Healthcare

Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2005

Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2005 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.

PENDING HEALTH CARE RELATED LEGISLATION

United States · United States Senate · 9 June 2005

Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold such drugs, devices, or services. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.

Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Health Information Technology to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery through the use of health information technology; (2) provide national leadership relating to such technology; (3) direct all federal health information technology activities; (4) facilitate the interaction between the federal government and the private sector relating to the development and use of such technology; and (5) develop a national strategy for improving the quality and enhancing the efficiency of health care through the use of such technology and the creation of a National Health Information Infrastructure. Requires the Director of the Office to approve or disapprove the policies of federal departments or agencies that would significantly affect the use of such technology, and provide for the adoption and dissemination of government standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between health information technology systems. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from purchasing any health care information technology system that is not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Director to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on loans made to eligible entities, and award competitive matching grants, to: (1) implement local health information infrastructure to facilitate the development of interoperability across health care settings; or (2) facilitate the purchase and adoption of health information technology. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform health care quality measures and public reporting requirements across all federally supported health delivery programs.

Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2005 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.

A resolution recognizing the importance of sun safety, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Recognizes the importance of sun safety and the need for school-based safety education programs. Congratulates the Sun Safety Alliance for its efforts to promote sun safety and prevent skin cancer. Expresses support for the goals and ideas of National Sun Safety Week (June 5-June 11, 2005).

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of home needle destruction devices and disposal of needles and lancets through a sharps-by-mail or similar program under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).

PREEMIE Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act or PREEMIE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and coordinate NIH research on preterm labor and delivery, infant mortality, and low birthweight infants. Establishes the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and the Neonatal Research Units Network within NIH. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) expand and coordinate CDC activities on preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality; (2) conduct a study on the relationship between prematurity, birth defects, and developmental disabilities; and (3) review the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey. Requires the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's national longitudinal study of environmental influences on children's health and development to consider the impact of assisted reproduction technologies. Requires the Director of NIH to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study the health and economic consequences of preterm birth. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to assess certain core performance and outcome measures utilized under the Social Security Act for purposes of expanding such measures to include known risk factors of low birthweight and prematurity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a demonstration project to improve the provision of information on prematurity to health professionals and the public; (2) conduct projects to support the informational and emotional needs of families during the stay of an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit, during the transition of the infant to the home, and in the event of a newborn death; and (3) establish an Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low Birthweight.

Violence Against Women Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Violence Against Women Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes and increases funding under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 for grants to combat violence against women. Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, to award grants to improve court responses. Reauthorizes provisions of the Violence Against Women Acts of 2000 and 1994 concerning training and services for the elderly and the disabled and provisions of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act regarding funding for the national domestic violence hotline. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent cyber-stalking. Provides increased penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses and protection order violations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) fund programs serving domestic violence victims ages 12 to 24; (2) develop collaborative responses and services to families where there is both child maltreatment and domestic violence; (3) strengthen home visitation and health care system responses; and (4) develop long-term housing options for domestic violence victims who are homeless. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to reduce violence against women on college campuses. Authorizes limited emergency leave for a public employee who is a victim of domestic violence. Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Attorney General) authority to determine whether an alien is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking. Makes inapplicable a provision finding an alien inadmissible upon demonstrating a connection between the alien being a victim of a severe form of trafficking and that alien's unlawful presence in the United States. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) permit Indian law enforcement agencies to enter into, and obtain information from, federal criminal information databases, in cases of domestic violence; and (2) develop a national tribal sex offender registry and a tribal protection order registry. Establishes in the Office a Deputy Director for Tribal Affairs.

International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to enact laws restricting the receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste within their borders until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgates regulations implementing and enforcing the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada (Agreement). Defines the authority of the Administrator with respect to the importation and exportation of municipal solid waste under the Agreement. Requires the Administrator to give substantial weight to the views of affected states and local governments before consenting to the importation of foreign municipal solid waste into the United States under the Agreement, and to consider the impact of such importation on: (1) the continued public support for state and local recyling programs; (2) landfill capacities; (3) air emissions and road deterioration from increased vehicular traffic; and (4) homeland security, public health, and the environment. Authorizes the Administrator to assess civil penalties for any past or current violations of this Act or to commence a civil action in the U.S. district court.

Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, to provide coverage for certain types of cancer screening. Includes under such coverage mammograms, clinical breast examinations, pap tests and pelvic examinations, colorectal screening procedures, and prostate screening tests, at specified intervals and through specified procedures for certain age groups in appropriate genders. Prohibits related eligibility discrimination, monetary incentives to individuals, and penalties or incentives to providers. Requires such plans and issuers to provide certain disclosures to participants and beneficiaries, including regarding covered benefits, cost sharing, and participating providers. Applies the requirements of this Act to coverage offered in the individual market and under federal employees health benefits plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify coverage requirements under this Act to incorporate new scientific and technological advances, practice pattern changes, or other updated medical practices regarding cancer screening.

To provide that no Federal funds may be expended for the payment or reimbursement of a drug that is prescribed to a sex offender for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Prohibits any Federal funds from being expended for payment or reimbursement for a drug that is prescribed to an individual who has a conviction for sexual abuse, sexual assault, or any other sexual offense for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide TRICARE Standard coverage for members of reserve components of the Armed Forces who serve at least one year on active duty oversea.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Makes members of the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve of the Armed Forces eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense managed health care program) after such member completes service on active duty: (1) under a call or order for service of more than 30 days; (2) for one year or more while continuously on active duty; and (3) while assigned to a duty station outside the United States. Terminates such coverage upon termination of the member's service in the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve. Makes immediate family members of such members eligible for such coverage during such period.

HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health coverage from denying benefits or coverage otherwise provided under the plan for the treatment of an injury solely because it was sustained while a person was engaged in any particular mode of transportation specified in the plan, consisting of the use of a motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or other similar recreational vehicle or horseback riding, unless such mode of transportation or its use was illegal.

Access to Medical Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Access to Medical Treatment Act - Gives an individual the right to be treated by a health care practitioner with any medical treatment that the individual desires, including a treatment that is not approved, certified, or licensed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if: (1) the practitioner has personally examined the individual and agrees to treat the individual; and (2) the administration of such treatment does not violate licensing laws. Authorizes health care practitioners to provide any method of treatment to such an individual if certain requirements are met, including that: (1) there is no reason to conclude that such treatment will cause danger to the individual; and (2) the patient is informed in writing that such treatment has not been approved, certified, or licensed by the Secretary. Requires a practitioner to report: (1) administering such treatment and discovering it to be a danger to an individual; and (2) the positive effects of an unconventional medical treatment for a life-threatening medical condition. States that nothing in this Act shall in any way adversely affect the distribution or sale of dietary supplements.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to revise the amount of minimum allotments under the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness program.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Amends the Public Health Service Act to adjust the minimum state allotments for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness programs to be the greater of the amount otherwise received by the state for FY2005 or $600,000. (Current law sets forth a minimum allotment of $300,000 per state.) Provides that if the funds appropriated are insufficient for all states to receive the minimum allotment, then states shall receive no less than the amount they received in FY2005 with additional money spent to give states the minimum of $600,000.

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (services furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual) to: (1) remove current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services; (2) add to the facilities authorized to participate in the telehealth program; and (3) direct the Secretary to encourage and facilitate multistate practitioner licensure across state lines to facilitate the program. Directs the Secretary to make grants for expanding access to health care services for individuals in rural areas, frontier areas, and urban medically underserved areas through the use of telehealth. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding fertility issues facing cancer survivors.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that cancer-related infertility is a serious quality of life issue for cancer patients. Urges the medical community to increase its efforts to ensure that discussions about the risk of infertility and fertility preservation options are an integral part of pretreatment planning and consent for treatment for all reproductive-age patients. Calls for the federal government, acting through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to: (1) encourage research to strengthen fertility preservation technologies; (2) consider ways to improve access to fertility preservation options; and (3) raise awareness about the fertility side effects and preservation options.

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Recognizes: (1) African descendants for their contributions to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the countries in the Americas, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean societies; and (2) that as a result of their skin color and ancestry such descendants have experienced economic, social, and political injustices. Urges the President to encourage the remembrance of the achievements of African descendants in the Americas and a resolution of such injustices. Urges the United States and the international community to work to ensure that poverty is eradicated, universal education is achieved, quality healthcare is made available, environmental resources are provided, and equal access to justice is granted in Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Veterans Health Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Veterans Health Care Act of 2005 - Provides a copayment exemption for: (1) veterans' hospice care; and (2) former prisoners of war for veterans' extended care services. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans for expenses for which such veterans remain personally liable resulting from emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility. Requires eligible veterans to: (1) be enrolled in a Department health care system; (2) have received veterans' health care during the 24 months preceding the furnishing of the emergency treatment; (3) be entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract that partially reimburses the cost of the emergency treatment; (4) be financially liable to the emergency care provider for costs not covered by the health-plan contract; and (5) be ineligible for reimbursement for medical care or services under other Department health-care provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving Department maternity care for up to 14 days after the birth of the child if the veteran delivered the child in a Department facility or facility under contract with the Department. Expands payer requirements for health care furnished to children of Vietnam veterans afflicted with spina bifida and associated birth disabilities. Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of FY2005) the authority of the Secretary to make grants for certain assistance to homeless veterans. Outlines qualification requirements for Department marriage and family therapists. Requires a report on marriage and family therapy workloads. Directs the Secretary to expand and improve certain mental health services (including post-traumatic stress disorder) provided to veterans. Authorizes the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to exchange certain patient protected health information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand Department personnel employed under the Readjustment Counseling Service's Global War on Terrorism Outreach Program; (2) increase the number of Counseling Service facilities capable of providing health services and counseling through tele-health linkages with facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; and (3) report to the veterans' committees on mental health data maintained by the Department.

Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Enhancement Act of 2005 - Requires the Under Secretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include as goals in performance contracts for prioritizing mental health services to veterans: (1) establishing appropriate staff-patient ratio levels; (2) fostering collaborative environments for providers; and (3) encouraging clinicians to conduct mental health consultations during primary care visits. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that not less than 90 percent of Department community-based outpatient clinics have the capacity to provide on-site, contract-referral, or tele-mental health services for at least: (1) ten percent of all clinic visits by no later than September 30, 2006; and (2) 15 percent of all clinic visits by no later than September 30, 2007. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure interdepartmental cooperation on mental health awareness and mental illness prevention. Requires the Under Secretary to establish system-wide guidelines for screening primary care patients for mental health disorders and illnesses.

Neighbor Islands Veterans Health Care Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Neighbor Islands Veterans Health Care Improvements Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign an additional counselor to the vet center: (1) on the island of Maui, Hawaii; and (2) in Hilo, Hawaii. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a: (1) new vet center on the island of Oahu, Hawaii; and (2) satellite health care clinic on each of the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and operate a medical care clinic on the west side of Kauai Island. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate on Oahu a medical care foster program; (2) assign appropriate additional clinical staff to specified community based outpatient clinics in Hawaii; and (3) establish and operate in Hilo a new center for the provision of veterans' mental health care and services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the congressional veterans' committees on the demand for and access to specialized care and fee-basis care from the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans on the neighbor islands of Hawaii. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a major medical facility project for the construction of a mental health center at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

Securing Access, Value, and Equality in Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Securing Access, Value, and Equality in Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; (2) require business taxpayers who receive payments for certain employee health insurance coverage to file informational returns; and (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that benefits under part D of such title have no impact on benefits under other Federal programs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that benefits under the Medicare part D program have no impact on benefits under other Federal programs.

Screening Mammography Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Screening Mammography Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, that provides coverage for diagnostic mammography for any class of participants or beneficiaries to also provide coverage for annual screening mammography for that class under terms that are not less favorable. Prohibits: (1) denying screening coverage on the basis that the screening is not medically necessary or is not pursuant to a referral or recommendation; (2) denying eligibility, enrollment, or renewal solely to avoid this requirement; (3) providing monetary incentives to participants or beneficiaries to encourage them to accept less than such minimum protections; (4) penalizing providers because they provide such care; or (5) providing incentives to induce providers to provide such care. Declares that this Act does not preempt any state laws providing at least these protections. Applies such requirements and prohibitions to health coverage offered in the individual market. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to mandate coverage of annual screening mammographies.

Medicare Infertility Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Medicare Infertility Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide coverage under the Medicare program of infertility treatment services for individuals entitled to health insurance benefits under that program by reason of a disability.

Medicare Advantage Audit Reports Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Medicare Advantage Audit Reports Act - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare and make available reports stating his or her analysis and conclusions about the financial audits of Medicare Advantage organizations.

Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2005 - Establishes as an independent entity of the executive branch the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation to be located in Portland, Oregon, to: (1) develop resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native tribal council members in self-government and related fields; (2) foster greater recognition and understanding of the role of tribal self-government in the development of the United States; (3) identify critical issues facing tribal governments in the Nation; (4) establish a Program for Tribal Governance Research at the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University; and (5) provide educational outreach regarding tribal self-government. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers relating to tribal governance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue careers in tribal public policy. Directs the Foundation to award fellowships to: (1) outstanding graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in fields relating to tribal governance, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives intending to pursue advanced degrees in tribal public policy (including law or medicine); and (2) faculty from a variety of disciplines to bring their expertise to the Foundation. Directs the Foundation to award internships to deserving and qualified: (1) individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major tribal governance organizations; and (2) Native American and Alaska Native individuals to work in Federal, State, and local agencies or in offices of major public health or public policy organizations. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Institute to: (1) provide for an annual panel of experts to discuss contemporary tribal governance issues; (2) conduct research in tribal governance policy and on Native American and Alaska Native tribal public policy issues; and (3) invite visiting policymakers to share practical experiences with the Foundation. Establishes in the Treasury the Mark O. Hatfield-Elizabeth Furse Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Trust Fund to be administered by the Foundation.

Equity in Fertility Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Equity in Fertility Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, that provides coverage of impotency medications such as Viagra to also provide coverage of fertility treatments. Applies such requirements to coverage offered in the individual market and to coverage offered through the federal employees health benefit plan.

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project for the use of an Internet-based form for submission of certain claims under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a demonstration project to provide for the use of the Internet for the electronic submission of claims by service providers under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for which the HCFA-1500 claim form is utilized.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that benefits under part D of such title have no impact on benefits under other Federal programs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that benefits under the Medicare part D program have no impact on benefits under other Federal programs.

To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to make available to Federal employees the option of obtaining health benefits coverage for dependent parents.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Allows Federal employees the option of enrolling in an approved health benefits plan for "self and extended family" which includes coverage of a dependent parent.

A bill to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for training service and delivery innovation projects.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2005

Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to include, among authorized demonstration and pilot projects, targeted innovation projects that improve access to and delivery of employment and training services. Emphasizes projects that incorporate advanced technologies to help connect individuals to information and tools to upgrade their skills. Includes projects that link individuals to opportunities for self-guided learning. Gives priority to projects that provide: (1) technology directly to eligible training recipients to reach information about training opportunities and content; (2) for conducting of online eligibility determinations for federal and state training programs, and directing individuals to appropriate area programs; and (3) high-quality employment and training services information integrated with delivery of information regarding other social services and health care programs.

Johanna's Law

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2005

Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 or Johanna's Law - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of women with respect to gynecologic cancers, which shall include: (1) maintaining a supply of written materials to provide information to the public on gynecologic cancers; and (2) developing and placing public service announcements to encourage women to discuss their risks of gynecologic cancers with their physicians. Requires the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit private entities to test different outreach and education strategies for increasing such awareness among women and health professionals.

Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (thus permitting direct payment under the Medicare program for clinical social worker services provided to residents of skilled nursing facilities).

Pharmaceutical Advertising and Prudent Purchasing Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Pharmaceutical Advertising and Prudent Purchasing Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for increased rebates under the Medicaid program for prescription drugs directly advertised to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement procedures under which any master agreement, pricing agreement, or contract for the procurement or purchase of a covered drug or a covered outpatient drug by a federal agency or reimbursement program shall provide that the agency or program shall pay a negotiated reduced price for such drug unless the manufacturer has certified to the head of the agency or program that the drug was not directly advertised to consumers during the 12-month period preceding the date of such procurement or purchase. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on strategies to reduce the cost of prescription drugs covered under the Medicare and other federal programs directly advertised to consumers.

Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide, by a gradual increase in the percentage of expenses considered incurred expenses, for a gradual reduction (from 50% to the standard 20%) by 2011 of copayment rates for outpatient psychiatric services under the Medicare program.

Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan, and a health issuer offering group health insurance coverage, that cover surgical benefits to also cover outpatient and inpatient diagnosis and treatment of a child's congenital or developmental deformity, disease, or injury. Requires that such coverage: (1) be subject to pre-authorization or pre-certification requirements of the plan or issuer; and (2) include any surgical treatment deemed by the treating physician to be medically necessary to approximate a normal appearance. Defines "treatment" to include reconstructive surgical procedures that are performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease, including: (1) procedures that do not materially affect the function of the body part being treated; and (2) procedures for secondary conditions and follow-up treatment. Excludes cosmetic surgery performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve appearance or self-esteem.

Health Care Access and Availability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Health Care Access and Availability Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for health benefits coverage through individual membership associations (IMAs), which are organizations operated under the direction of an association that: (1) has been in existence for at least five years; (2) was formed for purposes other than obtaining insurance; and (3) does not condition membership on any health status-related factor. Prohibits an IMA from offering health benefits coverage to any member unless the same coverage is offered to all members of the IMA. Provides that the IMA shall provide health benefits coverage only through contracts with health insurance issuers and shall not assume insurance risk with respect to such coverage. Allows an IMA to provide administrative services for members, including accounting, billings, and enrollment information. Requires an IMA to file with the Secretary of Health and Human Services information that demonstrates the IMA's compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires that health benefits coverage offered through an IMA be: (1) underwritten by a health insurance issuer that is licensed under state law and meets all state standards relating to consumer protection; and (2) approved or otherwise be permitted under state law.

Emergency Care Liability Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Emergency Care Liability Relief Act - Limits noneconomic and punitive damages for injuries arising from the provision of uncompensated care by emergency care providers. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees and costs in actions in which a party's liability or such damages are contested. Requires liability for such awards to be allocated to the nonprevailing party personally, the attorney or law firm representing such party if representation was on a contingent fee basis, or both, taking into account specified factors. Requires the court, in actions in which liability or noneconomic or punitive damages described in this Act are contested, to instruct the jury that it must take into account the effect of the amount to be awarded in damages on the price and availability of health care liability insurance.

Patient Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Patient Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for health plans or issuers of health insurance coverage, including requirements for: (1) utilization review activities; (2) procedures for claims benefits processing, prior authorization determinations, appeals, and internal reviews; and (3) access for an independent, external review. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Health Care Consumer Assistance Fund to award grants to States for consumer assistance activities designed to provide information, assistance, and referrals to consumers of health insurance products. Sets forth requirements for managed care programs and their access to care, including requiring such programs to: (1) offer coverage that allows for non-network coverage through another plan or issuer; (2) provide access to out-of-network emergency care without prior authorization; and (3) provide timely access to specialists. Requires certain annual disclosures from health plans or issuers, including disclosures of covered benefits, cost-sharing requirements, and participating providers. Prohibits a plan or issuer from: (1) restricting a health care professional's ability to advise a patient on the health of an individual or on medical care or treatment for the individual's condition or disease; and (2) operating any physician incentive plan.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the amounts reimbursed to institutional providers of health care services under the TRICARE program to be the same as amounts reimbursed under Medicare, and to require the Secretary of Defense to contract for health care services with at least one teaching hospital in urban areas.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to require the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program): (1) reimbursement of institutional providers of health care services to be identical (currently, the same to the extent practicable) to reimbursement provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act); and (2) in contracting for the delivery of health care, to contract with at least one teaching hospital in each large urban area.

Vision Preservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Vision Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems, including: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention and control of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities. Amends the Social Security Act to include within the maternal and child health service block grant program the introduction of core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening standards into state programs. Requires the Director of NIH to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research with respect to vision loss prevention and vision rehabilitation. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for vision rehabilitation services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study on barriers faced by medically underserved populations to vision services that are covered under the medicare program, including vision rehabilitation and other vision-related services; and (2) enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to study the cost benefit of providing a universal dilated eye exam under the medicare program.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid drug utilization review programs to deny coverage of erectile dysfunction drugs for individuals registered (or required to be registered) as sex offenders.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid drug utilization review programs to deny coverage of erectile dysfunction drugs for individuals registered (or required to be registered) as sex offenders.

Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (thus permitting direct payment under the Medicare program for clinical social worker services provided to residents of skilled nursing facilities).

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Correctional Public Health (OCPH) within the Office of Public Health and Science. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of OCPH, to carry out public health activities for individuals who are employees in federal, state, or local penal or correctional institutions or who are incarcerated in such institutions. Includes among such activities disease prevention, health promotion, service delivery, research, and health professions education activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to states to provide for correctional populations screenings, immunizations, and treatment for hepatitis A, B, and C. Requires a portion of each grant to be expended to carry out such activities at penal or correctional facilities that are not facilities in which individuals serve terms of imprisonment, including remand facilities.

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act - Requires each participating manufacturer of a covered outpatient drug to make such drugs available for purchase by any qualified Federal health care provider, by each pharmacy, and by each provider of services, physician, practitioner, and supplier under the Medicare program at a price that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, negotiates with the manufacturer. Provides that the amount of such a drug made available for purchase is equal to the sum of the aggregate amounts of the drug dispensed by pharmacies to Medicare beneficiaries plus the aggregate amounts dispensed through qualified Federal health care providers. Requires the Secretary, in conducting negotiations with participating manufacturers, to take into account the goal of promoting the development of breakthrough drugs. Requires the United States to exclude from Government contracting and subcontracting, for a period of time, a manufacturer of drugs or biologicals that does not comply with this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a mechanism (such as an ombudsman) for the resolution of disputes between Medicare beneficiaries and prescription drug resellers and drug manufacturers in order to protect such beneficiaries and to ensure that: (1) prescription drug resellers are not artifically increasing prices charged to Medicare beneficiaries (above those negotiated under this Act) in places (such as rural areas) where there is less competition; and (2) such resellers are not colluding on prices in areas with more potential significant competition.

Quality of Life for Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Quality of Life for Women Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to educate health professionals and the public on bladder and bowel dysfunction (including incontinence), pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor disorders. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director should establish a national registry for surgical treatment of such disorders. Requires the Directors of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) expand and intensify the activities of such Institutes with respect to women's pelvic floor disorders, including developing proposals for research on such disorders; and (2) provide for the continuing operation of the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network and the Clinical Trials Network for Female Pelvic Disorders. Commends such Institutes for their support of such Networks and such Networks for their research toward improving women's pelvic health. Expresses the sense of Congress as to efforts that such Institutes should undertake, including increasing their research, recruiting established scientists, and developing a national data registry and tissue bank of people suffering from incontinence.

Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the state option to include nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants as primary care case managers. Specifies as primary care case managers any nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant that provides primary care case management services under a primary care case management contract. Revises the coverage of certain nurse practitioner services under the Medicaid fee-for-service program to remove the specification of certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified family nurse practitioner in order to extend such coverage to services furnished by a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the mix of service providers which Medicaid managed care organizations are required to maintain.

Ensuring Access to Emergency Rooms Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Ensuring Access to Emergency Rooms Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem hospitals, emergency rooms, physicians, and physicians groups that provide emergency care to uninsured individuals employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to items and services furnished and post-stabilization services provided to such individuals. Requires the Attorney General to make separate estimates as to the cost of claims expected to arise under this Act and to establish separate funds for such claims. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to limit the total amount of payments under this Act to the amounts appropriated in advance for such purposes.