Healthcare

Peer-Support Specialist Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016

Peer-Support Specialist Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report on and publish best practices and professional standards in states for: (1) establishing and operating health care programs using peer-support specialists, and (2) training and certifying peer-support specialists. HHS must award grants to develop and sustain behavioral health paraprofessional training and education programs, including through tuition support.

Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016

Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the focus of a youth interagency research, training, and technical assistance resource center from youth suicides to suicide at any age, particularly among groups at high risk for suicide. The center is reauthorized through FY2020. This bill revises and extends through FY2020 grant programs for: (1) the development of state or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies, (2) enhancement of services for students with mental health or substance use disorders at institutions of higher education, and (3) training school personnel to recognize symptoms of childhood and adolescent mental disorders and safely de-escalate crisis situations involving individuals with a mental illness. The grant program to address violence-related stress must support the continued operation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI). The NCTSI coordinating center must report on child treatment and outcomes and facilitate training in evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments, interventions, and practices. The Government Accountability Office must report on access to treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, prescription of psychotropic medications to children, and the implementation of recommendations made in "On Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy." The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) may advance awareness of products approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorders. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.) SAMHSA must provide technical assistance to grantees regarding evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of geriatric mental health disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as disseminate information about such practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraged to improve the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Health Savings Account Expansion Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016

Health Savings Account Expansion Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for health savings accounts (HSAs). The bill modifies the requirements to: increase the maximum contribution amounts, permit the use of HSAs to pay health insurance premiums and direct primary care expenses, repeal the restriction on using HSAs for over-the-counter medications, eliminate the requirement that a participant in an HSA be enrolled in a high deductible health care plan, and decrease the additional tax for HSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the "Abie Abraham VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016

This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the "Abie Abraham VA Clinic."

Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016

Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a one cent per milligram excise tax on the sale of active opioids by the manufacturer, producer, or importer. The tax excludes prescription drugs used exclusively for the treatment of opioid addiction as part of a medically assisted treatment effort. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program to provide rebates or discounts to cancer and hospice patients to ensure that they do not pay the tax. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require any increase in federal revenues from the tax after rebates and discounts are subtracted to be distributed to states under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program to be used exclusively for substance abuse (including opioid abuse) efforts in the states, including specified treatment programs. HHS must report to Congress on the impact of this bill on the retail cost of opioids and patient access to opioid medication, the effectiveness of the discount or rebate for cancer and hospice patients, how the funds are being used to improve substance abuse treatment efforts, and suggestions for improving access to opioids for cancer and hospice patients and substance abuse treatment efforts.

Supporting the goals and ideals of May 23 as the "International Day to End Obstetric Fistula" to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula (a childbirth injury).

Congratulating Einstein Healthcare Network on their 150th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016

Congratulates the Einstein Healthcare Network on its 150th anniversary and commends the network for providing high-quality medical care to the people of Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

Office of Special Counsel Reauthorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016

Office of Special Counsel Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill amends the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to reauthorize through FY2021 the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency that protects federal employees, former employees, and applicants for employment from prohibited personnel practices. The OSC shall have timely access to material available to an agency that relate to a matter within the OSC's jurisdiction. A claim of common law privilege by an agency, or an agency employee, shall not prevent the OSC from obtaining such materials. The bill prohibits federal employees with authority over personnel actions from accessing, failing to access, or threatening to access medical records of employees or applicants because of an employee's or applicant's: (1) disclosure of information reasonably believed to evidence a violation of a law, rule, or regulation or a gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; (2) disclosure to, or cooperation with, the OSC or an agency inspector general; (3) exercise of an appeal, complaint, or grievance right; (4) testimony for, or assistance to, an individual exercising such rights; or (5) refusal to obey an order or regulation that would require the individual to violate a law. Agencies must inform their employees of: (1) whistleblower protections available to new employees during a probationary period, and (2) the role of the OSC and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Agency websites must contain whistleblower protection information. The bill extends the period for the OSC to determine whether information it receives from an employee or applicant discloses: (1) a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; or (2) gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. The OSC may not respond to inquiries about a person who makes a disclosure, except in accordance with information privacy procedures or as required by law. The OSC may petition the MSPB to order corrective action if an agency's investigation was commenced, expanded, or extended in retaliation for certain employee disclosures or protected activities, even if no personnel action is taken. The MSPB may review appeals from a determination that an employee or applicant is ineligible for a sensitive position if the sensitive position does not require a security clearance or access to classified information. Whistleblower protections must be incorporated into supervisory employee job requirements and performance appraisals in the Senior Executive Service. The OSC may terminate an investigation of an alleged prohibited personnel practice without further inquiry or an opportunity for the individual who submitted the allegation to respond if: (1) the same allegation had previously been made by the individual and was investigated by the OSC or filed by the individual with the MSPB, (2) the OSC does not have jurisdiction, or (3) the individual knew or should have known of the alleged practice three years before the OSC received the allegation. The OSC must enter at least one agreement for an agency inspector general to receive and investigate allegations of prohibited personnel practices or wrongdoing by OSC employees.

National Biodefense Strategy Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016

National Biodefense Strategy Act of 2016 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the President to: develop, submit, and periodically update a National Biodefense Strategy to direct and align federal efforts toward an effective and continuously improving biodefense enterprise (i.e., the programs, projects, activities, and resources across the government that are involved in biodefense, defined as any involvement in mitigating the risks of major biological incidents and public health emergencies to the United States); establish a Biodefense Coordination Council to provide the expertise necessary to develop the strategy and which shall align government biodefense activities and spending in a manner consistent with the strategy; and report annually on total federal agency expenditures on biodefense activities. The strategy shall serve as a comprehensive guide for U.S. biodefense and shall include: a comprehensive description of the entities and leadership positions responsible for implementing, overseeing, and coordinating federal biodefense activities; a review of collaborative efforts between the Armed Forces and the civilian sector of the government on biodefense activities and coordination; a detailed analyses of recommendations issued by external biodefense review commissions, lessons learned from the government response to public health emergencies within the preceding five years, major biological incident risks, resources and capabilities needed to address identified risks, resource and capability gaps in the biodefense enterprise, and prioritization and allocation of investment across the biodefense enterprise; five-year goals, priorities, and metrics to improve and strengthen the government's ability to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from a major biological incident; research and development projects or initiatives planned to improve biodefense capability; and recommendations for legislative action.

HELP Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016

Health Expansion Loss Prevention Veterans Act or the HELP Veterans Act This bill extends transitional assistance management program (TAMP) health care and dental coverage from six months to one year for service members released from active duty. An individual who is employed at any time during the final 180 days of such transition period and is eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan shall not be eligible for TAMP coverage.

EXAMINING H.R. 3299, STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 May 2016

VA Construction and Lease Authorization, Health, and Benefits Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

VA Construction and Lease Authorization, Health, and Benefits Enhancement Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into Veterans Care Agreements with certain providers to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care to eligible veterans if: (1) furnishing such care and services at VA facilities or under otherwise authorized contracts or sharing agreements with non-VA facilities is impracticable or inadvisable because of the veteran's medical condition, the travel involved, or the nature of the care or services required; and (2) the hospital care or medical services are not otherwise available from a non-VA health care provider. The VA shall ensure that each VA medical facility and community based outpatient clinic hosts a community meeting on improving VA health care. The VA shall begin a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility of using wellness-based programs to complement veterans pain management and related health care services. As part of the VA's hiring process for health care providers, the VA shall require from each medical board that licensed the provider information on any license violation and any settlement agreement for a medical disciplinary charge. The VA shall provide information on any violation of a medical license by a VA health care provider to each medical board licensing that provider. The VA may carry out specified major medical facility projects in California, Maryland, and Washington. Project appropriations are authorized. The VA may carry out specified major medical facility leases in Michigan, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Virginia, California, Montana, Georgia, Maine, and North Carolina. The Veterans' Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991 is amended to: (1) authorize the VA to sell Pershing Hall, in Paris, France, and transfer to the purchaser all right, title, and interest of the United States in the property; and (2) direct the VA to return to the entity from which the United States acquired Pershing Hall any personal property in the VA's possession, including memorabilia regarding General Pershing and the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. The VA may carry out specified leases at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California. The VA shall select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the biological children or grandchildren of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to such exposure. The Department of Defense shall conduct and make public a declassification review to determine what information may be made publicly available related to any known incident in which at least 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of a disability that an occupational medicine specialist has determined to be credibly associated with such substance. The VA shall pay additional compensation to a veteran who is paid disability compensation for the anatomical loss, or the permanent or static loss of use, of one or more creative organs. (Creative organs are those involved in reproduction.) The VA shall implement an information technology system that supports the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. The cost-of-living adjustment for disability compensation is extended through FY2027.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

Food Date Labeling Act of 2016 This bill establishes requirements that: (1) address food waste that occurs when people throw out fresh food because of their confusion over the meaning of expiration dates on food labels and whether or not the food is still safe to eat, and (2) standardize quality date and safety date food labels. Producers, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers that place a date label on food packaging of a product (food labelers) must use the phrases "best if used by" to indicate food quality and the phrase "expires on" to warn of food that may be unsafe to eat after a specified date. While labelers may voluntarily choose to include a quality date on packaging, they must include a safety date on ready-to-eat products. The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish guidance for food labelers on how to determine quality dates and safety dates for food products. No one may prohibit the sale, donation, or use of a product after the quality date for the product has passed. USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services must educate consumers on the meaning of quality date and safety date food labels.

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to adults for residential addiction treatment facility services under the Medicaid program. "Residential addiction treatment facility services" are medically necessary inpatient services provided in an accredited, size-limited facility for the purpose of treating a substance use disorder within a specified time period. The provision of medical assistance for such services to an individual shall not prohibit federal financial participation for medical assistance with respect to other services provided to the individual within the same time period. Subject to specified conditions, a woman who is eligible for medical assistance on the basis of being pregnant may remain eligible for residential addiction treatment facility services for specified time periods without regard to eligibility limits that would otherwise apply as a result of her pregnancy ending. In addition, the bill establishes a grant program for states to expand infrastructure and treatment capabilities of existing youth addiction treatment facilities that: (1) provide addiction treatment services to youths under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and (2) are located in communities with high numbers of medically underserved populations of at-risk youths. At least 15% of grant funds awarded to a state must be used for making payments to rural facilities.

IHS Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

Indian Health Service Accountability Act of 2016 or the IHS Accountability Act of 2016 This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Public Health Service Act, and other laws to: allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove, transfer, or demote certain employees of the Indian Health Service (IHS) based on performance or misconduct; allow HHS to establish certain incentives related to IHS employee recruitment and retention; require HHS to modify the pay system for certain IHS employees; establish requirements for IHS and its employees with respect to retaliation and other conduct; and revise other provisions regarding IHS hiring practices, liability protections, accountability, and transparency.

World's Greatest Healthcare Plan Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

World's Greatest Healthcare Plan Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirements for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage and for large employers to offer affordable coverage to full time employees. Health insurance is no longer required to cover preventive care at no cost or include the essential health benefits. Individuals enrolling in health insurance who have not maintained continuous coverage over the previous 12 months are charged an extra 20% on premiums for each consecutive year without coverage, unless the individual is subject to similar state incentives to maintain coverage. States may enroll uninsured residents in high deductible health plans. Individuals must be permitted to opt-out of this coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop a risk adjustment mechanism for health insurance in the individual market. For residents of a state to qualify for premium subsidies or the health insurance tax credit in this bill, the state must permit health insurance with an annual limit on benefits to be sold on its exchange. The bill establishes an advanceable, refundable health insurance tax credit for taxpayers enrolled in health coverage. States may: (1) apply to HHS to use unclaimed health insurance tax credits for indigent health care; and (2) enroll Medicaid-eligible individuals in health insurance that qualifies for the tax credit instead of in Medicaid, at the individual's option. The bill establishes Roth HSAs (health savings accounts) for paying certain medical expenses and health insurance premiums. The tax deduction for medical expenses is eliminated. This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including to turn federal Medicaid payments into block grants.

GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2016 This bill eliminates provisions that require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to: review reported legislation that requires financial audits of nonfederal entities receiving federal awards; evaluate the extent to which premium levels for Medicare supplemental policies reflect reductions in coinsurance for hospital outpatient services made by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct); report on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) pilot program under the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 for alternative resolution for major disaster assistance disputes involving amounts of at least $1 million; conduct a biennial satisfaction survey of recipients of transportation intelligence reports under the Department of Homeland Security's transportation security information sharing plan; and evaluate guidance relating to the post-harvest processing of raw oysters. The GAO must report annually (currently, every 60 days) on its oversight of the Troubled Asset Relief Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 is amended to require the GAO to study financial services regulations periodically, as appropriate (currently, annually). The GAO is no longer required to analyze: (1) whether federal agencies are applying sound cost-benefit analysis in promulgating rules; or (2) efforts to avoid duplicative or conflicting rulemakings, information requests, or examinations. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is amended to terminate the GAO's annual reporting after 2020, but require GAO reports in 2022 and 2024, about the effectiveness of disclosures relating to conflict minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries on the rate of sexual- and gender-based violence and the promotion of peace and security in such areas. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is amended to extend until December 31, 2023, the GAO's deadline for updating a report under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with an analysis of how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has addressed GAO recommendations for the implementation of payment for oral-only ESRD (end-stage renal disease)-related drugs in the bundled prospective payment system under SSAct title XVIII provisions regarding Medicare coverage for ESRD patients. The Public Health Service Act is amended to transfer from the GAO to HHS the responsibility to provide information, personnel, and administrative assistance to the review panel that consults with HHS about applications for demonstration grants that HHS awards to states for the development of alternatives to tort litigation for resolving disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or organizations.

Compassionate Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

Compassionate Care Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and implement a national campaign that informs the public of the importance of end-of-life or advanced care planning and of an individual's right to direct and participate in health care decisions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) must establish a website for qualified health care providers about those rights and advance care planning. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a pilot grant program for end-of-life training in certain medical and health education schools. The AHRQ must develop quality measures for end-of-life care in each relevant qualified health care provider setting. Health care providers must begin reporting on their performance relating to such measures on April 1, 2018. The Health Resources and Services Administration must approve existing and develop new curricula on advance care planning and end-of-life care for continuing education that states may adopt for qualified health care providers. HHS must establish a demonstration program for supporting the provision of advance care planning through videoconferencing for patients who live far from their health care provider.

Access to Birth Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016

Access to Birth Control Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require pharmacies to comply with certain rules related to contraceptives, including: (1) providing a customer a contraceptive without delay if it is in stock; (2) immediately informing a customer if the contraceptive is not in stock and either transferring the prescription to a pharmacy that has the contraceptive in stock or ordering the contraceptive and notifying the customer when it arrives, based on customer preference, except for pharmacies that do not ordinarily stock contraceptives; and (3) ensuring that pharmacy employees do not take certain actions relating to a request for contraception, including intimidating, threatening, or harassing customers, interfering with the delivery of services, intentionally deceiving customers about the availability or mechanism of action of contraception, breaching or threatening to breach medical confidentiality, or refusing to return a prescription. The bill does not prohibit a pharmacy from refusing to provide a contraceptive to a customer if: (1) it is unlawful to dispense the contraceptive to the customer without a prescription and no prescription is presented; (2) the customer is unable to pay for the contraceptive; or (3) the pharmacy employee refuses to provide the contraceptive on the basis of a professional clinical judgment. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 does not provide a claim or a defense to a claim concerning the requirements of this bill or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of these requirements. The bill does not preempt state law or any professional obligation of a state board that provides greater protections for customers. Civil penalties and a private cause of action are established for violations of this bill.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations and sets forth policies regarding the military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and the defense activities of the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill authorizes appropriations, but does not provide budget authority, which is considered in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for: Procurement; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Cooperative Threat Reduction; Working Capital Funds; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Security Cooperation Enhancement Fund; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and Overseas Contingency Operations. The bill also authorizes the FY2017 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding: military personnel; compensation and other personnel benefits; health care; acquisition policy and management; DOD organization and management; civilian personnel matters; matters relating to foreign nations; and strategic programs, cyber, and intelligence matters. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 The bill authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for Military Construction, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program, and Base Realignment and Closure Activities. The bill authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for DOE national security programs, including the National Nuclear Security Administration. Military Justice Act of 2016 The bill amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to revise the procedures and structure of the military justice system.

Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 The bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to alter provisions related to hospital services, medical services, and Medicare Advantage (MA). With respect to claims for hospital services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall develop codes under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) for similar inpatient and outpatient hospital services. The bill establishes processes for adjusting a hospital's Medicare payments based on the hospital's overall proportion of inpatients who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The bill extends for five years the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program, through which Medicare pays certain rural hospitals on the basis of reasonable incurred costs rather than under the standard prospective payment system. With respect to long-term care hospitals, the bill lifts a moratorium on bed increases. The bill reduces rates for high-cost outlier payments, which are additional Medicare payments made in extraordinarily high-cost cases. The bill reduces the amount by which hospital payment rates for inpatient services increase in FY2018. The bill excludes certain off-campus outpatient departments from specified rules that mandate lower Medicare payments.  With respect to payment reductions for failing to meet requirements for the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR), the bill exempts eligible professionals who are based in ambulatory surgical centers. Until plan year 2019, CMS may not terminate an MA plan solely because the plan failed to achieve a specified minimum quality rating.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

Do No Harm Act This bill makes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) inapplicable to federal laws (or implementations of laws) that: protect against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, Executive Order 11246 (concerning equal employment opportunity), the Violence Against Women Act, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) rules entitled "Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity"; require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service. Under current law, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. The bill makes RFRA inapplicable to: (1) terms requiring goods, services, functions, or activities to be performed or provided to beneficiaries of government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or awards; or (2) denials of a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. To assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.

SASCA

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

Survivors' Access to Supportive Care Act or SASCA This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for state surveys concerning health care provider access for sexual assault forensic examination services. HHS must establish a continuing and clinical education pilot program for medical examiners of survivors of sexual assault. HHS must establish a SASCA Task Force to: (1) review data concerning those examiners; and (2) assist and standardize state-level efforts in improving medical forensic evidence collection relating to sexual assault. Each institution of higher education that receives federal funds must publish its plan for ensuring access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations and treatments. Those institutions must also, to the extent practicable, ensure that students have access to such examinations. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act by requiring HHS to establish: (1) a demonstration grant program for equipping new providers with the clinical training necessary to establish and maintain competency in sexual assault forensic examiner and sexual assault nurse examiner services; and (2) a center that provides technical assistance to states and health care providers for increasing the quality of, and access to, sexual assault examinations. HHS must convene state and hospital regional learning collectives to assist health care providers and states in sharing best practices, discussing practices, and improving the quality of, and access to, sexual assault examinations.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

Food Date Labeling Act of 2016 This bill establishes requirements that: (1) address food waste that occurs when people throw out fresh food because of their confusion over the meaning of expiration dates on food labels and whether or not the food is still safe to eat, and (2) standardize quality date and safety date food labels. Producers, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers that place a date label on food packaging of a product (food labelers) must use the phrases "best if used by" to indicate food quality and the phrase "expires on" to warn of food that may be unsafe to eat after a specified date. While labelers may voluntarily choose to include a quality date on packaging, they must include a safety date on ready-to-eat products. The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish guidance for food labelers on how to determine quality dates and safety dates for food products. No one may prohibit the sale, donation, or use of a product after the quality date for the product has passed. USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services must educate consumers on the meaning of quality date and safety date food labels.

TAX-RELATED PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 May 2016

Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement Act The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to request recommendations from stakeholders on information included in the Welcome to Medicare package and update the information included in the package accordingly.

Fighting Medicare Fraud Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Fighting Medicare Fraud Act of 2016 This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to expand the authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to exclude from participation in federal health programs certain affiliates of a sanctioned entity. (A "sanctioned entity" is one that has been convicted of one of several specified crimes or excluded from participation under either Medicare or a state health care program.) The bill also establishes criminal penalties for the illegal purchase, sale, or distribution of two or more federal health program beneficiary or provider numbers. In addition, the bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct to require Medicare Advantage organizations to report instances of fraud or abuse to CMS within 60 days.

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency study regarding research on lung cancer in women, access to lung cancer preventive services, and public awareness and education campaigns on lung cancer. The study must include a comprehensive report on research and knowledge gaps related to lung cancer in women in the federal government and recommendations for: (1) a research program that would encourage innovative approaches to eliminate knowledge gaps, (2) the development of a national lung cancer screening strategy with sufficient resources to expand access to screening, and (3) the development of a national public education and awareness campaign on lung cancer in women and the importance of early detection of lung cancer.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4974) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5243) making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4974) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5243) making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes.

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency study regarding research on lung cancer in women, access to lung cancer preventive services, and public awareness and education campaigns on lung cancer. The study must include a comprehensive report on research and knowledge gaps related to lung cancer in women in the federal government and recommendations for: (1) a research program that would encourage innovative approaches to eliminate knowledge gaps, (2) the development of a national lung cancer screening strategy with sufficient resources to expand access to screening, and (3) the development of a national public education and awareness campaign on lung cancer in women and the importance of early detection of lung cancer.

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise physician supervision requirements under the Medicare program for radiology services performed by advanced level radiographers. Specifically, with respect to a state that has established such requirements for those services, the bill aligns Medicare's requirements with state requirements. An "advanced level radiographer" is a radiographer who has obtained specified certification from either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants.

Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2016 This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make the Veterans Choice Program permanent. Program eligibility is expanded to include veterans with a 50% service-connected disability. The VA shall contract with a national chain of walk-in clinics to provide hospital care and medical services in such clinics to veterans who are in the annual patient enrollment system. A veteran shall not be required to: (1) obtain pre-authorization for such care, or (2) pay a copayment to the clinic or to the VA. Such national chain shall establish an automated system to provide the VA with weekly information on veterans receiving hospital care or medical services. A covered health care professional may practice his or her health care profession at any location in any state, regardless of where such health care professional or the patient is located, if the health care professional is using telemedicine to treat an individual. Such treatment is permitted regardless of whether the professional or patient is located in a federally-owned facility. "Covered health care professional" means a health care professional who is: (1) authorized by the VA to provide health care, including a private health care professional who provides such care under a VA contract or agreement; and (2) licensed, registered, or certified in a state to practice his or her health care profession. The VA shall: extend the operating hours for each VA pharmacy to include weekday evenings until until 8:00 p.m., weekends, and federal holidays; and contract with qualifying physicians and nurses to work at VA medical facilities during nights and weekends. The VA may: (1) hire support staff in connection with such extended operating hours, and (2) provide for a a nongovernmental hospital organization best-practices peer review of each VA medical center.

California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act TITLE I--LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS FOR WESTERN STATES SUBJECT TO DROUGHT This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior, within California and other states served by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and also within Alaska and Hawaii, to provide: (1) cost-shared financial assistance and other long-term agreements to nonfederal participants to advance the planning, design, and construction of nonfederal permanent water storage and conveyance facilities, projects for the reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural wastewater, naturally impaired ground and surface waters, ground water recharge, and other water management improvement projects; and (2) grants for projects in disadvantaged communities that are unable to meet primary water quality standards or whose local private or public water supply has been lost or severely diminished due to drought conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for five years after enactment of this Act, must require California to prioritize state revolving funds allocated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act to projects that will: (1) provide additional water supplies to areas at risk of having inadequate supplies for public health and safety purposes, or (2) improve resiliency to drought. At California's request, the EPA must authorize 40-year financing for assistance in the case of state loan funds used to buy or refinance the debt obligation of municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies at or below market rates. In Reclamation-served states, Interior may participate in up to: (1) 50% of the total cost of a federally owned surface water storage project upon the request of a state or public agency, or (2) 25% of the total cost of a state-led project involving a ground water or surface water storage facility upon a governor's request. The Department of the Army must carry out up to 15 pilot projects, including at least 6 nonfederal projects, to implement revisions of reservoir water operations manuals and flood control rule curves in states under a gubernatorial drought declaration during water year 2015. Interior must award funding on a competitive basis to water recycling and desalination projects sponsored by certain cities, districts, regional commissions, and facilities. The Water Desalination Act of 1996 is amended to reauthorize through FY2020 water desalination research grants and demonstration programs. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a strategic plan for future federal investments in desalination. The Reclamation Wastewater and ground water Study and Facilities Act is amended to establish a process for Interior to award grants to nonfederal sponsors for projects that reclaim and reuse: (1) municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater; or (2) impaired ground or surface waters. The EPA may continue the WaterSense Program for the voluntary labeling of products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services that meet EPA water efficiency criteria. Interior may provide secured loans or loan guarantees to private entities, state or local governments, irrigation districts, water users' associations, or other entities that contract with the United States under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by Reclamation, other states where Reclamation is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Interior may enter a memorandum of understanding with California and up to four additional states to establish a pilot program that designates a state as lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). TITLE II--LISTED SPECIES AND WILDLIFE This title authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for: (1) gravel and rearing area additions and habitat restoration to the Sacramento River to benefit Chinook salmon and steelhead trout; (2) real-time operations of Shasta and related Central Valley facilities, temperature modeling, and forecasting to predict impacts to salmon and salmon habitat as a result of water management at Shasta; and (3) salvage systems for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Suisun Marsh (the Delta). It also authorizes appropriations for Interior to conduct a Delta smelt distribution study. The Department of Commerce must implement a pilot program to test an experimental trap and barge program to improve survival of juvenile salmonids emigrating from the San Joaquin watershed though the Delta. Interior and Commerce must expand conservation hatchery programs to enhance, supplement, and rebuild Delta smelt and Endangered Species Act-listed fish species under the smelt biological opinion dated December 15, 2008, and the salmonid biological opinion dated June 4, 2009, for California's Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). A federal cost share of up to 50% is authorized for the acceleration and completion of water infrastructure and conveyance facilities necessary to achieve full water deliveries to Central Valley wildlife refuges and habitat areas. The National Marine Fisheries Service and California's Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts must conduct a nonnative predator research and pilot fish removal program to study the effects of removing certain nonnative bass and predator fish from the Stanislaus River. Interior must establish pilot projects to implement the Calfed Bay-Delta invasive species control program. TITLE III--CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must use the best scientific and commercial data available to implement, continuously evaluate, and make appropriate amendments to the reasonable and prudent alternative described in the smelt biological opinion. Interior must collaborate with stakeholders to conduct annual surveys on the science of the Delta to enhance real-time decisionmaking. By not later than March 15, 2021, Interior must complete studies to determine the abundance and distribution of Delta smelt. Interior must: (1) determine potential methods to minimize the effects of CVP and SWP operations on Delta smelt, (2) implement new targeted sampling and monitoring of Delta smelt or provide an explanation if such new sampling and monitoring is not warranted, and (3) use new tracking technologies. Until the California governor declares an end to its drought emergency or September 30, 2017, whichever is later, Interior and Commerce must conduct real-time monitoring of fish species relative to Delta conditions to identify: (1) opportunities to increase water pumping without violating environmental or endangered species laws or biological opinions; and (2) circumstances where it is necessary to decrease water pumping to protect natural origin steelhead, natural origin genetic spring run Chinook, genetic winter run Chinook salmon, or Delta smelt. Temporary procedures are set forth for management of: the Old and Middle River (OMR) to maximize water supplies for the CVP and the SWP, OMR reverse flow rates, and the C.W. "Bill" Jones and the Harvey O. Banks pumping plants. To address emergency drought conditions, Interior and Commerce must approve operations or temporary projects to provide the maximum quantity of water supplies to CVP agricultural, municipal, and industrial contractors, water service or repayment contractors, water rights settlement contractors, exchange and refuge contractors, and SWP contractors. Consistent with biological opinions and subject to environmental law restrictions, Interior and Commerce must: implement a pilot project to test the ability to open the Delta cross-channel gates to the maximum extent practicable; install a deflection barrier at Georgiana Slough and the Delta cross-channel gate; implement turbidity control strategies; adopt inflow-to-export ratios for the increment of increased flow in April and May; issue permits for temporary barriers, operable gates, and water transfer requests; enter an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study saltcedar biological control efforts to increase water supplies and improve riparian habitats of the Colorado River; and vary averaging periods for Delta export-inflow ratios. During the period when emergency procedures are in effect, federal agencies must: (1) expedite final decisions for newly proposed federal water projects or operations upon the California governor's request, and (2) develop alternative arrangements to comply with NEPA. Interior and Commerce may, during that temporary period, authorize CVP and SWP operations at levels that capture peak flows during storm-related events. TITLE IV--WATER RIGHTS This title sets forth temporary procedures for Interior to confer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regarding the implementation of this Act and any changes to the smelt or salmonid biological opinions. If the CDFW determines that SWP operations are inconsistent with California law, or requires take authorization in a manner that reduces water supply to the SWP as compared to the supply available under the biological opinions, and as a result the CVP yield is greater than it otherwise would have been, then that additional yield must be made available to SWP contractors to offset the reduced water supply. In cases where it is necessary to reduce CVP water supplies to make additional yield available to the SWP, such reductions must be applied proportionately to uses or contractors benefiting from that increased yield. For existing CVP agricultural water service contractors within the Sacramento River Watershed, this title sets forth temporary water allocation percentages for irrigation purposes in wet, dry, and above or below normal water years. TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS The CVP's service area is expanded to include the Kettleman City Community Services District. Interior shall enter a contract to deliver CVP water to that Kettleman City district for municipal and industrial uses if local supplies or SWP allocations are insufficient. Reclamation must coordinate implementation of projects for additional water storage at the New Melones Reservoir. The U.S. Geological Survey must establish an open water data system to promote voluntary sharing of water data among state, local, and tribal governments, communities, educational institutions, and the private sector. TITLE VI--OFFSETS This title establishes a process for Interior to identify, solicit public comment on, and submit to Congress a list of Reclamation projects to be deauthorized because they are no longer feasible. Reclamation projects that would yield an average of more than 200,000 acre-feet of water per year are exempt from this process. Accelerated Revenue, Repayment, and Surface Water Storage Enhancement Act This Act requires Interior, upon request from a water users association, to convert certain water service contracts between the United States and the water users association to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts. A percentage of the receipts generated from such prepayments is to be deposited in a Reclamation Surface Storage Account established to fund the construction of surface water storage. TITLE VII--DURATION AND EFFECT ON EXISTING OBLIGATIONS This title identifies the temporary provisions of titles III and IV that will expire when the California governor declares an end to its drought emergency or on September 30, 2017, whichever is later.

Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016 This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to respond to the Zika virus. The bill provides appropriations to HHS for: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary. For the State Department, the bill provides funding for: the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Bilateral Economic Assistance. The bill sets forth congressional notification and reporting requirements that apply to the funds. It also provides funds to the Government Accountability Office and the USAID and HHS Inspectors General for the oversight of activities funded by this bill. The bill also rescinds unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to HHS and the State Department for the Ebola outbreak and to HHS for the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.

STOP Pain Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

Safe Treatments and Opportunities to Prevent Pain Act or the STOP Pain Act This bill authorizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to intensify and coordinate NIH research into the understanding of pain, therapies for chronic pain, and alternatives to opioids (drugs with effects similar to opium) for pain treatments. The prioritization and direction of federally funded pain research must consider recommendations made by the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee.

Veterans ACCESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

Veterans Acquiring Community Care Expect Safe Services Act of 2016 or the Veterans ACCESS Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deny or revoke a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services to veterans if such provider: (1) was removed from VA employment for violating VA policy, (2) violated medical license requirements, (3) had a VA certification revoked, or (4) violated a law for which a prison term of more than one year may be imposed. The VA may deny, revoke, or suspend a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services if the VA has reasonable belief that such action is necessary to protect the health or safety of veterans and: (1) the provider is under investigation by the medical board of a state in which the provider is licensed or practices, (2) the provider has entered into a settlement agreement for a medical-related disciplinary charge, or (3) the VA otherwise determines that such action is appropriate. The VA shall suspend a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services to veterans if such provider is suspended from VA service.

Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016 This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to register an emergency medical services (EMS) agency as an entity authorized to dispense controlled substances, instead of registering the individual practitioners or medical directors of the agency. A registered EMS agency must be overseen by one or more medical directors. The bill specifies that an EMS practitioner who is employed by a registered EMS agency may administer controlled substances under a standing order issued by a medical director. The standing order does not have to be specific to an individual patient. An EMS agency must keep the standing order on file and make it available to the DEA upon request.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week. Recognizes the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system.

Protecting Seniors from Health Care Fraud Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2016

Protecting Seniors from Health Care Fraud Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report annually to Congress and the public on: (1) the ten most prevalent health care fraud schemes targeted to seniors, (2) steps being taken to combat such schemes, and (3) policy suggestions to improve protections for seniors. HHS may omit certain information from an annual report if public disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or educate criminals rather than seniors. HHS shall disseminate reports to Medicare beneficiaries as specified by the bill.

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2016

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the important role of the health care industry in identifying victims of sex trafficking.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2016

Condemns acts of sex trafficking. Urges emergency health care providers to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and indicators of sex trafficking and the important role such providers play in recognizing, helping, and rescuing victims.

PADME Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016 or the PADME Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a bid ceiling for durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs) under Medicare's competitive acquisition program, through which rates are set according to a bidding process rather than by an established fee schedule. Specifically, the bid ceiling for such an item shall not be less than the fee schedule amount that would otherwise be determined. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must use payment information from competitive acquisition programs to make payment adjustments for areas outside of such programs. The bill requires CMS, in making these adjustments, to account for stakeholder input. In addition, CMS must account for a comparison of competitive acquisition areas and other areas with respect to the following factors: average travel distance and cost associated with furnishing items and services, barriers to access, average delivery time, average volume of items and services furnished by suppliers, and number of suppliers. In addition, CMS shall delay by 15 months the full implementation of new Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment. On a monthly basis, CMS must publish on its website the results of the monitoring of health outcomes and Medicare beneficiaries' access to durable medical equipment.

Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act of 2016 This bill appropriates funding for the activities in the bill. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into cooperative agreements with states to expand opioid treatment capacity, make services more affordable to those who cannot afford them, and help individuals seek treatment, successfully complete treatment, and sustain recovery. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.) Funding must be allocated to states based on the severity of the opioid epidemic in the state and the strength of the state's strategy to respond. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology must expand efforts to support prescription drug monitoring programs and health information technology interoperability. The Bureau of Prisons must support drug treatment programs. The bill amends the Second Chance Act to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help justice-involved individuals successfully reintegrate into the community. The bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to permit DOJ to support the development of residential and aftercare services for substance-involved inmates. DOJ must establish new heroin enforcement groups within the Drug Enforcement Administration to target, disrupt, and dismantle heroin trafficking organizations.

Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women to report on issues including: (1) the development of safe and effective therapies for such women, (2) ethical issues surrounding the inclusion of such women in clinical research, and (3) federal research activities regarding such women. The Food and Drug Administration must report specified information including the number of new drugs approved based on research that included such women in clinical trials.

Conscience Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Conscience Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers. The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion. DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.

HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS: INCREASING PATIENT CHOICE AND PLAN INNOVATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 May 2016

S. 2417, THE TRIBAL VETERANS HEALTH CARE ENHANCEMENT ACT, AND S. 2842, THE JOHNSON-O'MALLEY SUPPLEMENTAL INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM MODERNIZATION ACT

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2016

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2016

Breast Cancer Patient Protect Act of 2016 This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group or individual health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to ensure that inpatient (and in the case of a lumpectomy, outpatient) coverage and radiation therapy are provided for breast cancer treatment. Such a plan may not: (1) restrict benefits for any medically necessary hospital stay to less than 48 hours for a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery or less than 24 hours for a lymph node dissection, or (2) require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan for prescribing any such hospital stay. Such a plan must: (1) provide notice to each participant and beneficiary regarding the coverage required under this bill, and (2) ensure that coverage is provided for secondary consultations. Health plans are prohibited from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this bill. Health insurers that provide individual health insurance coverage may discontinue an individual's coverage based on the intentional concealment of material facts regarding a health condition related to a condition for which coverage is being claimed.

Opioid Abuse Crisis Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2016

Opioid Abuse Crisis Act of 2016 This bill appropriates funding for activities in this bill. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide support for activities related to opioid abuse, including treatment services. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act, including to permit a pharmacist to partially fill a prescription for certain drugs. This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration to refer new drug applications for opioids without abuse deterrent properties to an advisory committee. This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to permit the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support opioid abuse services and programs for veterans. Opioid Program Evaluation Act or the OPEN Act DOJ and HHS must have a nonfederal entity evaluate the grants established by this bill. Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise Act or the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) must update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. The VA must carry out activities related to opioid abuse, including expanding the opioid safety initiative to include all VA medical facilities. Improving Safe Care for the Prevention of Infant Abuse and Neglect Act The national clearinghouse for child abuse information must provide information on plans of safe care for infants born affected by substance abuse. This bill amends the Social Security Act, including to permit prescription drug plan sponsors to establish programs for beneficiaries at-risk for prescription drug abuse.

Enhancing Opportunities for Medical Doctors Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2016

Enhancing Opportunities for Medical Doctors Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to redistribute unused residency positions for which graduate medical education costs are paid under Medicare. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must: (1) reduce a hospital's resident limit by a specified amount if the hospital has unused residency positions and is not a rural hospital with fewer than 250 acute care inpatient beds, and (2) increase the resident limit for each qualifying hospital that applies for an increase. In aggregate, the number of increased positions shall equal the number of reduced positions. The bill establishes specified priorities, limitations, and capacity considerations with respect to redistribution.