Healthcare

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

451 records in US in 1979

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 1608 (96th)passed

Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Health Services Programs - Provides that medical examinations for service-connected disability compensation claims be included in the third priority category for veterans' outpatient care. Extends outpatient dental care benefits eligibility to all war veterans who were prisoners of war for more than six months or who have 100 percent service-connected disabilities. Provides for the establishment of a program of readjustment counseling for any veteran who served on active duty during the Vietnam era who requests such counseling within two years from discharge or within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in the event of another declaration of war, to recommend to the Congress within six months of such declaration whether the readjustment counseling program should be extended to veterans of such war. Authorizes necessary follow-up mental health services, including services for family members of eligible veterans. Directs the Veterans' Administration (VA) to provide upon request referral services for non-VA mental health services to former service personnel not eligible for such readjustment counseling because of an other than honorable discharge. Directs the Administrator to cooperate with the Secretary of Defense in notifying veterans of potential eligibility under such readjustment counseling program. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a five-year pilot program for the treatment and rehabilitation in community-based treatment facilities of veterans with alcohol or drug dependencies. Requires the Administrator to report not later than March 31, 1983, to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs regarding the first three years of such pilot program. Authorizes the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to help rehabilitated former addict veterans find employment. Directs the VA to provide upon request referral services for non-VA services to former service personnel not eligible for such alcohol and drug treatment services because of an other than honorable discharge. Provides that active service military personnel with an alcohol or drug dependence cannot be transferred to a VA treatment center without such person's written request, and that such request can only be made during the last 30 days of enlistment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a five-year pilot program of preventive health services for certain veterans with a 50 percent or more disability rating, and for veterans receiving treatment involving a service-connected disability. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress with regard to such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services in VA facilities in the United States for new Philippine Scouts and Commonwealth Army veterans for service-connected disabilities. Title II: Contract-Care Programs - Provides: (1) that if specified conditions for providing contract outpatient care are satisfied veterans eligible for regular aid-and-attendance or household benefits may be provided such care if, on the basis of a medical examination, it is determined that such medical condition precludes proper treatment in a VA or other Government facility; (2) for the VA to contract for diagnostic services necessary to determine eligibility for treatment at independent VA outpatient clinics; and (3) for specified mental health services for veterans in Alaska or Hawaii. Requires an annual report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding the VA's contract care authority. Authorizes the Administrator to contract with veterans' organizations recognized by the VA to furnish emergency medical services at the national conventions of such organizations. Title III: Construction, Alteration, Lease, and Acquisition of Medical Facilities - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellence of architecture and design. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $2,000,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $500,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. Directs the Administrator to submit a prospectus, including cost estimates and facility description, with regard to the funding of any such proposed medical facility. States that if funds for such facility are not appropriated within one year after approval, either of such committees may rescind approval. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facility constructed pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Requires such report to contain: (1) a five-year plan for those medical facilities most in need of construction, replacement and alteration; (2) a priority list of at least ten such hospitals; and (3) general plans for each medical facility in the five-year plan or the list. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 125,000 beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct jurisdiction. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out construction or alteration of medical facilities pursuant to this Act; (2) make contributions to local authorities for safe ingress or egress to such facilities; (3) construct and operate parking facilities; (4) enter into agreements for the mutual use of Armed Forces facilities; (5) partially relinquish, on behalf of the United States, legislative jurisdiction to the State in which such medical facility may be located; and (6) use certain federally owned facilities. Authorizes the President to accept any building or grounds suitable for the use of disabled persons. Title IV: Benefits Payable to Persons Residing Outside the United States - States that in order for VA benefits to be paid on behalf of a child adopted and residing outside the United States, such child must: (1) be under age 18 at the time of adoption; (2) be receiving at least one half of its annual support from the veteran; (3) not be residing with its natural parent unless the natural parent is the veteran's spouse; and (4) be residing with the veteran except in certain specified circumstances. States that after the veteran's death such an adoption would be recognized for veterans' benefits purposes only if the veteran was entitled to or receiving a dependent's allowance for the child at any time during the year before such veteran's death, if such requirements were met for at least one year prior to the veteran's death. Requires the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to carry out a study of veterans' benefits payable to persons residing outside the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the payment by non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel expenses of certain employees of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery in connection with their official duties in specified circumstances. Transfers the authority to appoint the Deputy Administrator of Veterans' Affairs from the Administrator to the President by and with the advice of the Senate. Amends specified provisions relating to benefits for overseas VA employees and the salary schedule of the Department of Medicine and Surgery.

Bill· HRH.R. 1594 (96th)referred

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act of 1979 - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.

Bill· HRH.R. 1607 (96th)referred

Confidentiality of Medical Records Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Confidentiality of Medical Records Act - Prohibits an officer, employee, or agent of the United States or of any Professional Standards Review Organization from inspecting or requiring the disclosure of any individually identifiable medical records unless: (1) the individual (or his agent) who is the subject of the records authorizes inspection or disclosure; (2) such inspection or disclosure is made upon the request of a State official who is authorized under State law to inspect or require the disclosure of such records or of the chief public health official of a State if such official is not specifically prohibited from inspecting or requiring the disclosure of such records under State law; (3) such inspection or disclosure is necessary to meet a medical emergency which poses an immediate threat to human life. Exempts from the coverage of such Act medical records relating to care paid for or provided by an agency of the United States to the extent inspection or disclosure of such records is required: (1) by medical personnel to provide such medical care; (2) by a Professional Standards Review Organization to carry out its review of medical services; (3) to verify payment for medical care; or (4) to investigate or prosecute fraud or abuse in the provision of, or payment for such medical care. Exempts further such medical records to the extent that inspection or disclosure of such records is authorized under titles 10 (Armed Forces) and 38 (Veterans' Benefits) of the United States Code or is required pursuant to a lawful court order or subpoena. Authorizes inspection or disclosure of an individual's medical records only if he (or his agent), in a signed and dated statement, (1) authorizes such inspection or disclosure for a specified period of time; (2) identifies the records that may be inspected or disclosed; (3) specifies the purposes for which the records may be inspected or disclosed; (4) specifies the agencies which may inspect the records. Prescribes criminal penalties for intentional violations of such Act and permits injunctive relief for violations or threatened violations.

Bill· SS. 232 (96th)referred

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to revise the current information services program with respect to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including requirements that: (1) a reporting system to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare be implemented; (2) coordinated clearinghouse activities be carried out on all aspects of SIDS; and (3) grant applications provide for parent self-help group involvement. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) submit annually to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive report on the administration of the program, including the extent of allocations made to rural and urban areas; and (2) conduct a study on State laws, practices, and systems relating to death investigation and their impact on sudden infant deaths and report the results to Congress. Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for such program in the following amounts: $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary to distribute such appropriations equitably among the regions of the Nations. Directs the Secretary to assure that there are applied adequate amounts from sums appropriated to the national institute on Child Health and Human Development to make maximum feasible progress toward the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, and to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to sudden infant death syndrome research.

Law· SS. 230 (96th)open

Nurse Training Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at reduced levels of authorization through fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors; and (2) report to Congress on such study by January 15, 1980. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for certain area health education programs which are funded under the Public Health Service Act prior to October 12, 1976.

Bill· HRH.R. 1549 (96th)referred

Medical Assistance Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Medical Assistance Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits thereunder. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Includes within the coverage of title XVIII eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, one physical checkup a year, preventive care, diagnosis of breast cancer, services of clinical psychologists, and services of registered nurses. Establishes a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program. Amends title VII of the Social Security Act to prohibit sex discrimination under any program or activity authorized by the Act or under any program receiving Federal assistance under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1524 (96th)referred

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an Asbestos Hazards Schools Safety Task Force within 30 days of enactment. States that the duties of such Task Force shall include: (1) preparing educational materials; (2) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (3) reviewing and approving State plans for loans and reimbursements; (4) establishing criteria for levels of asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) making recommendations to the Secretary for technical assistance grants. Requires States to submit an asbestos safety plan no later than September 1, 1979. States that such plan shall include: (1) a timetable for identifying imminent asbestos health hazards; (2) a description of the procedures to be used to locate and identify such hazards; (3) a timetable for the removal of such hazards; (4) procedures for recordkeeping; and (5) the identification of a State agency to prepare and administer such plan. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Detection Fund in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires all companies engaged in the mining, manufacture, or importation of asbestos between 1946 and 1972 to make payments to such fund. Requires such companies to make available to the Secretary: (1) an audit of the amount of asbestos produced in the period 1946-1972; (2) a description of the products and their use; and (3) other information the Secretary may require. Authorizes the Secretary and the Attorney General of the United States to subpena such records. Provides that local governmental units responsible for the administration and safety of schools may be reimbursed for up to one half of their asbestos hazards detection expenses. Directs the Secretary to determine those costs that are reimbursable. Authorizes contributors to such funds, upon approval by the Secretary, to provide asbestos testing services in lieu of up to 50 percent of their financial contribution. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Stipulates that the United States be subrogated to any legal rights to recover on any such loans. Prohibits any such loans to be made without such stipulation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools and for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discriminate against or discipline any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim or disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.

Bill· HRH.R. 1509 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking certain actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to January 3, 1981 (or to the enactment, if earlier, of any law changing the conditions under which a food additive shall not be deemed safe) of the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking specified actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic. Declares void of all legal force or effect any such prohibited action which the Secretary may have taken after the expiration of the initial 18-month prohibition period.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 162 (96th)referred

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating April 1 through 7, 1979, "National Medic Alert Week".

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 1 through 7, 1979, as "National Medic Alert Week."

Bill· HRH.R. 1477 (96th)referred