, 2008) that allow for full interoperability of personal health care information between such agencies; and (2) program office of such Departments that is responsible for the development, implementation, and sustainment of all electronic health record systems and capabilities. Requires: (1) the Director of such office to report directly to the DOD and VA Secretaries (or a jointly delegated official of each Department not lower than Deputy Secretary) without interposition of any other supervising official, and (2) the office to carry out the programming and budgeting of such activities.

Health Care Professionals Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Health Care Professionals Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to prohibit a health care entity from submitting a report to the National Practitioner Data Bank on a professional review action that would adversely affect a physician's clinical privileges while the physician is under investigation before adequate notice of and hearing procedures for such action and investigation or such other procedures as are fair are afforded to the physician. Applies such prohibition to permissive reporting to the Board of Medical Examiners for a licensed health care practitioner who is not a physician. Requires a health care entity to provide a physician with copies of all evidence expected to be offered against the physician in any hearing on a professional review action.

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2011 - Permits a home health agency to determine the most appropriate skilled professional to conduct the initial assessment visit and to complete the comprehensive assessment for an individual who: (1) is eligible for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; but (2) does not require skilled nursing care as long as that skilled service is initially ordered by the physician and, in the case of a referral order that includes occupational therapy, the order also includes physical therapy or speech language pathology.

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

Expressing disapproval of the decision by the Supreme Court in Sorrell v. IMS Health Inc.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2011

Disapproves of the majority opinion in Sorrell v. IMS Health Inc. , because it puts prescribers at risk of having their prescriber-identifying information sold without their knowledge or consent. Expresses the belief of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Supreme Court incorrectly applied a heightened First Amendment standard of review to an instance of commercial regulation; (2) the negative impact on a pharmaceutical manufacturer's ability to market its products is outweighed by the interests of patient safety, doctor privacy, and health care costs; and (3) the states have the right to regulate the pharmaceutical industry based on what is best for the health and safety of their residents.

To allow individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A benefit and to allow individuals opting out of such benefit to be eligible for health savings accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Allows any individual who is otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to elect to opt out of such entitlement. Allows an individual who has opted out of Medicare to opt back in without penalty. Prohibits any requirement to opt out of SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) as a condition for opting out of Medicare. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make individuals who opt out of Medicare part A eligible for health savings accounts.

Expressing support for the designation of July 30, 2011, as National Dance Day.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Supports the designation of National Dance Day to celebrate our commitment to dance and physical fitness across the United States. Acknowledges that promoting dance can make an important contribution in encouraging physical fitness and reducing overweight and obesity.

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as "National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

Expresses support for: (1) the designation of National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, and (2) research to prevent and treat brain aneurysms.

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011

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

Supporting Adoptive Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2011

Supporting Adoptive Families Act - Amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make it a purpose of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program to promote efforts to prevent children from entering the foster care system through the provision of pre- and post-adoptive support services. Extends adoption promotion and support services to those designed to support adoptions from other countries as well as domestic adoptions. Specifies related pre- and post-adoptive support services. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to revise requirements for state expenditures for adoption support services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to develop and implement state-sponsored statewide or tribal post-adoption mental health service programs for all adopted children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to direct the Secretary, as part of the child support and paternity data collection system, to promulgate final regulations requiring the states to collect and report information regarding children adopted within the United States or from other countries who enter into state custody as a result of the disruption of a placement for adoption or the dissolution of an adoption.

Retirement Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2011

Retirement Freedom Act - Allows any individual who is otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to elect to opt out of such entitlement. Allows an individual who has opted out of Medicare to opt back in without penalty. Prohibits any requirement to opt out of SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) as a condition for opting out of Medicare.

Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2011

Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include podiatrists as physicians in order to cover their services under the Medicaid program.

A resolution designating September 13, 2011, as "National Celiac Disease Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2011

Designates September 13, 2011, as National Celiac Disease Awareness Day.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2011

Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to repeal the December 31, 2011, termination date for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend TAA programs through December 31, 2016. Extends TAA through December 31, 2016, for: (1) workers, (2) firms, (3) farmers, and (4) communities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2016, the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA (as well as Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension) recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through December 31, 2016. Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through December 31, 2016, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through December 31, 2016. Extends through December 31, 2016, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Expands rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require: (1) that the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years and that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and (2) that the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred.

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2011

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and reauthorize appropriations for public health preparedness activities, including activities related to: (1) tracking the initial distribution of federally purchased influenza vaccine in an influenza pandemic, (2) state and local public health and medical preparedness and response, (3) improving hospital surge capacity, (4) expanding the capabilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies, and (5) the operations of the National Disaster Medical System. Reauthorizes appropriations for the special reserve fund for the procurement of security countermeasures. Allows 30% of such fund to be used by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to coordinate the acceleration of advanced research and development of countermeasures and qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Extends the time under which specific technical data or scientific information that is created or obtained during such advanced research and development is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine and pay claims for reimbursement for services provided during a public health emergency. Amends the Pandemic and All-Hazard Preparedness Act to extend provisions granting an antitrust exemption for meetings related to countermeasures or pandemic or epidemic products. Expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to include: (1) stockpiling and distributing qualified countermeasures, security measures, and qualified pandemic or epidemic products; (2) identifying gaps, duplication, and other inefficiencies in public health preparedness activities and the actions necessary to overcome these obstacles; and (3) leading the development of a coordinated Countermeasure Implementation Plan. Gives the Assistant Secretary authority over and responsibility for BARDA. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary: (1) to accelerate the development, stockpiling, approval, and licensure of countermeasures and qualified pandemic or epidemic products; (2) initiate a program of frequent scientific feedback and interactions regarding the process of developing each security countermeasure; and (3) develop a written regulatory management plan for each security countermeasure.

Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2011

Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 to authorize FY2012-FY2013 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for grants to domestic treatment centers for the costs of services provided in the rehabilitation of victims of torture (including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture), social and legal services, and research and training of health care providers outside of treatment centers or programs; and (2) the President for grants to foreign treatment centers and programs for activities designed to treat victims for the physical and psychological effects of torture. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress annually regarding: (1) Foreign Service officer training about torture victims, and (2) the percentage and number of torture victims who are approved for refugee entry into the United States. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide support for indigenous foreign treatment centers and programs for torture victims in order to increase such centers' capacities to train other local health care providers. Authorizes FY2012-FY2013 appropriations.

Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011 - Prohibits a state or a political subdivision from adopting or continuing in force a law, regulation, or order that prohibits or regulates the circumcision of males who have not attained the age of 18 years and whose parent or guardian has consented to the circumcision, unless such law, regulation, or order applies to all such circumcisions performed in the state and is limited to ensuring that all such circumcisions are performed in a hygienic manner.

WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011 - Requires: (1) the President to assign a member of the National Security Council to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Biodefense, who shall submit a National Biodefense Plan and publish a National Strategy for Biosurveillance; and (2) the Director of National Intelligence to develop and implement a National Intelligence Strategy for Countering the Threat from Weapons of Mass Destruction and a National Intelligence Strategy for Countering Biological Threats. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) conduct intelligence and information sharing activities; (2) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct attacks against the nation involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials; and (3) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of global infectious disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary issues. Directs: (1) the Secretary to produce and update periodically an assessment of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and an integrated risk assessment that ranks those threats according to relative risk; and (2) the Attorney General to periodically review and recommend updates to criminal laws to ensure that such laws are well suited to the evolving risks of misuse of life sciences by terrorists and others and that national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders at unique risk of exploitation have access to guidance regarding actions that can reduce that risk. Directs the Secretary to conduct: (1) homeland security investigations and enforce criminal violations of U.S. customs and export laws related to military items, controlled commodities, and sanctioned or embargoed countries or persons to prevent individuals, terrorist groups, foreign adversaries, and hostile nations from obtaining sensitive U.S. technology and munitions or components, precursors, and delivery systems for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons; and (2) certain industry outreach with manufacturers and exporters of strategic commodities that may be targeted for procurement by terrorist organizations and the countries that support them, as well as countries identified as weapons proliferators. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) develop a communications plan to provide information to the public related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack; and (2) develop and disseminate integrated public alerts and warnings system pre-scripted messages and message templates to be provided to state, local, and tribal authorities to rapidly disseminate critical information to the public in the event of such an attack. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that homeland security information concerning terrorist threats is provided to state, local, and tribal authorities and the public; (2) establish a process to optimize opportunities for qualified heads of state and local and tribal government entities to obtain appropriate security clearances so that they may receive classified threat information; and (3) prepare unclassified threat bulletins on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Requires the FEMA Administrator to assist state, local, and tribal authorities in improving and promoting individual and community preparedness and collective response to terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials, including by developing guidance and checklists of recommended actions for individual and community prevention and preparedness efforts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to detect a biological attack or event that poses a high risk to homeland security; (2) require the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to assess whether the development of technological screening capabilities for biological agents, pandemic influenza, and other infectious diseases should be undertaken by the Science and Technology Directorate to support entry and exit screening at ports of entry; and (3) establish procedures for the sharing of homeland security information, including laboratory biosecurity-related information. Requires the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to: (1) establish and maintain a multilayered system of detection technologies, programs, and guidelines designed to enhance the nation's ability to detect and prevent a radiological or nuclear attack in high-risk U.S. cities; and (2) develop a surge capability for radiological and nuclear detection systems that can be deployed within the United States rapidly in response to actionable intelligence or warnings. Requires such programs to be integrated into the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop for police, fire, emergency medical services, emergency management, medical, and public health personnel voluntary guidance for responding to a release of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material; (2) acquire, use, and disseminate the best available integrated plume models to enable rapid response activities following a chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological attack or event; and (3) carry out a program for system assessment and validation of emergency response equipment (SAVER Program) at DHS. Establishes the National Bioforensics Analysis Center to serve as the lead federal facility regarding bioforensic analysis and requirements for law enforcement, emergency response, national security, and homeland security. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make available to law enforcement, public health, emergency first responders, and security personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training on recognizing and responding to situations involving potential biological threats, including performing joint criminal and epidemiological investigations; (2) conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program to assist state and local governments in preparing for and responding to public health and mass casualty incidents resulting from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other man-made disasters; (3) conduct risk assessments to inform prioritization of national recovery activities for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents; (4) develop and issue guidance for cleanup and restoration of indoor and outdoor areas that have been exposed to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials; and (5) develop exercises that address analysis, indoor environmental cleanup methods, and decontamination standards. Directs the President to establish a Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel to make technical and substantive recommendations on biological agent and toxin security. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) periodically update a National Medical Countermeasure Dispensing Strategy to enhance preparedness and collective response to a terrorist attack with any chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material; and (2) review the adequacy of domestic vaccination and antimicrobial dispensing policy, guidance, and information provided to the public in light of any known terrorist risk of a biological attack. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) support efforts in other countries to develop mechanisms and capabilities for reporting to United Nations organizations validated data on biological attacks; (2) establish and build capacity to effectively implement legislation criminalizing the development or use of biological weapons or acts of bioterrorism; (3) convene and lead an interagency task force on best practices for global biopreparedness; and (4) promote implementation of and compliance with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program for: (1) the attachment of federal liens to public transportation assets (federal-aid highways, highway or mass transit projects, air navigation facilities, or federally-assisted train or multimodal stations); and (2) release of such liens in connection with concession agreements between state or local governments and private individuals or entities. Limits the meaning of public transportation asset to a transportation facility constructed, maintained, or upgraded before, on, or after enactment of this Act using federal funds: (1) whose fair market value is more than $500 million, and which has received any federal funding; (2) whose fair market value is less than $500 million, and which has received $25 million or more in federal funding; or (3) in which a significant national public interest (such as interstate commerce, homeland security, public health, or the environment) is at stake. Prohibits any asset transaction (entry into a concession agreement for, or contract for the sale or lease of, a public transportation asset) for an asset attached with a federal lien unless: (1) the lien is released, and (2) the state or local government and the private individual or entity seeking the asset transaction enter into agreements with the Secretary. Defines "concession agreement" as one entered into by a private individual or entity and a state or local government with jurisdiction over a public transportation asset to convey to the private individual or entity the right to manage, operate, and maintain the asset for a specific period of time in exchange for the authorization to impose and collect a toll or other user fee from a person for each use of the asset during that period. Prohibits the release of a federal lien on a public transportation asset unless: (1) the state or local government or other public sponsor seeking the asset transaction pays the Secretary an amount determined according to a specified formula, and (2) the Secretary certifies that the required concession agreements have been signed and their terms incorporated into the asset transaction terms. Permits a private individual or entity to enter into an asset transaction covering National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) facilities and equipment provided certain conditions are met.

Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells. Limits such research to human embryonic stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of reproductive treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking reproductive treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements. Requires the Secretary to maintain, review, and update as scientifically warranted guidelines applicable to the conduct or support of human stem cell research by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prohibits the Secretary from using any funds for the conduct or support of human cloning. Defines “human cloning” to mean the implantation of the product of transferring the nuclear material of a human somatic cell into an egg cell from which the nuclear material has been removed or rendered inert into a uterus or the functional equivalent of a uterus. Requires the Secretary to update the guidelines maintained pursuant to this Act for consistency with such prohibition. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include information on human stem cells in the biennial report to Congress.

Health Care OverUse Reform Today Act (HealthCOURT Act) of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Health Care OverUse Reform Today Act (HealthCOURT Act) of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the selection and issuance of best practice guidelines for treatment of medical conditions. Requires the Secretary to contract with a qualified physician consensus-building organization to develop guidelines and issue a rule that provides for the establishment of such guidelines. Prohibits the Secretary from making a rule that includes guidelines other than those submitted by such organization. Requires the Secretary to routinely review guidelines and, as necessary, enter into additional contracts to issue guidelines. Prohibits a court from awarding noneconomic damages or punitive damages in any health care lawsuit with respect to treatment that is consistent with a guideline issued under this Act. Prohibits guidelines from being introduced as evidence of negligence or deviation in the standard of care in any health care lawsuit unless such guidelines have previously been introduced by the defendant. Declares that there shall be no presumption of negligence if a health care provider provides treatment in a manner inconsistent with such guidelines. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to award grants to states for the development, implementation, and evaluation of administrative health care tribunals for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers. Sets forth provisions governing the operation of such tribunals, including requiring a review of allegations by an expert panel to assess liability.

Expressing support for designation of September 2011 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research so that the screening and treatment of prostate cancer may be improved and the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

Recognizing the need for safe patient handling and movement.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Encourages safe patient movement for direct-care licensed nurses and other health care providers as a critical component in protecting health care workers and increasing patient safety.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day, and (2) the implementation of the National AIDS Strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections. Encourages: (1) state and local governments to encourage individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and (2) the use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV testing. Commends the President for emphasizing the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all Americans.

Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2011

Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address. Requires the Secretary to accept completed application forms for transmittal to appropriate state election officials. Instructs that forms accepted at VA medical centers, community living centers, community-based outpatient centers, and domiciliaries be transmitted within ten days of acceptance, unless a completed form is accepted within five days before the last day for registration to vote in an election in which case the application shall be transmitted to the appropriate state election official within five days of acceptance. Prohibits any information relating to registering to vote or a declination to register to vote under this Act from being used for any purpose other than voter registration. Requires each Director of a VA community living center, domiciliary, or medical center to provide assistance in voting by absentee ballot to resident veterans. Requires such assistance to include: (1) providing information relating to the opportunity to request an absentee ballot; (2) making available absentee ballot applications upon request, as well as assisting in completing such applications and ballots; and (3) working with local election administration officials to ensure the proper transmission of the applications and ballots. Directs the Secretary to permit nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information and assistance at facilities of the VA health care system. Prohibits the Secretary from banning any election administration official, whether state or local, party-affiliated or non-party affiliated, or elected or appointed, from providing voting information to veterans at any VA facility. Directs the Secretary to provide reasonable access to facilities of the VA health care system to state and local election officials for the purpose of providing nonpartisan voter registration services to individuals.