Healthcare

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include, under HEA student loan forgiveness and cancellation programs, nurses who serve at least one calendar year in an approved health care facility or setting. Limits the maximum amount of such loan repayment by the Secretary of Education to not more than $2,000 after the first year of such a nurse's employment, with incremental increases after the second through fourth years, up to $5,000 after the fifth year of such employment.

2006 Penalty-Free Part D Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006

2006 Penalty-Free Part D Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to suspend the Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalty during 2006.

John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (7) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; and (8) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including promotion policy and joint officer management; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including defense industrial base matters; (7) DOD organization and management, including space activities; (8) financial, counterdrug, defense intelligence, and defense against terrorism and related security matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; and (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects and ballistic missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and environmental restoration; and (4) active and reserve personnel, including end strengths and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) defense dependents' education; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management, including defense industrial base and defense contractor matters; (6) DOD organization and management, including space activities; (7) budget and financial matters; (8) counter-drug activities and matters related to homeland security; (9) DOD civilian personnel policy; (10) matters relating to other nations; and (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY2007 for additional costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, specifically for: (1) procurement; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the defense health program; (4) military personnel; (5) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (6) classified programs; and (7) the Iraq Freedom Fund.

Health Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Health Partnership Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Innovation Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) provide states with reform options for state health care expansion and improvement programs; (2) establish minimum performance measures and goals with respect to coverage, quality, and cost of state programs; (3) review state applications and determine whether to submit a state proposal to Congress; and (4) submit to Congress a list of state applications that the Commission recommends for approval. Deems such proposals to be approved unless a joint resolution has been enacted disapproving such proposal. Sets forth rules for congressional consideration of such proposals. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide a grant to a state that has an application approved to enable such state to carry out an innovative state health program; (2) give priority to those state programs that the Commission determines have the greatest opportunity to succeed in providing expanded health insurance coverage and improving health access; and (3) link state allocations to the meeting of the goals and performance measures established under this Act. Prohibits states from: (1) failing to maintain the same level of expenditures for health care coverage; (2) changing eligibility criteria for state medical assistance programs; or (3) permitting the imposition of any preexisting condition exclusion for covered benefits, with exceptions.

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for: (1) enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law); and (2) related payments to Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations operating in the state. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bi-Partisan Indian Health Care Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding the delivery of federal health care services to Indians. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY2015. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Gives priority to communities with significantly above averages rates of teen pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria to evaluate such projects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase authorized appropriations for community learning centers. Authorizes appropriations for physical education programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for TRIO and GEARUP programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies.

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services generally, and particularly such services provided in rural health clinics and in hospice programs. Amends Medicare part C (Miscellaneous) to exclude such services from the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system. Authorizes marriage and family therapists to develop discharge plans for post-hospital services.

Access to Better Choice in Dialysis Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Access to Better Choice in Dialysis Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a five-year pilot project to measure the impact of increasing the payment amount otherwise provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, based upon the provision of hemodialysis treatment more frequently than three times per week.

Encouraging all eligible Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet elected to enroll in the new Medicare Part D benefit to review the available options and to determine whether enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan best meets their current and future needs for prescription drug coverage.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006

Encourages all Medicare beneficiaries who are not yet enrolled in part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) review carefully all of the options available to them; and (2) determine whether enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan best meets their current and future needs for prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D Outreach and Enrollment Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006

Medicare Part D Outreach and Enrollment Enhancement Act of 2006 - Authorizes and makes appropriations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for additional grants to state health insurance counseling and assistance (HICA) programs to conduct outreach and education related to enrollment in the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Makes appropriations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide funding to Area Agencies on Aging and Native American aging programs to conduct outreach and education related to the Medicare prescription drug program under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of SSA title XVIII. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to provide a special enrollment period for individuals who qualify for a low- income-related subsidy under the Medicare prescription drug program.

Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 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 that 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.

Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem hospitals, emergency rooms, physicians (including on-call physicians), and physicians groups that provide emergency care to uninsured individuals to be employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to items and services furnished. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide additional payments from the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund for physicians' services in the emergency department of a hospital or critical access hospital to a Medicare recipient. Provides for incentive payments to hospitals that certify to the Secretary that they meet established standards for prompt admission by a hospital of individuals presenting to the emergency department that need inpatient hospital services. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that evaluates whether such standards will achieve the stated objectives and recommends any changes. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for filing a false certification and engaging in a pattern or practice of failing to meet established standards.

A bill to require a program to improve the provision of caregiver assistance services for veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to expand and improve services that assist caregivers of veterans, including veterans of the Global War on Terrorism. Includes under such caregiver assistance services: (1) adult-day health care; (2) readjustment and rehabilitation; (3) transportation; (4) caregiver support; (5) home care; (6) respite care; (7) hospice; and (8) any modalities of non-institutional home care.

Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor or an MA-PD plan, and any related marketing materials, from displaying the name or brand of any pharmacy (co-branding). Prescribes criminal penalties for engaging in prohibited co-branding.

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Small Business Health Plans Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a small business health benefits program (SBHBP) under which small businesses may offer health insurance coverage to employees and their dependents. Outlines program elements and coverage requirements. Requires the Secretary to establish a program of premium assistance for small employers under the SBHBP. Allows for reinsurance for catastrophic costs for certain health insurance issuers. Defines a "small employer" for SBHBP purposes as an employer with 50 or fewer employees. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide for the establishment of a national health pooling arrangement for eligible small employers under the SBHBP.

Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor or an MA-PD plan, and any related marketing materials, from displaying the name or brand of any pharmacy (co-branding). Prescribes criminal penalties for engaging in prohibited co-branding.

Improving Access to Medicare Part D Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Improving Access to Medicare Part D Act of 2006 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a one-year extension until May 15, 2007, of the 2006 initial enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug benefits and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Extends through May 14, 2007, the current extended period of continuous open enrollment and disenrollment. Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of SSA title XVIII to repeal the prohibition against interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with prescription drug price negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors. Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate prescription drug price contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs in order to ensure that each enrollee under a PDP or an MA-PD plan pays the lowest possible price. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should conduct (and improve current) activities, with respect to individuals eligible for the Medicare prescription drug benefits, to: (1) raise the awareness and improve the education of such individuals about such benefits; (2) improve and enhance outreach and enrollment assistance; and (3) provide for the accessibility of appropriate experts (at national, state, and local levels) to ensure that such individuals understand the benefits for which they are eligible.

Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers' Compensation Settlement Agreements Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers' Compensation Settlement Agreements Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) create an exception to Medicare secondary payer requirements for certain workers' compensation settlement agreements; and (2) provide for the satisfaction of such requirements through use of qualified Medicare set-asides under workers' compensation settlement agreements.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an enrollment priority for veterans, who are recipients of certain medals for valor, in health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Provides an enrollment priority, for the provision of hospital care and medical services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs, for veterans who were awarded: (1) the Medal of Honor; (2) the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross; (3) the Silver Star; or (4) any other medal for valor or heroism accorded a position in the order of precedence of military awards that is equal to or higher than that accorded to the Silver Star.

MCAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of obstetrical or gynecological services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prohibit the distribution of an unfinished active ingredient to any person other than a registered producer of drugs and devices in order to protect the public health. Requires the Secretary to establish such restrictions on the distribution of dextromethorphan.

To establish an interagency task force to develop a national strategy to combat the increase in infertility in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Establishes the Infertility Prevention Task Force to develop a federal strategy to facilitate activities to prevent infertility, including strategies for: (1) maximizing cooperation among federal departments and agencies and the use of resources in compiling data on the incidence of infertility; (2) coordinating and encouraging research on the causes and treatment of infertility; (3) developing federal policies to promote public awareness of the causes of infertility; (4) creating an infertility prevention curriculum to serve as a model for medical schools; and (5) establishing partnerships with industry, organized labor, academia, and state and local governments to collect and disseminate information on infertility prevention and coordinate appropriate agency resources in the area of infertility prevention.

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 and 2007 initial enrollment periods for the Medicare prescription drug benefit and suspend the late enrollment penalty through December 31, 2007, to permit Medicare beneficiaries to change enrollment in a prescription drug plan during the first 12 months of enrollment, and to prevent changes in formularies other than at the time of open enrollment periods and only with advance notice.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the 2006 and 2007 initial enrollment periods for the Medicare prescription drug benefit; (2) suspend the late enrollment penalty through December 31, 2007; and (3) permit Medicare beneficiaries to change enrollment in a prescription drug plan during the first 12 months of enrollment. Prohibits a PDP sponsor, beginning with 2006, from removing a covered part D drug from the plan formulary, or imposing a restriction or limitation on the coverage of such a drug, other than at the beginning of each plan year, except as the Secretary may permit to take into account new therapeutic uses and newly covered part D drugs. Requires each PDP sponsor to furnish to each plan enrollee, at the time of each annual coordinated election period, a notice of any changes in the formulary or other part D drug coverage restrictions or limitations that will take effect for the upcoming plan year.

Keep the Promise of Medicare Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006

Keep the Promise of Medicare Act of 2006 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cap the Medicare part B premium for each month in 2007 at the same rate for each month in 2006, adjusted for inflation.

A concurrent resolution acknowledging African descendants of the transatlantic slave trade in all of the Americas with an emphasis on descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean, recognizing the injustices suffered by these African descendants, and recommending that the United States and the international community work to improve the situation of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006

Urges the President to encourage the remembrance of the achievements of African descendants in the Americas and to resolve injustices suffered by them. Encourages the United States and the international community to work to ensure that poverty is eradicated, universal education is achieved, quality healthcare is made available, environmental resources are provided, and equal access to justice and representation under law are granted in Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, including by: (1) promoting research on identifying and eradicating racial disparities in economic, political, and social spheres; (2) promoting programs and the creation of an international working group that focus on Afro-descendant communities; (3) providing technical support and training to Afro-descendant advocacy groups; and (4) promoting bilateral and multilateral agreements that take into account the needs of Afro-descendant communities.

HEALTHCARE AND SMALL BUSINESS: PROPOSALS THAT WILL HELP LOWER COSTS AND COVER THE UNINSURED

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2006

Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans) Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Amends SSA title XVIII to require PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Requires a PDP sponsor to utilize standardized technology for any communication or transaction occurring between the PDP and a participating pharmacy. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable dispensing fees for covered Medicare part D drugs dispensed through participating pharmacies. Requires a PDP sponsor to encourage generic utilization by paying an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs.

Reducing Fraudulent and Imitation Drugs Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Reducing Fraudulent and Imitation Drugs Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require prescription drug packaging to incorporate: (1) radio frequency tagging technology or similar trace and track technologies; (2) tamper-indicating technologies; and (3) blister security packaging when possible. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require that such technologies be used exclusively to authenticate the pedigree of prescription drugs; and (2) prohibit such technologies from containing or transmitting any identifying information of a health care practitioner or consumer, or any advertisement or information about indications or off-label uses. Requires the Secretary to encourage prescription drug manufacturers and distributors to incorporate: (1) overt optically variable counterfeit-resistant technologies into packaging; and (2) required prescription drug packaging technologies into multiple elements of the physical packaging of the drugs. Requires prescription drug shipments to include a label on the shipping container that incorporates packaging technologies. Deems a prescription drug to be misbranded if the packaging or labeling of the drug is in violation of a requirement or prohibition of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish the National Specified List of Susceptible Prescription Drugs, consisting of not less than 30 of the most frequently counterfeited prescription drugs in the United States.

Medicare Prescription Drug Simplification Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Simplification Act of 2006 - Revises the Medicare prescription drug program under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish five national uniform benefit packages consisting of three basic and two supplemental packages. Limits removal or change of coverage of covered part D drugs under a formulary under a prescription drug plan (PDP) or an Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan. Provides for: (1) additional funding for enrollment assistance; (2) comparative plan information; (3) a standardized definition for cost and utilization management tools, and nomenclature for distinguishing between excluded and nonformulary drugs; (4) standardized enrollee notice regarding coverage determinations; (5) standardized forms and processes for reconsiderations and exceptions; and (6) authority to waive late the enrollment penalty in certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary, jointly with the Commissioner of Social Security, to work to integrate processes and beneficiary information for applying for a premium and cost-sharing subsidy and enrolling in a PDP or an MA-PD plan in order to simplify steps for part D eligible individuals who wish to participate in both. Outlines requirements for comparative information regarding performance of plans under Medicare part D. Specifies factors the Secretary shall use in determining whether, for plan approval purposes, a PDP and its sponsor demonstrate a satisfactory quality of performance.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 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.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate adjustments in Medicare payments for imaging services made by section 5102 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate adjustments in Medicare payments for imaging services made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

Environment and Public Health Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Environment and Public Health Restoration Act of 2006 - States that it is U.S. government policy to work with states, territories, tribal governments, international organizations, and foreign governments to act as a steward of the environment for the benefit of public health, to maintain air quality and water quality, to sustain the diversity of plant and animal species, to combat global climate change, and to protect the environment for future generations. Requires the President to enter into an arrangement under which the National Academy of Sciences will: (1) study and report to the public, Congress, and implementing agencies on the impact on public health, air quality, water quality, wildlife, and the environment of specified clean water, clean air, and forest and land management regulations, laws, and proposed laws; and (2) make recommendations to maintain, restore, or improve protections for public health or the environment in each of such regulations, laws, or proposed laws. Requires the head of each federal agency that issued or implemented such laws or regulations to submit to Congress a plan describing steps to restore or improve such protections.

Municipal Illegal Immigration Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Municipal Illegal Immigration Relief Act of 2006 - Authorizes grants to local governmental units for increased expenses incurred in responding to the needs of undocumented immigrants, including: (1) law enforcement; (2) health care; (3) public housing; (4) inmate transportation; and (5) jail overcrowding.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the newborns and infants hearing loss program to: (1) provide services for young children (currently, limited to infants and newborns); and (2) include diagnostic services among services provided. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to assist in the recruitment, retention, education, and training of qualified personnel and health care providers. Includes within the purposes of such program: (1) developing efficient models to ensure that newborns, infants, and young children who are identified with a hearing loss through screening are not lost to follow-up by a qualified health care provider; and (2) ensuring an adequate supply of qualified personnel to meet the screening, evaluation, and early intervention needs of children. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, to establish a postdoctoral fellowship program to foster research and development in the area of early hearing detection and intervention. Amends the definition of "early intervention" to require that families be given the opportunity to obtain the full range of early intervention services, educational and program placements, and other options for their child from highly qualified providers.

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs. Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop and implement a federal plan to address diabetes mellitus within communities of color. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct and support research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to conduct and support programs to educate the public on diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) education and awareness programs designed to increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (2) mentorship programs for minority researchers who are conducting research on diabetes in minority populations. Provides for studies on the shortage of adult and pediatric endocrinologists specializing in diabetes and on outcomes of minority children with diabetes compared to non-minority children.

Global Trade Requires Unmitigated Truth in Health (TRUTH) Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Global Trade Requires Unmitigated Truth in Health (TRUTH) Act - Requires the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) propose to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that its rights and obligations should take into account whether countries are undermining the trade system by failing to abide by the rules of other international organizations with regard to public health, specifically the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization; and (2) include in the proposal specified options for its implementation. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and specified congressional committees on the status of the compliance with and observance of such Regulations in each member country of the Organization.

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement under which an individual agrees to serve as a dentist for a not less than two years at a facility with a critical shortage of dentists in an area with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS in exchange for the Secretary making payments on the individual's dental education loans. Requires such payments to equal 30% of the principal and interest on such loans after the first and second years of service and 25% after the third year of service.

Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation in writing. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 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.

Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.

Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide within each military department a victims' advocates program. Requires the Secretary to establish an interdisciplinary council to coordinate and oversee such programs and related DOD efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training to DOD on prevention of such violence. Requires the Secretary to convene a national biannual conference to review policies for prevention of and response to such violence. Prohibits any person from restricting a member of the Armed Forces in communicating with the Office or from taking or withholding a personnel action in retaliation for making such a communication. Establishes as privileged, in cases arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, confidential communications between a client and a victim service organization or a health care professional. Provides for: (1) employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, a psychiatrist, and a complimentary clinical team at each DOD military treatment facility; and (2) DOD community level programs and shelter services for active duty members and their families who are victims of such violence shelter . Specifies: (1) the rights of victims of such violence reported to a military law enforcement agency, including regarding notification; and (2) restitution requirements. Directs a military commanding officer who receives a qualifying complaint alleging such violence to investigate the matter, require a judge advocate's report, and report on the investigation's results. Specifies: (1) circumstances under which military law enforcement officers shall arrest a person for committing domestic violence; (2) policies regarding arrest procedures and prosecution of such offenses; and (3) domestic violence incident report requirements. Establishes a Director of Special Investigations in DOD to review investigations of allegations of such violence and refer cases for prosecution. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to: (1) include as "aggravated assault" and specify penalty limits for an assault involving domestic or family violence; and (2) provide for court-martial punishment of violations of no contact or protective orders. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for treatment services for members of the Armed Forces who have committed such violence. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care providers receive training in the screening and referral for services of veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma; and (2) conduct pilot programs on such screening and referral and on providing confidential treatment for such trauma. Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from approving a financial award or a promotion for an officer or employee who has been convicted of or disciplined for committing such violence. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) the prevalence and nature of such violence, of intimate partner violence, and of child maltreatment, abuse, suicide, and homicide in the Armed Forces; and (2) military procedures after an incident is reported.

To amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics to be carried out at: (1) no fewer than 75 medical centers by December 31, 2008; and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2010.

Safe Tissue Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Safe Tissue Act - Requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inspect, at least once every two years, each establishment that engages in the manufacture of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a user fee to fund such inspections. Requires the FDA to conduct periodic audits of all documentation submitted by each such establishment to determine compliance with all applicable requirements, including requirements related to ensuring: (1) that human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products are obtained legally; (2) that donor eligibility and donor medical history interviews are based on accurate information that was not provided or obtained in a fraudulent manner; and (3) current good tissue practice. Requires the Secretary to publish a model form containing minimum requirements for establishments to use in obtaining consent from a potential donor of human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products. Sets forth penalties for failing to comply with model form requirements or for knowingly using fraudulent information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) accredit establishments and the personnel of such establishments who participate in the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products; and (2) define "reasonable payments" that are associated with donation of human tissue and tissue-based products for purposes of the National Organ Transplant Act.

Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 calendar days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 calendar days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Makes it unlawful for a PDP sponsor of a prescription drug plan to display on the prescription drug card the name, brand, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Requires each PDP sponsor to charge not less than the minimum dispensing fee, $14, adjusted annually for inflation, for generic covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Revises requirements for a covered medication therapy management service, allowing it to be furnished by a health care provider, other than a pharmacist, with advanced training in medication management. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify: (1) the population of part D eligible individuals appropriate for services under a medication therapy management program, based on certain characteristics; and (2) a minimum defined package of medication therapy management services that shall be provided to each enrollee. Revises requirements for pharmacy fees. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a two-year demonstration program to examine the impact of medication therapy management furnished by a pharmacist in a community-based or ambulatory-based setting on quality of care, spending, and patient health; and (2) a Best Practices Commission to develop a best practices model for medication therapy management.

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for continuity of Medicare prescription drug coverage for full-benefit dual eligible individuals, for Medicare prescription drug coverage of benzodiazepines and off-label uses of certain prescription drugs and biological products, for optional Medicaid coverage of Medicare prescription drug cost-sharing for full-benefit dual eligible individuals, for authorization to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain determinations denying Medicare prescription drug coverage, and for holding pharmacies harmless for certain costs incurred during implementation of Medicare part D.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for continuity of coverage of prescription drugs under Medicare prescription drug plans for full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Provides for Medicare prescription drug coverage of benzodiazepines and of off-label uses of prescription drugs and biologicals. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to permit state Medicaid programs to cover Medicare prescription drug copayments for full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Amends SSA title XVIII to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive denial of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Directs the Secretary to provide for payments from the Medicare Prescription Drug Account necessary to reimburse pharmacies fully for: (1) transaction fees associated with any point-of-sale facilitated identification and enrollment process established to facilitate, at point of sale, the identification of drug plan assignment of full-benefit dual eligible individuals or the enrollment of previously unidentified or new full-benefit dual eligible individuals into Medicare prescription drug coverage; (2) costs associated with technology or software upgrades necessary to make any inquiries as part of a identification and enrollment process; and (3) costs of providing prescription drugs and biological products to part D eligible individuals whose prescription drug plans could not be identified, if the pharmacy involved as not reimbursed for such costs upon completion of plan reconciliation.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure adequate payment amounts for drugs and biologicals under part B of the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the average sales price methodology for payment for drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the payment amount for a drug or biological to the extent necessary to ensure that it is in no case less than the widely available market price. Limits the prompt pay discounts included in the calculation of the manufacturer's average sales price to those discounts furnished to physicians. Excludes such discounts from the average sales price calculation for years after 2004.

Communities Building Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Communities Building Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of making health care coverage available, on a cost-sharing basis, to: (1) employees through employers that have not contributed to health care benefits for employees during the prior 12 months; and (2) self-employed individuals who have been without such coverage during the prior 12 months. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of forming and maintaining networks composed of health care specialists who volunteer health services to eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to make an award of a grant or contract for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse for information on demonstration projects under this Act and similar projects that are community initiated. Allows the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage public and private entities that plan or operate such projects to submit information to the clearinghouse.